Consumer acceptability of processed ostrich meat products

Two value-added ostrich meat product prototypes were prepared and evaluated by a consumer panel (n = 132) against similar products manufactured entirely from pork. Ostrich "ham" and a control pork ham product were prepared by a traditional ham cure, and Polish sausage products were formulated with either all-pork or a 67% ostrich/33% pork blend and processed with a commercial spice blend. Ostrich "ham" tended to be rated lower (P = 0.0537) in salt intensity, but had higher flavor intensity ratings. Consumers gave pork ham more favorable ratings for overall acceptability (P < 0.01) and flavor acceptability (P < 0.05). For Polish sausage products, overall acceptability, flavor acceptability, flavor intensity, salt intensity, texture and tenderness were not different (P > 0.05) between all-pork and ostrich/pork varieties. Results indicate that value-added ostrich meat products were more acceptable when they were more finely ground, spiced, and combined with pork in a sausage product than when they were prepared as a "ham" product.