Analysis of bioactive substances in mutton and their effects on the quality of minced mutton

The aim of this study was to systematically analyze the differences in bioactive compounds in Ningxia Tan, Oula, and Bahan crossbred mutton, and to examine their effects on minced mutton quality. Initially, characteristic bioactive compounds in mutton were analyzed using principal component analysis. Further investigation assessed the effects of varying concentrations of glycyrrhizin flavonoids (0, 0.04, 0.08, 0.16, 0.32 mg/100 g) and calcium chloride (0, 60, 120 mg/100 g) on mutton quality using an in vitro minced meat system. Results indicated that flavonoids (0.38) and calcium (−0.37) had the highest loadings on the first principal component. The water retention, hardness, and chewiness of the minced mutton gel exhibited a significant increase with the addition of licorice flavonoids and calcium chloride (P < 0.05). The elasticity of the minced mutton gel system was also significantly enhanced. The best water retention was observed with the addition of 0.32 mg/100 g of licorice flavonoids and 120 mg/100 g of calcium chloride, and the gel microstructure was densest under these conditions. These findings suggest that flavonoids and calcium are differential bioactive substances in three breeds of mutton that can improve the physicochemical properties of gelatinous minced mutton products. This study establishes a theoretical foundation for selecting raw materials in meat processing and improving the quality of gelatinized mutton products.