Pleurotus Genus as a Potential Ingredient for Meat Products

Summary

This research explores how oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus species) can be used to improve meat products. These mushrooms are not only nutritious but also contain beneficial compounds that can make meat products healthier and more functional. The research shows that adding mushrooms to meat products can reduce fat content, add fiber, and improve texture while maintaining good taste. Impacts on everyday life: – Provides healthier meat product options for consumers – Offers natural alternatives to synthetic food additives – Creates more sustainable meat products by partially replacing meat with mushrooms – Helps reduce food costs while maintaining nutritional value – Introduces new ways to incorporate beneficial mushroom compounds into regular diets

Background

Edible mushrooms have long been recognized for their nutritional and culinary value, with unique taste and texture. In recent decades, their potential biological activity has been proven due to secondary metabolites. The Pleurotus genus is among the most important commercial mushroom species worldwide, second only to Agaricus bisporus in production. These mushrooms are popular due to their texture, aroma, and taste, as well as potential health benefits from their bioactive compounds.

Objective

This review aims to summarize and discuss the findings regarding macronutrients, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobials against foodborne pathogens of Pleurotus species, as well as evaluate their potential use as an ingredient in the meat industry.

Results

The review found that Pleurotus species are rich sources of proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. They contain important bioactive components including polysaccharides, proteins/enzymes, peptides, phenolic acids and flavonoids. Studies demonstrated significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. When used in meat products, Pleurotus mushrooms improved nutritional composition, enhanced functional properties, and maintained or improved sensory qualities while reducing fat content.

Conclusion

The use of Pleurotus mushrooms represents a promising strategy for developing natural additives rich in nutritional and bioactive components for meat and meat product formulation. Their incorporation can improve chemical composition, functional health-promoting properties, and physicochemical and sensory attributes of meat products.
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