The effect of addition of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica forsk) on physico-chemical characteristics and antioxidant activity of Bali beef meatballs

Nowadays, the use of natural agents for antioxidants and preservatives are increasing for safety and healthy reason. One of the potential natural agents for food application is Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica Forsk). The characteristics of physico-chemical and antioxidant activity of the meatball added with water spinach leaf powder (WSLP) were observed in this study. Different four formulas were employed: control, formula without any addition of WSLP; WSLP 0.5%, WSLP 1% and WSLP 1.5% each was added with 0.5, 1 and 1.5% WSLP, respectively. The results of this study indicated that the addition of WSLP lowering the cooking loss and pH value, but increased the WHC of the meatball. The study also showed that WSLP decreased the color parameters (L*, a* and b*), but increased the antioxidant activity. The WSLP did not affect the moisture, ash, protein and fat but significantly increased the crude fiber content. It can be concluded that the addition of 1% of WSLP in the meatball formulation enhanced the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of the meatball.