The influence of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill) cladodes powder on improving the characteristics and shelf life of low-fat beef and chicken burgers

This research aims to investigate the influence of using cactus cladodes powder (CP) as a binder at three concentrations (1%, 3%, and 5%) on selected quality characteristics of low-fat beef and chicken burgers after formulation and during freeze storage (-18 °C) for 100 days, in comparison to control treatments without CP. Using CP at 3% and 5% influenced (p < 0.05) the proximate composition of the formulated burgers, while 1% CP did not influence the proximate composition significantly. Cooking loss was decreased (p < 0.05) by using CP at 3% and 5%. Oxidation stability of raw and cooked burgers formulated with 3% and 5% CP increased after formulation and during freezing storage for 100 days in comparison to control burger samples. Sensory preferences of color, tenderness, juiciness, taste, and overall acceptability were improved in samples with 3% and 5% CP in comparison to control and 1% CP burgers.