Physicochemical characteristics, textural properties and volatile compounds in comminuted sausages as affected by various fat levels and fat replacers

Physicochemical and textural properties, and volatile compounds of comminuted sausages with various added fat levels and fat replacers were evaluated. Sausages without added fat had higher expressible moisture and texture values, but their lightness and yellowness values were lower, as compared with sausages with 5%, 10%, or 15% fat. Increased fat levels with constant amounts of lean meat and added water increased the lightness and yellowness values, but tended the redness values tended to be similar. Low‐fat sausages (LFSs, <3%) containing non‐meat proteins, except egg white protein, had reduced texture values similar to those of regular‐fat counterparts (RFC). The addition of non‐meat proteins, except egg white protein, as components of fat replacers in LFS improved the textural characteristics, making them similar to those of RFC. LFSs containing sodium caseinate had reduced concentrations of pentadecanal and octadecanal, resulting in similar volatile compositions to those of RFC. Thus, sodium caseinate was the best non‐meat protein for the improvement of both texture and flavour of LFSs.     

Biogenic amine accumulation in ripened sausages affected by the addition of sodium sulphite

The effect of two concentrations of sodium sulphite on biogenic amine accumulation during the ripening of slightly fermented sausages was examined. Three batches of sausages were manufactured: one without sulphite (control), one with 500 mg/kg and one with 1000 mg/kg of sodium sulphite. Considerable tyramine production (75–140 mg/kg dry matter [dm]) was observed in all batches. Sausages with sulphite, especially those with 500 mg/kg, accumulated higher amounts of tyramine than those without sulphite. Cadaverine was observed in the batch without sulphite (38 mg/kg dm), but its production was markedly inhibited by the presence of sulphite. A small amount of putrescine (4–12 mg/kg dm) was found during ripening and its final content was slightly higher in sausages with 1000 mg/kg of sulphite. No production of histamine, phenylethylamine or tryptamine was observed. Agmatine and spermine levels decreased during ripening, whereas spermidine levels remained constant. Although sausages with sulphite showed lower microbial counts, only cadaverine production was lower than in sausages without sulphite. In contrast, tyramine and putrescine production seemed to be stimulated by the presence of sodium sulphite.     

Technological and sensory characteristics of reduced/low-fat,low-salt frankfurters as affected by the addition of konjac and seaweed

This paper reports the effect of an edible seaweed, Sea Spaghetti (Himanthalia elongata), on the physicochemical (emulsion stability, cooking loss, colour, texture, residual nitrite and microstructure) and sensory characteristics of reduced- and low-fat, low-salt (NaCl) frankfurters prepared with konjac gel as a fat substitute. The effects on emulsion stability of substituting konjac gel for pork backfat were conditioned by the proportion of the substitution. Incorporation of a combination of Sea Spaghetti/konjac gel (accompanied by reduction in salt) increased (P < 0.05) cooking loss and reduced (P < 0.05) emulsion stability in the gel/emulsion systems. Incorporation of Sea Spaghetti/konjac gel produced a decrease (P < 0.05) of lightness (L∗) and redness (a∗) values and an increase (P < 0.05) of yellowness (b∗) as compared to the other samples. The effect of adding seaweed on the texture parameters of low-salt frankfurters varied depending on the proportion of konjac gel used in the formulation. Morphological differences in frankfurter microstructure were observed as fat content was reduced and konjac gel increased. Incorporation of a combination of Sea Spaghetti/konjac gel caused the formation of a more heterogeneous structure, in which the seaweed was integrated in the meat protein matrix.     

Physico-chemical characteristics and free fatty acid composition of dry fermented mutton sausages as affected by the use of various combinations of starter cultures and spices

The microbiological, physico-chemical and free fatty acid composition of dry fermented mutton sausages were determined during ripening and storage. Three sausage mixtures (starter culture [SC], SC and black pepper [SC+BP] and SC, BP and cumin [SC+BP+C]) were compared with a control (CO). In general, the lactic acid bacteria populations in the SC+BP increased significantly to 9 log CFU/g and were higher than the CO (8 log CFU/g) (P<0.05) from fermentation to ripening. The pH values of the SC, SC+BP and SC+BP+C were 4.81, 4.55 and 4.53 respectively, significantly lower (P<0.05) than the CO at the end of fermentation. The water activity (a(w)) in all sausages decreased significantly to 0.88 at Day 7. The total free fatty acid (TFFA) in the treatments increased significantly (P<0.05) during ripening and storage. The levels of MUFA+PUFA/SFA in SC+BP and SC+BP+C at Day 7 were 2.44 and 2.31 respectively, higher than the control (1.65) (P>0.05).     

