Physicochemical properties and microbiology of dry-cured loins obtained by partial sodium replacement with potassium, calcium and magnesium

The Aroma of Non-Fermented and Fermented Dry-Cured Meat Products: Savory and Toasted Odors

Volatile chemicals containing nitrogen and sulfur as key odors in dry-cured meat products have extremely low odor thresholds. These compounds play an important part in the overall uniqueness and characteristic flavor of dry-cured meat products, contributing to savory and toasted aroma sensations, respectively. In this review, we define the different volatiles and aroma compounds related to the flavor of dry-cured meat products. Moreover, the main differences regarding volatiles, aromas, and flavor profiles from non-fermented and fermented dry-cured meat products are summarized. Comparisons using the same volatile extraction techniques revealed that dry loins contained the most sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds, while complex flavor and aroma compounds in fermented sausages were greatly impacted by the fermentation process. The screening and quantification of savory and toasted odors showed that methionol, dimethyl sulfide, and 2-methyl-3-(methylthio)furan were mainly reported in non-fermented products, whereas pyrazines were mainly detected in fermented meat products. Finally, the different mechanisms in the generation of savory and toasted aromas, including chemical reactions and biochemical reactions by microorganisms (bacteria, yeast, and molds), are discussed. These discussions will help to better understand the complex flavor of dry-cured meat products.

Research Progress in Saltiness Perception and Salty Substitutes

Salty taste in foods is a key sensory attribute for appetite enhancement, however, consumption of a high salt diet is associated with a high risk of hypertension, stroke, and heart diseases. To address this issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended reducing the global per capita salt consumption by 30% by 2025, with adults optimally consuming less than 5 g/day of salt. Therefore, the search for new salty substitutes to reduce salt intake in foods has become a research hotspot. Despite the ongoing endeavors of global research, multiple studies have focused on the application of a single category of salty alternatives or food processing quality (such as preservative effects and process characteristics), and there is still little comprehensive evaluation of these alternatives in terms of nutritional value, health impact, and consumer acceptance in the literature. This review will first outline the urgency of global salt reduction, followed by thorough discussion of salty substitutes and associated mechanisms from the perspective of human salty taste perception. Second, the present review will explore the potential application of salty substitutes and highlight the interaction between taste and odor in foods. Additionally, the potential impacts of salty substitutes on human health will be discussed. The present review will provide a scientific basis for the development of low salt products by food industry.

Perspective of sodium reduction based on endogenous proteases via the strategy of sodium replacement in conjunction with mediated-curing

NaCl is the main curing agent in dry-cured meat products, and a large amount of NaCl addition leads to high salt content of final products. Salt content and composition are important factors affecting the activity of endogenous proteases, which in turn could affect proteolysis as well as the quality of dry-cured meat products. With the increasing emphasis on the relationship between diet and health, reducing sodium content without sacrificing quality and safety of products is a great challenge for dry-cured meat industry. In this review, the change of endogenous proteases activity during processing, the potential relationship between sodium reduction strategy, endogenous proteases activity, and quality were summarized and discussed. The results showed that sodium replacement strategy and mediated-curing had a complementary advantage in influencing endogenous proteases activity. In addition, mediated-curing had the potential to salvage the negative effects of sodium substitution by affecting endogenous proteases. Based on the results, a sodium reduction strategy that sodium replacement in conjunction with mediated-curing based on endogenous proteases was proposed for the future perspective.

Strategies to Reduce Salt Content: PDO and PGI Meat Products Case

The reduction of sodium chloride (NaCl) content, commonly known as salt, in processed meat products is one of the objectives of health organizations and government authorities to achieve healthier products. This reformulation of traditional meat products with protected designations poses more constraints, as they have a more consolidated quality image and less margin for change, since consumers appreciate the products for their unique sensory characteristics. The aim of this work is to present some of the strategies that have been explored to obtain meat products with low sodium content. Information related to the characteristics of traditional meat products with quality marks and geographical indications in different studies is discussed in opposition to the information recorded in their product specifications. It was found that the product specifications of meat products with Portuguese Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) show a wide variation in the NaCl content, much higher than the recommended values. Thus, one of the requirements to be implemented will be the parameterization of NaCl levels and their monitorization by control and certification organizations as a way to ensure product quality. It is also urgent to examine whether healthy innovation strategies may affect the quality of traditional PDO or PGI meat products and whether they can be included in the respective product specifications.

