In situ testing confirmed BCE to be a highly effective antioxidant in raw pork patties because it inhibited both lipid and protein oxidation and stabilised the red colour during refrigerated storage. These data strongly suggest that frozen BCE has potential as a natural antioxidant source for meat and meat product quality preservation. Further research is needed to identify the specific and main phenolic compounds in frozen BCE that are responsible for the overall antioxidative capability in muscle foods.