Assessment of safe enterococci as bioprotective cultures in low-acid fermented sausages combined with high hydrostatic pressure

Three bacteriocinogenic, non-aminogenic and non-virulent Enterococcus strains (Enterococcus faecium CTC8005, Enterococcus devriesei CTC8006 and Enterococcus casseliflavus CTC8003) were used as starter cultures in low-acid fermented sausages to assess their competitiveness and their bioprotective potential against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. The inoculated strains were successfully monitored by RAPD-PCR. All the strains were able to grow, survive and dominate the endogenous enterococci population and avoided the growth of Enterobacteriaceae. E. devriesei CTC8006 and E. faecium CTC8005 particularly inhibited the growth of L. monocytogenes during the whole ripening process. S. aureus was not affected by the inoculated bacteriocinogenic enterococci strains.     

Volatile compound generation in dry fermented sausages by the surface inoculation of selected mould species

The effect of the inoculation of dry fermented sausage surface with an atoxigenic, proteolytic and lipolytic strain of Mucor racemosus, Penicillium aurantiogriseum and Penicillium camemberti on the volatile composition was studied. The analysis of the headspace volatile compounds using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry enabled the identification of 55 volatiles. The study showed that every mould species produced a different volatile profile which was also different from that of the control sausages. Compounds derived from amino acid catabolism, i.e. branched aldehydes and the corresponding alcohols, were produced in higher amounts in sausages inoculated with Penicillium spp. On the other hand, volatiles coming from the microbial esterification were related to sausages inoculated with M. racemosus. The development of the fungal mycelia on the sausage surface protected lipids from oxidation, thus giving rise to fewer lipid oxidation products in the inoculated sausages.     

Biochemical and sensory characteristics of traditional fermented sausages of Vallo di Diano (Southern Italy) as affected by the use of starter cultures

In this study, two strains of Staphylococcus xylosus isolated from traditional fermented sausages of Vallo di Diano (Southern Italy) were used in combination with an acidifying strain of Lactobacillus curvatus as starter culture for the production of fermented sausages. Two starter formulation were developed combining the proteolytic but not lipolytic (prt(+), lip(-)) S. xylosus CVS11 with the L. curvatus AVL3 (starter S1) and the S. xylosus FVS21 (prt(-), lip(+)) with the same strain of L. curvatus (starter S2). Proteolysis and lipolysis were observed during ripening by the increase in total free amino acids (FAA) and free fatty acids (FFA), respectively. Such activities were observed in both started and non started sausages (control). Moreover, the proteolytic and lipolytic activities were detected in products started by both formulations irrespective of the presence of such activities in the strains used. Therefore, it was not possible to conclude whether the effect of proteolysis and lipolysis during ripening of the started fermented sausages was due to the activity of the starter cultures or to the action of meat endogenous enzymes.     

Reduction of salt in pork sausages by the addition of carrot fibre or potato starch and high pressure treatment

The combined effect of high pressure processing (HPP) (400, 600 and 800MPa) and carrot fibre (CF) and potato starch (PS) on low salt (1.2%) pork sausages was investigated and compared with high (1.8%) salt sausages. Sausages had a marked increase in whitening with increasing content of fibre or starch, pressure level, and process temperature. The degree of redness was mainly affected by pressure level and heat treatment. An important finding regarding salt reduction was that the use of starch or fibre had more impact on textural properties than the level of salt since Young's modulus and strain at fracture were mainly affected by formulation and HPP. Water binding capacity of low salt sausages was improved to the same level as high salt sausages with HPP and addition of CF or PS particularly by the addition of PS which produced sausages with better sensory properties than CF. The sensory analysis showed that this approach is promising for producing low salt sausages.     