Microbiological Safety and Shelf-Life of Low-Salt Meat Products-A Review

Salt is widely employed in different foods, especially in meat products, due to its very diverse and extended functionality. However, the high intake of sodium chloride in human diet has been under consideration for the last years, because it is related to serious health problems. The meat-processing industry and research institutions are evaluating different strategies to overcome the elevated salt concentrations in products without a quality reduction. Several properties could be directly or indirectly affected by a sodium chloride decrease. Among them, microbial stability could be shifted towards pathogen growth, posing a serious public health threat. Nonetheless, the majority of the literature available focuses attention on the sensorial and technological challenges that salt reduction implies. Thereafter, the need to discuss the consequences for shelf-life and microbial safety should be considered. Hence, this review aims to merge all the available knowledge regarding salt reduction in meat products, providing an assessment on how to obtain low salt products that are sensorily accepted by the consumer, technologically feasible from the perspective of the industry, and, in particular, safe with respect to microbial stability.

Effect of Salt Reduction on the Quality of Boneless Dry-Cured Ham from Iberian and White Commercially Crossed Pigs

Iberian dry-cured ham has great value in a traditional Spanish diet, although experts have recommended its consumption should be reduced because of its high salt content and link to cardiovascular diseases. Eighteen boneless Iberian hams (RIB), eighteen boneless white commercially crossed pig hams (RWC), and eighteen traditionally salted and processed Iberian hams (TIB) were manufactured to check whether the breed (RIB vs. RWC) or the processing (RIB vs. TIB) affects their physical–chemical and sensory characteristics. Moisture, protein, total nitrogen, nonprotein nitrogen, proteolysis index, NaCl, and ash contents were higher in RWC, contrary to the fat values, which were more than double in RIB. All macrominerals, except Ca, were affected by the processing stage and breed, whereas only the micromineral Zn was higher in RWC. The breed did not affect the free amino acid content; however, the total content was slightly higher in RWC. Regarding the manufacturing process, the deboning of RIB allowed the reduction of salt by over 30%. However, the microbiological stability was not affected, resulting in a safe product. Although deboning and salt reduction significantly affect the hardness, adhesiveness, deformation, and elasticity of dry-cured hams, consumers value all sensory parameters with higher scores in RIB.

Effects of partial replacement of NaCl by KCl and CaCl2 on physicochemical properties, microstructure, and textural properties of salted eggs

KCl and CaCl₂ were used as partial substitutes for NaCl during pickling salted eggs process in this study. The effects on the physicochemical properties, microstructure, textural properties and sensory quality of the salted eggs were evaluated, while comparing with the 18% NaCl group (Na group). The 3% replacement of NaCl by KCl reduced the Na content (p < 0.05), accelerated the water migration (p < 0.05) in salted eggs and increased the apparent oil yield and oil exudation of salted egg yolk (p < 0.05); but the rheological properties and microstructure of salted egg yolk were minimally affected. The 3% replacement of NaCl by CaCl₂ reduced the Na content (p < 0.05), delayed the water migration rate (p < 0.05) in salted eggs and decreased the apparent oil yield and oil exudation of salted egg yolk (p < 0.05). Additionally, the process of egg white thinning and egg yolk hardening were delayed. The results indicate that the partial substitution of NaCl by KCl or CaCl₂ during the pickling process of salted eggs could effectively inhibit the infiltration of Na⁺ , and the presence of KCl could improve the quality of salted eggs. Still, the presence of CaCl₂ delay the ripening of salted eggs. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: KCl and CaCl₂ as substitutes of sodium salt could play the role of reducing Na content but not affecting saline taste of salted eggs, which is conducive to the development of low-sodium salted eggs.

