Abstract:In this study, 0%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1% (w/w) of passion fruit peel fiber powder were added to beef jerky by injection and kneaded method, respectively. The effects of adding passion fruit peel fiber powder on the drying characteristics and quality of beef jerky were investigated by measuring the drying characteristics, yield, texture characteristics, water distribution and sensory evaluation. The results showed that the addition of passion fruit peel fiber could shorten the drying time of beef jerky from 3.7 h to 2.9 h, and increase the yield from 51.40% to 56.02%. The results of LF-NMR showed that the relaxation time of T21, T22 and T23 was shortened by passion fruit peel fiber, and the fluidity of water in meat jerky also was reduced. The results of texture and sensory evaluation showed that passion fruit peel fiber could significantly reduce the hardness of beef jerky, and enhance the elasticity, viscosity and chew ability of beef jerky. Compared with 0% fiber jerky, the total score of sensory evaluation of beef jerky with 0.5% fiber content was the highest. In conclusion, the application of passion fruit peel fiber powder to beef jerky can change the drying characteristics of beef jerky, shorten the drying time of beef jerky, improve the water distribution and texture characteristics of beef jerky, and improve the product quality of beef jerky. It is worth noting that adding 0.5% passion fruit peel fiber powder to beef jerky has the best overall effect, and this study can provide a reference for the comprehensive utilization of passion fruit by-products.