Abstract
This study investigated the incorporation of Salicornia perennans powder as a natural antioxidant and functional ingredient in cooked sausages, with the aim of improving product quality and promoting sustainable production strategies. The inclusion of 3% Salicornia perennans resulted in a nutritionally favorable shift in the fatty acid profile, with a 1.5-fold increase in α-linolenic acid ALA and the presence of long-chain ω-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, along with improved PUFA/SFA and ω-6/ω-3 ratios. Lipid and protein oxidation were significantly suppressed during refrigerated storage, as evidenced by the reduced peroxide value of 10.6 vs. 12.8 meq/kg, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance value of 0.158 vs. 0.210 mg MDA/kg, acid value of 4.6 vs. 5.5 mg KOH/g, and carbonyl compound value of 101.9 vs. 112.3 nmol/mg protein compared to the control. Color stability was enhanced, with ΔE* values remaining below perceptible thresholds in Salicornia perennans-supplemented sausages, highlighting its role in preserving visual quality. Antioxidant capacity was markedly higher, with FRAP values of 14.5 mg GAE/g undetected in the control and improved DPPH radical-scavenging activity of 22.6% vs. 12.5%. These findings demonstrate that Salicornia perennans not only enriches meat products with bioactive compounds and health-promoting lipids but also reduces oxidative spoilage, thereby extending shelf life. The results emphasize the potential of halophyte-based ingredients to support technological innovation, environmental impact reduction, and the development of clean-label functional meat products aligned with sustainable production strategies.