Efecto de la inclusión de harina de chontaduro (Bactris gasipaes) en la calidad de la mortadela

Abstract

Peach palm (Bactris gasipaes) is a tropical fruit with a high protein content (5,92 percent). In addition to other nutrients (starch, fiber and lipids), which make it an excellent alternative for the food industry. Peach palm flour extraction process was carried out through a drying process and subsequent milling. In order to take advantage of underutilized resources of the Ecuadorian Amazon, three formulations of mortadella with 1, 3, 5 percent concentrations of chontaduro flour were developed. These formulations were compared with a control treatment, to which wheat flour was added. Yield, pH, slicibility and sensory analyzes were performed on all treatments. Peach palm flour behaved like a high quality meat extender since it increased the protein up to 13.4 percent; being of a superior quality (mortadella type I) according to the norm NTE INEN 1338: 2012. However, it was observed that there is an effect of the concentration of the flour on the physicochemical and sensory properties. It was considered that the mortadella with an addition of 1 percent peach palm flour had the best sensory characteristics and the highest slice percentage, compared to treatments with 3 and 5 percent. The highest formulation (1 percent) presented a microbiological stability (mesophilic aerobics, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and food safety (Salmonella) during 30 days. The shelf life of the mortadella was 86 days. Its production cost is 3.68 USD per kg; being feasible its scaling at the industrial level.