Microbiota and volatilome of dry-cured pork loins manufactured with paprika and reduced concentration of nitrite and nitrate

Dry-cured pork loin is a very popular meat product in Mediterranean countries. Pork-loin is manufactured rubbing curing salts, nitrite and nitrate, and spices on the surface of the loin which is then dry-cured or smoked for several months. Although nitrite-derived compounds are crucial for the microbiological safety and development of a distinct flavour, there have been recent concerns about the adverse health effects of nitrite-derived compounds driving to the reduction of curing agents in meat products. In this study, we have evaluated the differences in microbiota and aroma of dry-cured pork loins manufactured with or without paprika and reduced ingoing amounts of nitrate and nitrite. Staphylococcus dominated the microbiota of pork loins without paprika, regardless of the nitrite and nitrate reduction. On the contrary, the reduction of nitrite and nitrate in loins with paprika had an important effect on the microbiota. In these loins a codominance of Staphylococcus and Bacillus together by Enterobacteriaceae occurred. Moreover, paprika addition and reduction of nitrite and nitrate seemed to promote proliferation of lactic acid bacteria. Occurrence of these genera was correlated with the generation of free amino acids and their derived volatile compounds setting clear differences in the aroma profile of dry-cured loins.

Study on the water state, migration, and microstructure modification during the process of salt-reduced stewed duck

High salt content is one of the major problems for stewed products. To help address this issue, the effect of salt reduction on water migration in stewed ducks was investigated through diverse approaches, including water activity (Aw) and water-holding capacity (WHC) assay, as well as low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation. Our results showed that Aw value remained stable, while centrifugal loss decreased, and cooking loss increased significantly (p < 0.05). The analysis of NMR indicated that, during the marinating stage, the proportion of immobilized water increased from 86.86%-89.66% (sodium chloride group) and 90.51% (salt-reduced group), respectively. After 2 h, the free water content became 0, and then became stable until the end of marinating. In the stewing stage, at the beginning 20 min, relaxation time of immobilized water decreased to about 35 ms and the ratio of immobilized water significantly reduced (p < 0.05) by 5.38% (sodium chloride group) and 5.95% (salt-reduced group), respectively. Free water peak was detected upon stewing of 10 min, and 20 min later, there was no significant difference in the proportion of free water (p > 0.05). In general, no significance was observed in water behavior and microstructure of stewed duck meat between the salt reduction group and sodium chloride group. In addition, SEM analysis revealed that marinating could expand the muscle fiber gap to accommodate more immobilized water. However, the fiber was looser at the initial stage of stewing and then became more compact. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This work demonstrates potentially feasible to produce salt-reduced duck products.

Indigenous Microbiota to Leverage Traditional Dry Sausage Production

The main issue addressed in this review is the need for innovation in the artisanal production of dry fermented sausages-leveraging rather than discarding tradition, together with some practical strategies available to achieve it. Throughout the text, emphasis is placed on the autochthonous microbiota responsible for the identity and unique sensory characteristics of these products. The available strategies to introduce innovation in this manufacturing process rely on metabolic flexibility of microbial strains. In this sense, this review evaluates the application of several tools aimed at improving the quality and safety of artisanal dry fermented sausages focusing on the microbial community role. The most studied alternatives to enhance dry sausage production comprise the use of autochthonous starter cultures-including functional and/or probiotic strains, the production of bacteriocins, and the generation of bioactive peptides, which have been thoroughly covered herein. The purpose of this work is to review recent research about novel different strategies available for food technologists to improve safety and quality in the manufacture of dry fermented sausages. Additional support strategies-quality product registers and innovation through tradition-have been suggested as complementary actions towards a successful introduction of indigenous microbial communities into traditional dry sausage production.

Effect of Sodium-Alternative Curing Salts on Physicochemical Properties during Salami Manufacture

To identify the effect of sodium-alternative curing salts on the quality properties of salami through the ripening process, four salami treatments were prepared with different curing salts, T1 (-control, NaCl 1.9%), T2 (+control, NaCl 1.9%+NaNO₂ 0.01%), T3 (KCl 1.9%+NaNO₂ 0.01%), and T4 (MgCl₂ 1.9%+NaNO₂ 0.01%), under 40 days ripening conditions. Sodium-alternative salts (T3 or T4) showed characteristically different quality traits compared with T2. Especially, T3 had lower pH, water activity, volatile basic nitrogen, and lipid oxidation after 20 days of ripening period, compare with T2 or T4 (p<0.05). Sodium nitrite had critical impact on increased a* values, and T3 showed higher a* values compared with T2 or T4 (p<0.05). Sodium nitrite reduced initial growth of coliforms but sodium-alternative salts did not affect microbial growth patterns. T2-T4 containing sodium nitrite had higher content of umami nucleotide flavor compounds compared with T1, regardless of the chlorine salt species. The combined use of sodium-alternative curing salts and minimal sodium nitrite was found to be an applicable strategy on development of low sodium salami without a trade-off of the product quality.

