Banana inflorescences: A cheap raw material with great potential to be used as a natural antioxidant in meat products.

The bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity of extracts made with various parts of banana inflorescences (bracts, male flowers, rachis, and whole inflorescence) were evaluated in the first part of this study. The extract made with male flowers (EMF) had a higher content of phenolics and flavonoids, lower IC50 value, and higher FRAP value. Thus, EMF was selected to be used in sausage formulations at the concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2%. The effect of this reformulation on the physicochemical, oxidative, and sensory characteristics of the sausages was evaluated during the refrigerated storage (28 days). EMF presented an effective antioxidant activity, with no major changes on pH, aw, and color parameters. In addition, the sensory quality of the product was not affected by the addition of up to 2% EMF. Therefore, EMF has great potential to be used as a natural antioxidant in meat products.