The influence of herbs and walnuts on the quality characteristics of ham

Aim. To determine the effect of the addition of thyme and rosemary, as well as walnut on the quality characteristics of the resulting ham. Materials and Methods. Low-fat pork (GOST 31476-2012), purchased at a local meat processing plant, dried thyme (GOST 21816-89), dried rosemary, walnuts (GOST 32874-2014) were used for the preparation of ham samples. The production of the studied ham samples was carried out in accordance with the current regulatory and technical documentation (GOST 31790-2012 "Boiled pork products. Technical specifications"). Sampling and preparation of samples for laboratory tests was carried out according to a single method in accordance with the requirements of GOST R 51447-99 (ISO 3100-1-91). The organoleptic parameters were determined according to the requirements of GOST 9959-91; GOST R 53159-2008; GOST R 53161-2008. The mass fraction of fat was determined according to GOST 23042-86; protein-according to GOST 25011-81; energy value-by the calculated method. Results. The pH value in the ham was significantly reduced with the addition of thyme and rosemary compared to the control before and after storage. Ham, in the formulation of which rosemary and thyme powder was introduced, had the highest mass fraction of protein – 27.5%, which is 0.8 and 2.1% more than in the control and II experimental samples with the addition of nuts, respectively. The inclusion of walnuts in the recipe significantly affected the mass fraction of fat in the II experimental sample – 5.7%, which is 2.5 and 0.7% more than in the control and I experimental samples, respectively. The energy value of the I prototype was the highest and amounted to 159.25 kcal per 100 g, which is respectively more than in the control and II prototype by 20.02 and 2.1 kcal. Conclusion. The addition of thyme and rosemary significantly affected the color of the ham, but at the same time increased the functional and technological properties, nutritional and biological value of the finished product. Adding walnuts to the ham recipe gave it a nutty taste. Thus, the resulting products have a high-energy value and are competitive.