Quality characteristics of premium mutton nuggets enriched with almond-based functional components

Abstract

Nuts, besides favourable fatty acid and nutrient profile, possess certain bioactive/functional compounds, which elicit several health benefits. Premium mutton nuggets with improved nutritional profile were developed by reducing the traditionally added animal fat in emulsion with the incorporation of almond paste. In order to substitute added fat by nut-based fat, standardised almond paste with 50% lipids in its proximate were explored at three levels (10%, 15% and 20%) to determine the optimum level of its incorporation. The extra lipid content of almond paste was adjusted by replacing lean on constant weight basis. The premium product was further analysed and compared with traditional product for detailed product profile, which included lipid profile, calorific value, dietary fibre, antioxidant activity and texture profile. Based on physico-chemical and sensory scores, the optimum level of incorporation for almond paste was adjudged as 15%. Developed premium mutton nuggets had significantly less (P < 0.05) cholesterol content, increased dietary fibre, enhanced antioxidant activity and acceptable texture profile. Thus, it was concluded that functional components of almond can be very well incorporated in the conventional process to develop a superior product.