Production of frankfurters with tomato powder as a natural additive

This study includes the investigation of chemical properties such as nitrosomyoglobin content, lycopene content, and the oxidation level, and the sensorial properties of frankfurters which have been produced by both reducing the nitrite level and adding tomato powder. All samples have been vacuum packed and stored at +4 °C for 60 days.The pH of the frankfurters produced with tomato powder was reduced, when compared to the samples which did not contain tomato powder. This effect was due to the acidic characteristics of tomato. As the level of nitrite was reduced, the oxidation level of the frankfurters was increased significantly. Addition of 2 g/100 g of tomato powder decreased the level of oxidation; however, 4 g/100 g of tomato powder caused a slight increase when compared to the samples which did not contain tomato powder. According to this result it can be stated that tomato powder retards the oxidation reaction. According to sensorial evaluations, tomato powder improved the consumer acceptability as well. Addition of tomato powder increased the internal and external colour scores, and frankfurters were found to be more acceptable by the panellists. Nitrosomyoglobin (NOMb) content of the samples was decreased along with the decreased level of nitrite, and this, in turn, contributed to the decreased level of redness (a*).