Quantification of Process Lethality (5-Log Reduction) of Salmonella and Salt Concentration during Sodium Replacement in Biltong Marinade

Salt (sodium chloride, NaCl) is commonly used in ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products such as biltong, a South African style dried beef product for flavor, enhanced moisture loss, and reduction of microbial growth. However, increased consumption of high sodium content foods is commonly associated with high blood pressure and heart disease. This study evaluated the use of alternative salts, potassium chloride (KCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl₂) in the biltong marinade to achieve a ≥ 5-log reduction of Salmonella, a pathogen of concern in beef products. Beef pieces (1.9 cm × 5.1 cm × 7.6 cm) were inoculated with a five-serovar mixture of Salmonella (Salmonella Thompson 120, Salmonella Enteritidis H3527, Salmonella Typhimurium H3380, Salmonella Heidelberg F5038BG1, and Salmonella Hadar MF60404), vacuum-tumbled in a traditional biltong marinade of salt, spices, and vinegar containing either NaCl, KCl or CaCl₂ (2.2% concentration) followed by an 8-10 day drying period at 23.9 °C (75 °F) and 55% relative humidity. Microbial enumeration of Salmonella was conducted following inoculation, after marination, and after 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days of drying in a humidity/temperature chamber. Biltong produced with CaCl₂, NaCl, or KCl achieved a > 5-log reduction of Salmonella after 6, 7, and 8 days, respectively. The Salmonella reduction trends with biltong made with NaCl or CaCl₂ were not significantly different (p < 0.05) while both were significantly different from that made with KCl (p > 0.05). Sodium, calcium, and potassium ion concentrations were measured using ion-specific electrode meters following biltong processing and drying. As expected, the biltong made with the corresponding salt had the most abundant ion in the sample. Regardless of the salt used in the marinade, the potassium ion levels were moderately elevated in all samples. This was determined to be from potassium levels naturally present in beef rather than from other ingredients. Sampling of several commercial brands of biltong for sodium content showed that some were significantly above the allowable level of claims made on package ingredient statements. The substitution of NaCl with KCl or CaCl₂ during biltong processing can also provide a 5-log reduction of Salmonella to produce a safe product that can be marketed as a more healthy low-sodium food alternative that may appeal to consumers who need to reduce their blood pressure and are conscientious of sodium levels in their diet.

Challenges to reduce or replace NaCl by chloride salts in meat products made from whole pieces - a review

NaCl is fundamental for the development of the physico-chemical, sensorial and microbiological stability in meat products made from whole pieces such as dry-cured lacón, loin, ham, bacon, jerked beef, and pastirma). The substitution of NaCl by other chloride salts (KCl, CaCl₂ and MgCl₂), in order to minimize changes in the processing steps and insertion of new ingredients, is a major challenge for the elaboration of salted meat products in the context of increasing awareness among consumer about sodium consumption and health. This review aims to discuss the potential use of binary, ternary and quaternary salting mixtures in the processing of salted meat products and their effects on microbiological evolution and safety, sensory properties, oxidative reactions on proteins and lipid, and proteolysis and lipolysis reactions. More specifically, the substitution of NaCl by other chloride salts can influence the growth of microorganisms, the formation of toxic compounds, progression of enzymatic and oxidative reactions, and the sensory attributes. Scientific evidences from a food technological point of view, support the use of KCl to partially replace NaCl while major advances/more sophisticated strategies are still necessary to effectively introduce CaCl₂ and MgCl₂ as NaCl replacers. Moreover, further studies regarding the shelf-life and economic problems of the alternatively salted products are still necessary.

