Physicochemical properties and tenderness analysis of bovine meat using proteolytic enzymes extracted from pineapple (Ananas comosus) and jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) by-products

Present research investigation aimed to explore the pineapple and jackfruit by-products, the core and the seed, respectively, as a meat tenderizer. The effects of beef samples treated with bromelain and Artocarpus heterophyllus protease in four different concentrations (0, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%) and combination (4% bromelain and 4% A. heterophyllus protease) were studied. The physicochemical treated beef samples showed a 13.30 +/- 0.30 decrease in the water holding capacity (WHC), pH 5.47 +/- 0.03, moisture content 63.86 +/- 0.16 and cooking yield 75.78 +/- 0.16 with the increased addition of crude enzyme extract (p < .05). The cooking loss increased significantly with the concentration of extracted proteolytic enzymes (p < .05). Microstructural analysis of the treated beef samples demonstrated the degradation of muscle fibers and the generation of numerous gaps or space. The sensory evaluation analysis also revealed the acceptance of the treated beef sample compared to the untreated sample. The results showed that the bromelain and A. heterophyllus protease extract from by-products could be used as an effective natural meat tenderizer. The core and seed as (pineapple and jackfruit) waste by-product could effectively improve the tenderization of tough muscle in beef without disturbing quality parameters, significantly contributing to the agricultural processing industry. Practical applications Pineapple and jackfruit are popular fruits in south-east Asian countries. Pineapple and jackfruit are good for preserving meats and for helping to fight bacterial spoilage. Some plant-based and food-derived ingredients are more effective than others when maintaining the freshness of a product as long as the meat is not harmed. Proteolytic enzymes boost the fragmentation of myofibrils in meat and aid in the degradation of the intramuscular connective tissue structure. Combining pineapple and jackfruit by-products can be a most effective tenderizer for the meat as an actual preservative without impeding the natural quality or freshness.