Enhancement of the phytochemical and fibre content of beef patties with Himanthalia elongata seaweed

The effect of adding Himanthalia elongata seaweed (10-40% w/w) as a source of antioxidants and dietary fibre on physical, chemical, microbial and sensory traits of cooked beef patties was studied throughout chilled storage. Patties with seaweed showed reduced cooking losses and were nearly 50% more tender as compared to patties without seaweed. Microbiological counts and lipid oxidation were significantly lower in patties containing seaweed (P < 0.05), and by day 30 of storage, there was no bacterial growth in samples with ≥20% seaweed and lipid oxidation levels were low (0.61 mg malondialdehyde kg^-1 of sample). Seaweed incorporation significantly increased the dietary fibre (1.64 g per 100 g fw in 40% seaweed patties), total phenolic content (up to 28.11 mg GAE per 100 g fw) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (up to 52.32%) of patties compared to the control. Sensory analysis indicated that the seaweed patties were accepted by consumers in terms of aroma, appearance, texture and taste. Patties containing 40% seaweed were rated highest in terms of overall acceptability, most likely due to improvement in texture and mouthfeel. Addition of seaweed in the formulation of beef patties leads to the enhancement of the nutritional and technological quality together with an acceptable sensory quality.