UV-C Irradiation of Rolled Fillets of Ham Inoculated with Yersinia enterocolitica and Brochothrix thermosphacta

Bacteria on ready-to-eat meat may cause diseases and lead to faster deterioration of the product. In this study, ready-to-eat sliced ham samples were inoculated with Yersinia enterocolitica or Brochothrix thermosphacta and treated with ultraviolet (UV) light. The initial effect of a UV-C irradiation was investigated with doses of 408, 2040, 4080, and 6120 mJ/cm² and the effect after 0, 7, and 14 days of refrigerated storage with doses of 408 and 4080 mJ/cm². Furthermore, inoculated ham samples were stored under light and dark conditions after the UV-C treatment to investigate the effect of photoreactivation. To assess the ham quality the parameters color and antioxidant capacity were analyzed during storage. UV-C light reduced Yersinia enterocolitica and Brochothrix thermosphacta counts by up to 1.11 log₁₀ and 0.79 log₁₀ colony forming units/g, respectively, during storage. No photoreactivation of the bacteria was observed. Furthermore, significantly lower a* and higher b* values after 7 and 14 days of storage and a significantly higher antioxidant capacity on day 0 after treatment with 4080 mJ/cm² were detected. However, there were no other significant differences between treated and untreated samples. Hence, a UV-C treatment can reduce microbial surface contamination of ready-to-eat sliced ham without causing considerable quality changes.

Effect of NaCl replacement by other chloride salts on physicochemical parameters, proteolysis and lipolysis of dry-cured foal "cecina"

This study was proposed following the strategy of the meat sector to reduce sodium intake through applying different salting processes instead of the traditional method. Therefore, the influence of two salting treatments (with 50% and 55% of NaCl replacement by other chloride salts) on the chemical, physicochemical, proteolysis and lipolysis of foal cecinas was evaluated and compared to those cecinas salted with a traditional procedure. Regarding physicochemical parameters, cecinas treated with CaCl₂ and MgCl₂ increased the lipid oxidation and luminosity, while decreased the redness. The highest contents of protein and the lowest of moisture were obtained in cecinas salted with 50% KCl, while the NaCl content was dramatically reduced by the experimental batches (4.25 and 3.40 g/100 g) in comparison with control samples (7.73 g/100 g). The values of texture (hardness) did not reflect differences among batches. The content of free amino acids increased with NaCl replacement. In fact, data suggests that NaCl had more inhibitory power on the proteolytic enzymes than the other salts. On the contrary, lipolytic phenomenon showed lower differences among treatments (mainly individual PUFA). However, these variations could be related to the higher oxidation observed in the samples with NaCl replacement. On the other hand, the substitution of NaCl by other salts had an important influence in mineral contents. The main objective, which is the reduction of sodium intake, was achieved. Nevertheless, a sensory study should carry out to observe how aforementioned changes affect the organoleptic quality of the final product and the consumer's acceptability.

Hydrolysis and oxidation of protein and lipids in dry-salted grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) as affected by partial substitution of NaCl with KCl and amino acids

To obtain healthier meat products with reduced Na content, the salt substitute containing l-histidine and l-lysine was compared with NaCl in the hydrolysis and oxidation of protein and lipids of dry-salted fish during processing. Compared with NaCl-treated fish (S-F), salt substitute treated fish (SS-F) had a lower Na content, higher moisture content and lower hardness. Sensory analysis showed that salt substitute didn't affect the acceptability of salted fish. The free fatty acids of SS-F treated fish had a slight tendency toward lipolysis at the end of processing. Additionally, the conjugated diene value, lipoxygenase activity and malondialdehyde value were lower in the ventral and dorsal muscles for the SS-F treatment. Meanwhile, the protein carbonyls and thiol groups were significantly decreased as cathepsin B and L activities and FAA content were increased in the ventral and dorsal muscles for the SS-F treatment. l-Histidine and l-lysine accelerated the hydrolysis (inhibit the oxidation) of protein and lipids in dry-salted grass carp, illustrating that l-histidine and l-lysine will be a positive approach to develop healthier meat products.

Impact of partial substitution of NaCl by KCl, and MgCl2 on physicochemical and sensory properties of cooked sausages during storage

Objective

To determine the effect of three salting treatments (control, 100% NaCl; T1, 60% NaCl and 40% KCl; T2, 50% NaCl, 40% KCl, and 10% MgCl₂) on meat quality of sausages during storage.

Methods

Various types of curing salts were used for processing of salamis. Physico-chemical and sensory evaluation of the sausages were analyzed during 4 weeks of ripening.