Survival of Listeria innocua in dry fermented sausages and changes in the typical microbiota and volatile profile as affected by the concentration of nitrate and nitrite

The involvement of nitrate and nitrite in the formation of N-nitrosamines in foods is a matter of great concern. This situation has led to revise the real amount of nitrate and nitrite needed in meat products to exert proper technological and safety activities, and also to extensive research to find alternatives to their use. The present study addresses the possibility of reducing the ingoing amounts of these additives below the legal limits established by the current European regulations. Different concentrations of nitrate and nitrite were tested on Spanish salchichón-type dry fermented sausages concerning their role in the microbiota and volatile profile. Sausages were manufactured with the maximum ingoing amounts established by the EU regulations (150 ppm NaNO₃ and 150 ppm NaNO₂), a 25% reduction and a 50% reduction; control sausages with no nitrate/nitrite addition were also prepared. The mixtures were inoculated with 5 log cfu/g of Listeria innocua as a surrogate for Listeria monocytogenes. L. innocua numbers in the final product were approximately 1.5 log cfu/g lower in the batch with the maximum nitrate/nitrite concentration when compared to 25 and 50% reduced batches, and about 2 log cfu/g in comparison to the control sausages. The final numbers of catalase-positive cocci were 1 log cfu/g higher in the 50% nitrate/nitrite reduced batch and 2 log cfu/g higher in the control sausages, compared to products manufactured with the maximum nitrate/nitrite concentration. This increase was related to a higher amount of volatile compounds derived from carbohydrate fermentation and amino acid degradation. Sausages with no addition of nitrate/nitrite showed higher amount of volatiles from lipid oxidation. Enterobacteriaceae counts reached detectable values (1-2 log cfu/g) in both nitrate/nitrite reduced sausages and in the control batch, while these organisms were not detected in the batch with the maximum ingoing amount. Nitrate and nitrite exerted a significant effect on the typical microbiota of dry fermented sausages and effectively contributed to control Listeria. These considerations should be taken into account in view of a future restriction in the use of these curing additives.     

Volatile components of the Chinese fermented soya bean curd as affected by the addition of ethanol in ageing solution

Two Chinese fermented soya bean curd products were prepared using Actinomucor taiwanensis and ageing in brine solution with or without ethanol. The volatile compounds in these Sufu products were identified and quantified by GC and GC‐MS. A total of 61 volatile compounds were identified including 22 esters, 18 alcohols, 7 ketones, 3 aldehydes, 2 pyrazines, 2 phenols and 7 other compounds from the 75‐day aged Sufu products. Of the 61 identified compounds, 55 compounds were found to exist simultaneously in the two Sufu products prepared. Quantitatively and qualitatively, less volatile components were found in Sufu ageing without ethanol than those ageing with ethanol. In general, as the ageing period extended, contents of nearly all the volatile fractions in Sufu, particularly ester and alcohol, increased. In addition, a significantly higher amount of ester was noted in Sufu aged with ethanol than in that aged without ethanol. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Influence of starter cultures on the generation of antioxidant nitrogen compounds in Iberian dry‐fermented sausages

The purpose of this work was to investigate the influence of a starter culture on the generation of nitrogen compounds with antioxidant activity during the ripening of Iberian dry‐fermented sausages. Starters P200S34 (P. acidilactici M200 and S. vitulus RS34) and P198S34 (P. acidilactici MS198 and S. vitulus RS34) were used to make the Iberian dry‐fermented sausages ‘salchichón’ and chorizo; then, the physicochemical and microbial properties were determined during the ripening process. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay was employed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the nitrogen extracts obtained during ripening of the sausages. This activity was correlated with the most relevant compounds detected by HPLC‐ESI‐MS in the final ripened extracts. Although a relevant part of the antioxidant activity was attributed to the predominant natural nitrogen fraction, the microbial population found in fermented sausages and the fermentation conditions significantly influenced the low molecular weight nitrogen profile and antioxidant activities. Inoculation with the starter culture P200S34 increased free amino acids and amines, such as methionine and tyramine, but other nitrogen compounds also increased the antioxidant activity of the low molecular weight nitrogen extracts. Thus, these starter cultures in Iberian sausages can contribute to delaying oxidative changes during storage.     

