The effects of brined onion extracts on lipid oxidation and sensory quality in refrigerated cooked turkey breast rolls during storage

The effects of brined onion extracts on selected aspects of quality in cooked encased turkey breast rolls were evaluated during refrigerated storage over 7 days. Using the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay, a 50% strength juice gave a significant reduction (P < 0.0001) in lipid oxidation in both 100 g and 1 kg rolls relative to controls. Quercetin, the main onion juice antioxidant, was reduced by 65% in freshly cooked 1 kg rolls compared with raw rolls but changed little thereafter in storage. Cook yields were significantly higher for rolls containing added onion extracts than for controls (P < 0.05) but no colour differences were detected using Hunter Lab values (P ⩾ 0.05). A 30-member untrained sensory panel expressed no preference for freshly opened 4 day-stored control or onion extract-supplemented rolls packed in plastic casings but there was a significant preference (P < 0.05) for the onion extract product when 4 mm thick meat slices were stored in air for an additional 24 h.