Effect of Bacopa monnieri Extract on Storage and Microbial Quality of Vacuum Packaged Chicken Nuggets

The present study was done to assess the antioxidant potential of a herb viz. Bacopa monnieri L. in enhancing the shelf-life as well as adding function to chicken nuggets. Meat products are very vulnerable to spoilage due to excessive fats and protein content. Therefore, chicken nuggets fortified with 1, 2, and 3% Bacopa monnieri L. extracts and along with control were studied to explore the potency of Bacopa monnieri L. on oxidative stability and storage quality of vacuum packaged chicken nuggets on 0,15,30 and 45 days at refrigerated storage (4±1°C). Extracts of Bacopa monnieri L. were prepared, standardized, optimized and fortified in chicken nuggets. Chicken nuggets prepared with 2% of Bacoppa monnieri L. incorporation were adjudged to the best among all based on sensory attributes. Extracts of Bacopa monnieri fortified were safe for consumption till 45 days of refrigerated storage (4±1°C) under vacuum packaging on the basis of pH, FFA, TBARS, and microbiological profile, sensory evaluation of chicken nuggets.The total plate count, psychrotropic count, coliform count, yeast and mold counts were within the acceptable limit in vacuum packaged Bacopa monnieri L. fortified chicken nuggets till 45 days at refrigeration temperature(4±1°C).