Results

The pH values and salinity contents were the highest in control, while they were the lowest in T2 at 4 weeks (p<0.05). Control and T1 had less thiobarbituric acid reactive substances than T2 at 2 weeks (p<0.05). The volatile basic nitrogen levels in T1 were similar to control and lower than T2 at 2 and 4 weeks (p<0.05). Moreover, T1 samples were redder and had a higher saturation index (C*) value when compared to the others. T2 showed greater hardness, gumminess and chewiness when compared with the control (p<0.05). Control was comparable to T1 for sensory attributes.

Conclusion

Sodium chloride may be partially substituted with potassium chloride without negatively influencing meat quality of sausages up to 4 weeks of storage. These results could help to develop low-sodium sausages.

Adoptable Interventions, Human Health, and Food Safety Considerations for Reducing Sodium Content of Processed Food Products

Although vital for maintaining health when consumed in moderation, various epidemiological studies in recent years have shown a strong association between excess dietary sodium with an array of health complications. These associations are robust and clinically significant for development of hypertension and prehypertension, two of the leading causes of preventable mortality worldwide, in adults with a high-sodium diet. Data from developed nations and transition economies show worldwide sodium intake of higher than recommended amounts in various nations. While natural foods typically contain a moderate amount of sodium, manufactured food products are the main contributor to dietary sodium intake, up to 75% of sodium in diet of American adults, as an example. Lower cost in formulation, positive effects on organoleptic properties of food products, effects on food quality during shelf-life, and microbiological food safety, make sodium chloride a notable candidate and an indispensable part of formulation of various products. Although low-sodium formulation of each product possesses a unique set of challenges, review of literature shows an abundance of successful experiences for products of many categories. The current study discusses adoptable interventions for product development and reformulation of products to achieve a modest amount of final sodium content while maintaining taste, quality, shelf-stability, and microbiological food safety.

Effect of partial substitution of NaCl by KCl on physicochemical properties, biogenic amines and N-nitrosamines during ripening and storage of dry-cured bacon

Effects of three salting treatments (Formulation II: 80 % NaCl + 20 % KCl; Formulation III: 60 % NaCl + 40 % KCl and Formulation IV: 40 % NaCl + 60 % KCl) on physicochemical properties, residual nitrite, N-nitrosamines and biogenic amines were compared with those of control bacons (Formulation I: 100 % NaCl) during processing and storage. Results showed that there were no significant differences among treatments for moisture, pH, and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) content in dry-cured bacons during processing. The replacement of 40 % or less NaCl by KCl had no negative effects on the sensory quality of bacons during processing. Formulation III significantly reduced putrescine, cadaverine and histamine contents and enhanced nitrite residues compared with the control. After 12-day ripening and during storage, the substitution of NaCl by 60 % KCl significantly increased the N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) content than the control. Principal component analysis showed that there were positive correlations between TVBN, biogenic amines (putrescine, cadaverine, histamine and tyramine) and NDMA, and negative correlation between NDMA and nitrite. These findings suggested the partial substitution of NaCl by KCl could be utilized for producing reduced-sodium dry-cured bacons to improve safety of finished products.

The Impact of Ripening Time on Technological Quality Traits, Chemical Change and Sensory Characteristics of Dry-cured Loin

The effect of ripening time on the technological quality traits, fatty acid compositions and sensory characteristics of dry-cured loin was studied. Pork loins (n = 102) at 24 h post-mortem were used to produce dry-cured loins. The dry-cured loins were assessed at 30, 60, and 90 days of ripening for the aforementioned characteristics. Our results showed that the water activity (a_w) decreased (p<0.05) up to 60 days and did not change thereafter. The lipid oxidation and weight loss levels significantly (p<0.05) increased with increased ripening time. The Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE) L* decreased for 90 days while CIE a* increased for 60 days and did not increase thereafter. More noticeably, the levels of most of unsaturated fatty acids and total polyunsaturated fatty acids significantly decreased as increasing ripening time up to 90 days. The 30 days-ripened loins had lower (p<0.05) color, flavor and overall acceptability scores than the loins ripened for 60 and 90 days, however, no differences in sensory traits occurred between the 60 and 90 day-ripened samples. Based on the results obtained in the present study, it is suggested that the ripening duration between 30 and 60 days could be more appropriate for producing dry-cured loin product with higher quality and economic benefits.