Lactic acid bacteria ecology of three traditional fermented sausages produced in the North of Italy as determined by molecular methods

In this study the bacterial biodiversity during the maturation process of three traditional sausages produced in the North of Italy (Salame bergamasco, Salame cremonese and Salame mantovano) was investigated by using culture-dependent and -independent methods. Eleven plants, in the three provinces considered here, were selected because starter cultures were never used in the production. The bacterial ecology, as determined by plate counts, was dominated by lactic acid bacteria (LAB), with minor contribution of coagulase negative cocci and yeasts. After molecular identification of 486 LAB strains, the species more frequently isolated were Lactobacillus sakei and Lactobacillus curvatus. This evidence was also confirmed by PCR-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE). All the samples analyzed were characterized by the constant presence of L. sakei and L. curvatus bands. A richer biodiversity was only detected at the beginning of maturation. The results obtained by the molecular characterization of the L. sakei and L. curvatus and by the cluster analysis of the DGGE profiles highlighted a plant-specific population, rather than a geographic characterization of the products, underlining how the environmental and processing conditions are able to select specific microbiota responsible for the main transformations during the fermentation and ripening of the sausages.     

Effect of heat treatment of fish meals,fines and the addition of lysine as related to gizzard erosion in chickens

The effect was studied of certain properties of fish meal on their tendency to predispose chickens to develop gizzard lesions when used in starter diets. These properties relate to the degree of heat treatment to which the meals had been subjected, the fineness of the meal, and the fish species involved. The effect on gizzard erosion of addition of dietary lysine was also considered. The results suggest that the use of meals heated to 130°C or higher, but not of meals stored at lower temperatures, is more likely to result in the development of gizzard lesions, while the fineness of the fish meal had no effect on this phenomenon. In some instances added dietary lysine reduced gizzard erosion incidence. No relationship was found between chicken liveweight gain during the experimental period and gizzard lesion scores. A 7-day biological test was used in these studies.     

Changes in the apparent viscosity profiles of casein suspensions as affected by plant enzymes

The aim of this work was to study the degree of hydrolysis and changes in the apparent viscosity of casein suspensions as a result of various enzymes addition. Suspensions with 3, 12 and 15 g/100 mL of casein, at pH 5.2, 6.0 and 6.5 were prepared in buffer solutions. Previous standardization; plant (papain and bromelain) and animal (chymosin) enzymes were added to hydrolize the casein suspensions. A control with no enzyme addition was used. The rheological behaviour was determined using a rotational rheometer (Haake RV20), with a cone and plate geometry. The Casson and the power law equations were applied to the data. The degree of hydrolysis was a function of the enzyme, pH and casein concentration, presenting chymosin the highest values. All enzymes showed the highest activity at acidic pH. Also, some substrate inhibition was observed. All samples behaved as non-Newtonian, shear-thinning systems with a yield stress value. In all cases, a significant increase in the viscosity was observed when shifting from 3 to 12 g/100 mL. Further increase in concentration caused an opposite effect. Changes in pH of the casein suspensions affected the viscosity, presenting maximum values at pH 6.0. The Casson equation fitted the results better than the power law model.     

Analysis of volatile compounds in L. edodes blanched by hot water and microwave

The comprehensive flavour characterisation and volatile compounds of raw L. edodes, hot water blanching (HB) sample and microwave blanching (MB) sample were comparatively analysed by electronic nose technology and headspace solid‐phase micro‐extraction combined with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS). Results indicated that volatile components in L. edodes markedly changed after HB and MB. Volatile compounds of raw L. edodes consisted mainly ketones, sulphide and alcohols, and 3‐octanone, as well as 1‐octen‐3‐one, were the major compounds. The content of ketones and sulphides in blanched samples markedly decreased, while the relative content of aldehydes, hydrocarbons and esters increased, which became the major volatile compounds of treatment samples. In addition, the percentage contents of esters, alcohols and sulphides in MB samples were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that in HB samples, especially 1‐octen‐3‐ol, which contributes more to mushroom flavour. Therefore, MB is a better pretreatment method of L. edodes processing and cooking according to the results of experiment.