Effect of ethanolic extract of clove on the keeping quality of fresh mutton during storage at ambient temperature (25 ± 2 °C).

Antimicrobial potential of ethanolic extract of clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) on fresh mutton during storage at 25 ± 2 °C was evaluated. The extract inhibited spoilage and pathogenic microflora of mutton previously treated with acidulants to reduce surface microbial load and the surface pH, up to 4 days without any deleterious change in sensory and physical qualities. Biomarker cadaverine, an indicator of spoiling/spoiled mutton, was present in 1 day stored control samples and absent up to 4 days in treated mutton. The levels of other biomarkers like biogenic amine index (0.31 mg/100 g) and free fatty acids (1.52%) were lower in 4 days stored treated samples than 1 day stored control samples (3.6 mg/100 g and 2.4%, respectively). Thus, ethanolic extract of clove can be effectively used to improve the keeping quality of fresh mutton up to 4 days at 25 ± 2 °C.