Farinha de linhaça dourada como substituto de gordura animal em hambúrguer de carne bovina com redução de sódio

Os consumidores costumam associar os produtos cárneos processados a uma imagem negativa em função dos teores de gordura saturada, sódio e aditivos químicos que apresentam. O trabalho teve por objetivo estudar a influência da adição de farinha de semente de linhaça dourada (Linum usitatissimum L.) como substituto de gordura suína e da utilização de sal com teor reduzido de sódio nas características físicas, químicas, microbiológicas e sensoriais de hambúrgueres de carne bovina. Visando tornar o hambúrguer mais saudável, seis formulações foram desenvolvidas mudando as concentrações de sal light e de farinha de linhaça. Os resultados demonstraram que a adição de 10,0% de farinha de semente de linhaça dourada em substituição a 100,0% do toucinho contribuiu para o aumento (p < 0,05) do teor de proteínas. A adição de 5,0% de farinha de linhaça dourada em substituição a 50,0% do toucinho refletiu em boas notas para todos os atributos sensoriais avaliados. Houve aumento (p < 0,05) dos percentuais de ômega-3 e cinzas, e redução (p < 0,05) dos lipídios totais e valor calórico, independente dos níveis de adição da farinha. A substituição de toucinho por farinha de semente de linhaça contribuiu para o menor encolhimento e melhor rendimento, bem como para maior retenção de umidade e de gordura dos hambúrgueres. O sal light não interferiu negativamente nas características microbiológicas dos hambúrgueres e quando associado com a adição de 5,0% de farinha de linhaça contribuiu para melhor (p < 0,05) sabor e aroma. Os resultados sugeriram que a adição de 5,0% de farinha de semente de linhaça dourada como substituto de 50,0% da gordura suína, bem como a redução de 60,1% do sódio em hambúrgueres de carne bovina, se caracterizou alternativa viável do ponto de vista nutricional e sensorial, contribuindo ainda para o maior rendimento do produto após o cozimento.

Effects of Partial Substitutions of NaCl with KCl, CaSO4 and MgSO4 on the Quality and Sensorial Properties of Pork Patties

This study investigated the effects of NaCl replacers (KCl, CaSO4, and MgSO4) on the quality and sensorial properties of pork patty. In the characteristics of spray-dried salt particles, KCl showed the largest particle size with low viscosity in solution. Meanwhile CaSO4 treatment resulted in the smallest particle size and the highest viscosity (p<0.05). In comparison of the qualities of pork patties manufactured by varying level of Na replacers, MgSO4 treatment exhibited low cooking loss comparing to control (p<0.05). Textural properties of KCl and MgSO4 treatments showed similar pattern, i.e., low level of the replacers caused harder and less adhesive texture than those of control (p<0.05), whereas the hardness of these products was not different with control when the replacers were added more than 1.0%. The addition of CaSO4 also manifested harder and less adhesive than control (p<0.05), but the textural properties of CaSO4 treatment was not affected by level of Ca-salt. Eventually, sensorial properties indicated that KCl and CaSO4 influenced negative effects on pork patties. In contrast, MgSO4 showed better sensorial properties in juiciness intensity, tenderness intensity as well as overall acceptability than control, reflecting that MgSO4 was an effective Na-replacer in meat product formulation.

Salt equivalence and temporal dominance of sensations of different sodium chloride substitutes in butter

Studies indicate a positive association between dietary salt intake and some diseases, which has promoted the tendency to reduce the sodium in foods. The objective of this study was to determine the equivalent amount of different sodium chloride replacements required to promote the same degree of ideal saltiness in butter and to study the sensory profile of sodium chloride and the substitutes using the analysis of Temporal Dominance of Sensations (TDS). Using the magnitude estimation method, it was determined that the potencies of potassium chloride, monosodium glutamate and potassium phosphate relative to the 1% sodium chloride in butter are 83·33, 31·59 and 33·32, respectively. Regarding the sensory profile of the tested salt substitutes, a bitter taste was perceived in the butter with potassium chloride, a sour taste was perceived in the butter with potassium phosphate and sweet and umami tastes were dominant in the butter with monosodium glutamate. Of all the salt substitutes tested calcium lactate, potassium lactate, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride were impractical to use in butter.