Abstract

"ABSTRACT The use of microwaves is very widespread at the domestic level thanks to its speed and ease of use. The aim of this study was to compare cooking loss, rancidity and sensory differences for hamburger patties cooked in conventional versus microwave ovens. We also determined sensorial differences with the triangular test, comparing two products presented in threesomes, one that corresponded to a patty cooked in the microwave and the other in a conventional oven. Chicken, turkey, pork and beef patties were purchased commercially, cooked in a conventional oven and in microwaves. Cooking loss was calculated, rancidity and sensory differences were evaluated between patties of the same type of meat and cooked in the different oven types. Cooking loss was lower in patties cooked in microwaves compared to those cooked in conventional ovens. For both oven types, acidity and peroxide index increased with respect to raw ones. Acidity was higher in hamburgers cooked in conventional ovens and the peroxide index was higher in burgers cooked in microwaves, reaching 10.6 meq O2/kg. In sensory analysis, significant differences were found (p<0.05) between patties cooked in a conventional oven and in microwaves. It is a better option to cook patties in a conventional oven, because the peroxide index is smaller than in microwaves; and within types of patties, beef and pork are more stable against oxidation."