Ostrich Fat Production Using Electrolyzed Fluid

Introduction. The fundamental competitiveness of all food industries is based on two key points. The first one is the effective use of traditional and new raw materials. The second one is a constant upgrade of the technical base by introducing innovative technological solutions and modern equipment. In this aspect, the fat processing industry is no exception. The development of a comprehensive and sustainable processing of ostrich fat can help to obtain rendered fat with specufic properties that can be used in functional foods and cosmetics. The research objective was to improve the parameters of ostrich fat rendering by using electrolyzed fluid in order to obtain a functional fat product of high quality indicators. Study objects and methods. The research featured ostrich fat obtained by wet melting in the aqueous phase of electrolyte (catholyte). A saline solution of sodium chloride (4 g/100cm³) was subjected to electrochemical treatment in an electrolytic bath with a direct current of 0.5–0.6 A and a voltage of 40–42 V. For fat extraction, we used catholyte with the following parameters: pH 9–11, redox potential between –600 and –700 mV. A two-factor experiment helped to improve the technological parameters of fat rendering. Catholyte hydrogen index X1 (Z1) and fat melting temperature X2 (Z2) were chosen as the primary technological parameters. Results and discussion. The processing temperature of raw fat had a significant effect on the fat yield. When the catholyte hydrogen index and the temperature were increased, it had a negative effect on fat extraction. The acid value of ostrich fat was significantly affected by the pH of catholyte. The inactivating effect of catholytic action on the enzymatic processes resulted in low values of peroxide fat. Conclusion. The research provided the following optimal range for producing ostrich fat with improved consumer properties: hydrogen index = 10.5–11.0, melting temperature = 60.0–100.00°C.