Abstract

Mutton is widely recognized for its excellent nutritional value, containing essential components such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of subzero storage on the freshness and quality of mutton. To evaluate the attributes of frozen and stored mutton, we employed fresh control samples that underwent standard freezing procedures at -18°C. Determining the quality and freshness of the product required the evaluation of numerous parameters over a five-month storage period. Drip loss (comprising boiling and thawing loss), water-holding capacity (WHC), texture profile analysis (TPA), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and total volatile basic nitrogen encompassed these parameters. Temperature influenced leak loss and water holding capacity (WHC), with severe freezing resulting in a reduction in moisture loss during frozen storage in comparison to standard freezing conditions. Extremely low-temperature freezing and subsequent storage of lamb resulted in a notable enhancement in tenderness when compared to standard freezing conditions. More precisely, sheep that underwent freezing at temperatures below -60℃ exhibited a tenderness akin to that of recently slaughtered mutton. Following a five-month period, frozen samples of mutton exhibited no indications of lipid oxidation, irrespective of temperature. The storage temperature of the samples, nevertheless, had an impact on the TVBN (total volatile basic nitrogen) concentration. In conclusion, our research indicates that mutton can maintain its freshness for a period of five months through the utilization subzero temperatures. A temperature of -60℃ is determined to be the most favorable condition for freezing and storing frozen mutton, taking into account both economic and qualitative considerations.