NATURAL ANTIOXIDANTS ROSEMARY EXTRACT, OREGANO EXTRACT,and borage meal were highly effective in inhibiting lipid oxidation (TBARS formation) in beef patties packaged in modified
atmosphere and stored in the dark at 2 ± 1 °C;
in fact, rosemary and oregano suppressed almost totally TBARS formation for 16 d
and borage thoughout the 24 d of storage.
Regarding color fading and myoglobin oxidation, the combination of rosemary and ascorbic
acid showed the highest protection, followed by rosemary alone and borage, and, to a much lower extent, by oregano.
Ascorbic acid exerted only small effects, in both cases, either antioxidative or prooxidative.
Sensory results of off-odor and discoloration confirmed those of chemical and instrumental analysis, and permitted to conclude that all rosemary, oregano, and borage meal
extended the shelf life of beef patties from 8 to 12 d, while the combination of rosemary and ascorbic acid was able to extend it by a further 4-d period.