Advancements in Sustainable Techniques for Dried Meat Production: an Updated Review

Dried meat is one of the ethnic and aesthetic food products popular among global civilizations and communities. The background of the production is associated with several methods practiced conventionally in the olden days. This review focused on investigating the advantages, challenges, research gaps, and technological intervention in dried meat production in the modern era. Moreover, it presented a gestalt of cutting-edge thermal and non-thermal food processing technologies and their effectiveness in extending shelf life. It delved into the specific characteristics of dried meat, including biochemical, sensory, and microbiological properties and processing techniques, and addressed the contamination sources. The pros and cons of various drying methods like hot-air drying, vacuum pulsed electric field, microwave-assisted techniques, and non-thermal drying processes are comprehended. The impact on meat's structural properties, nutritional value, shelf-life, quality control, and food safety are thoroughly presented. Moreover, the review explored the biochemical dynamics of the drying process and underscored the health risks associated with mycotoxin contamination in dried meat products. Furthermore, the study also presented the avenues of AI-based platforms and non-destructive technology for validating the quality of dried meat products.