Antimicrobial protection of minced pork meat with the use of Swamp Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) fruit and pomace extracts.

The objective of the study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of Swamp Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) fruit and pomace extracts (FSCE and PSCE) and their efficiency in minced pork meat. Ethanol (96 and 40%) and water were used for raw material extraction. Organic acids, flavonols, terpenes and stilbenes composition of the extracts was determined using HPLC. Minimal inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration were determined for bacteria and fungi strains using the broth macrodilution method. The growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Enteritidis, and Escherichia coli in inoculated fresh minced pork meat containing 2.5% we-PSCE or we-FSCE (prepared by using 40% ethanol) were evaluated within 6 days of refrigeration storage. Swamp Cranberry pomace extracts contained stilbenes and more organics acids and flavonols than fruit extracts. Extracts inhibited Gram-positive bacteria strains stronger than Gram-negative, regardless of used raw material. The extracts did not show antifungal activity. Water-ethanol extracts (we-FSCE and we-PSCE) had stronger antibacterial properties than ethanolic extracts (e-FSCE and e-PSCE) and aqueous extracts (w-FSCE and w-PSCE). A 2.5% addition of we-PSCE or we-FSCE to minced pork meat resulted in a reduction of the number of pathogenic cells by 4 log cycles after 4 days of refrigeration storage. Baked burgers containing 2.5% of these extracts obtained high ratings for color, taste, odor, juiciness, and overall acceptability that did not differ statistically from control samples. Extracts from Swamp Cranberry constitute interesting candidates for natural preservatives of minced pork meat.