Effect of packaging methods and crude aloe vera gel (Aloe vera barbadensis miller) on the storage quality of enrobed goat meat bites

The storage stability of enrobed goat meat bites (EGMB) incorporated with 3 % crude aloe vera (AV) gel was evaluated under aerobic (T-1; unenrobed control product, T-2; enrobed AV treated product) and modified atmospheric packaging (MAP, 50:50, CO2 and N2) (T-3; unenrobed control product, T-4; enrobed AV treated product) at 4 ± 1 °C for 42 days on the basis of physico-chemical, microbiological and sensory attributes. The pH value was higher, whereas water activity (aW) was lower in enrobed and MAP product. Thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) and free fatty acid (FFA) values were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in MAP packaged (T-3) and AV treated products (T-2 and T-4) products than aerobic packaged (T-1), however it followed an increasing trend in all the products throughout storage. Instrumental colour and textural profile attributes were better maintained in MAP products than others. The sensory panellists graded T-4 ‘good to very good’ even on Day 42, whereas T-1 was acceptable only up to 28 days. Standard Plate Count (SPC) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in MAP products than aerobic packaged products. Results concluded that EGMB treated with AV gel can be successfully stored more than 42 days under MAP conditions without affecting its physico-chemical, textural, microbiological and sensory attributes.