Abstract:Using refined beef tallow as the raw material, processing approaches such as enzymatic hydrolysis, aeration oxidation, and the Maillard reaction were employed to investigate the effects of controllable oxidation and the Maillard reaction on the quality of beef tallow, including acid value, peroxide value, and volatile components. The results showed that the original beef tallow had an acid value of 1.22 mg/g and peroxide value of 0 g/100 g, andthe acid value and peroxide value increased after oxidation and the Maillard reaction processes. The results of sensory evaluation showed that moderate oxidation in combination with the Maillard reaction reduced off-flavors and acidity while enhancing the meaty, roasted, and caramelized flavors of the beef tallow. Beef tallow oxidized at higher temperatures (160, 180, 230 ℃) contained a greater variety of volatile components compared with those oxidized at lower temperatures (130, 140, 150 ℃). After the Maillard reaction, certain aldehydes in the oxidized beef tallow were reduced or not detected, such as 2-hexenal, trans-2-heptenal, (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal, and (E,E)-2,4-nonadienal. The results of principal component analysis showed that the oxidized beef tallow or the beef tallow subjected to oxidation-Maillard reactioncan be classified into four distinct groups. The results of partial least squares regression analyses showed that beef tallow oxidized firstly at 150~180 ℃ before being subjected to the Maillard reaction can lead to better roasted nutty, caramel and meaty flavors. In conclusion, the combination of oxidation at 160~180 ℃ and the Maillard reaction can improve the flavor quality of beef tallow. This study provides a theoretical basis for controllable oxidation and Maillard reaction in the manufacturing of high-value beef tallow flavoring product.