Physical and chemical properties and sensory evaluation of camel meat and new camel meat jerky

Alxa Bactrian camel meat is an organic diet that provides balanced nutrition and is easy to digest and absorb. Despite its potential, it is currently underutilized. To develop a new type of camel jerky, this study utilized a single-factor design method to optimize the formula and fermentation process parameters of Alxa Bactrian camel jerky. Additionally, the physical and chemical composition, nutritional components, protein degradation, and microbial changes of the camel jerky were analyzed to evaluate the nutritional benefits of the new camel jerky created using modern fermentation technology. The results show that the optimal addition amounts of camel fermented jerky ingredients are 2.2% black pepper, 3% salt, 1.8% white sugar, and 9% cooking wine, whereas the optimal fermentation conditions by compound starter culture are 0.07% starter, 23 h of fermentation time, and a 30°C fermentation temperature. Compared to the single starter, the compound starter significantly increased the protein content, total amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, trace elements, and a*, L*, and e-values of jerky; however, it also decreased the water activity (a_w), thiobarbituric acid, and pH values of jerky during storage. Compound starter strains can compensate for the shortage of single starters and improve the overall quality of meat products. These findings could provide new insights and serve as a reference for the development of camel meat products and hold significant importance for the growth of the camel industry.