The presented Part I of the review provides current information about colour, flavour and aroma, tenderness, pH, water-holding capacity and drip loss, shelf-life and microbial load, cold shortening and cooking losses of ostrich meat which is darker and contains more redness compound compared to the beef or pork. On average, ostrich meat has been classified as intermediate with regular (<5.8) to high (>6.2) pH as measured 24 h post-slaughter, generally with a rapid decline of pH. Tenderness of ostrich meat depends on type of muscle from which it originates. Its water-holding capacity is lower compared to pork or chicken meat, but similar to veal and beef. Cited are 60 references.
Ostrich meat is a niche product gaining popularity among consumers especially in Europe. Nutrient composition of this meat considering protein, amino acids, fat, cholesterol, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins was henceforth assessed. Ostrich meat is characterized by low intramuscular fat content, a favourable fatty acids profile (PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 ratios), a high content of iron and vitamin E and low of Na. Thus, it can be considered as a high quality product of high nutritive and dietetic value. It may thus be a valuable component of human diet.