PRKAG3 and CAST genetic polymorphisms and quality traits of dry-cured hams-III. Associations in Slovenian dry-cured ham Kraški pršut and their dependence on processing

The aim of the present study, the third in a series of three papers, is to show the effects of PRKAG3 and CAST gene polymorphisms on the quality traits of the Slovenian dry-cured ham “Kraški pršut” and their interaction with ham producers. Significant interaction of polymorphisms with producer in the case of salt content, lipid oxidation (PRKAG3 Ile199Val), proteolysis index (CAST Arg249Lys) and pastiness (CAST Ser638Arg) indicated that genotype manifestation was reliant on the manufacturing practice. PRKAG3 Ile199Val polymorphism affected several physico-chemical, rheological and sensory traits. The Ile/Ile genotype yielded less salty and softer hams, indicating beneficial effects on dry-cured ham quality. The effect of CAST polymorphisms was less pronounced, although the observed associations with pastiness, proteolysis index and several free amino acid concentrations indicate its possible influence on proteolysis, with haplotype CAST 249Arg/638Ser being associated with a higher degree of proteolysis.     

Changes in physico-chemical, microbiological, textural and sensory attributes during ripening of dry-cured foal salchichón

The changes in the physico-chemical, microbiological, textural and sensory attributes of foal salchichón were followed during ripening. Foal salchichón samples were taken at 0 days (mix before stuffing), and after 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 and 49 days of ripening. The final a_w was 0.82, whereas pH values stayed around their initial values. TBAR'S values increased significantly (P < 0.001) during processing, from 0.44 to 2.26 mg/kg of sausage. Ripening time also affected the lightness (L*), redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) (P < 0.001). Hardness, gumminess and chewiness increased (P < 0.001) from 0.96, 0.6 and 0.47 to 46.92 kg/cm², 21.34 kg/cm² and 15.14 kg, respectively during processing, whereas cohesiveness and springiness values decreased during ripening. Lactic acid bacteria increased slowly in number and a large increase of Micrococcaceae was noticed. Regarding sensorial characteristics, foal salchichón samples showed high values for intensity of flavour (7.22 ± 0.44), hardness (7.33 ± 0.71) and dryness (6.67 ± 0.71) and low scores for acid taste (1.67 ± 0.71) and saltiness (3.11 ± 0.6).     

Effect of Iberian×Duroc genotype on dry-cured loin quality

Dry-cured loins from three different pig genotypes were studied: GEN1: ♂ Iberian × ♀ Duroc1, GEN2: ♂ Duroc1 × ♀ Iberian; GEN3: ♂ Duroc2 × ♀ Iberian. GEN1 and GEN2 are reciprocal crosses, while the difference between GEN2 and GEN3 is the Duroc sire line. The genotype of pigs Duroc1 was selected for the manufacture of dry-cured meat products, while the genotype Duroc2 was selected for meat production. The chemical composition of the dry-cured loins was significantly different, especially the intramuscular fat (IMF) content which was highest in GEN2. Dry-cured loins from GEN3 showed lower CIE a^∗ and chroma values. IMF from GEN2 was more saturated whereas GEN3 had higher percentages of PUFA and MUFA. Loins from GEN3 had higher TBA-RS values (p > 0.05) and hexanal contents. Loins from GEN3 had higher Warner–Bratzler shear force (p > 0.05) and instrumental hardness than those from GEN2, being intermediate in GEN1. Panellists considered that loins from GEN2 were more marbled, more odorous, juicier, sweeter and less salty than loins from GEN3. Therefore, loins from GEN2 had the best quality, followed by GEN1, while GEN3 had the worst quality.     

Influence of dietary α-tocopheryl acetate supplementation of pigs on oxidative deterioration and weight loss in sliced dry-cured ham

The effect of feeding high levels of α-tocopherol to pigs on the susceptibility to oxidative deterioration and weight loss in dry cured hams was investigated. The α-tocopherol concentration in thigh muscle from pigs fed the basal and the supplemented diet (200 mg kg(-1) α-tocopheryl acetate) in unprocessed thighs was 8.69 and 16.87, μg g(-1) dry matter, not including ash, respectively (p-value=0.015), while the concentration was 6.65 and 14.28 μg g(-1), respectively, in the final products (p-value=0.011). Hams from pigs fed the basal diet oxidized more during storage (p-value=0.015) as measured by formation in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and had a higher rate of weight loss (p-value=0.0001). The total loss in red color after 4 days of storage was similar in all treatments. However, the rate of discoloration was more pronounced during the first 2 days of storage in hams from pigs fed the basal diet (p-value=0.016). This result indicates that high dietary level of α-tocopheryl acetate to pigs increases the oxidative stability in dry cured hams manufactured on the basis of such pigs.     

Enrichment of dry-cured ham with α-linolenic acid and α-tocopherol by the use of linseed oil and α-tocopheryl acetate in pig diets

The use of α-linolenic acid and α-tocopherol enriched pork on the fatty acids and the sensory characteristics of Spanish dry-cured hams have been studied. Five batches of hams were manufactured using the posterior legs of pigs fed on diets with the same ingredients except for the oil source: sunflower (C), linseed (L) or linseed and olive (1/1, w/w, LO). Two different α-tocopheryl acetate concentrations [20 (C, L and LO) or 220 (LOE and LE)mg/kg diet] were used. Biceps femoris and Semitendinosus/Semimembranosus muscles from hams with low polyunsaturated fatty acid n-6/n-3 ratio (less than 3) were obtained from animals fed on linseed and linseed/olive oil enriched diets. However, hams from animals fed on diets added with linseed and α-tocopheryl acetate (20mg/kg diet) (batch L) were rejected by consumers because of less acceptable sensory characteristics and higher TBARs. The remaining hams had satisfactory sensory and nutritional characteristics.     

Nutritional and sensory quality of porcine raw meat, cooked ham and dry-cured shoulder as affected by dietary enrichment with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and α-tocopheryl acetate

The effects of dietary enrichment of pig diets with DHA from a marine source (Algatrium^®) and α-tocopheryl acetate on the nutritional and sensory characteristics of pork and pork products were evaluated. Raw and cooked hams, and dry-cured shoulders from pigs fed with three diets (control, control supplemented with 0.3% DHA plus 50 ppm α-tocopheryl acetate and control with 200 ppm α-tocopheryl acetate) were used. The treatments did not cause any significant differences in proteolytic and antioxidant enzyme activities, except on catalase (CAT) which increased significantly in raw hams from pigs fed DHA supplemented diets. Vitamin E accumulated in samples with α-tocopheryl acetate supplementation. DHA added to the diet increased the DHA level by 87% compared with the control treatment in both raw and dry-cured shoulders, and exceeded 82% in cooked hams. In consequence, the incorporation of the n − 3 source in the diet significantly reduced the n − 6/n − 3 ratio in all products. The ratio reduction ranged from 51% in dry-cured shoulders to 65% in cooked and raw hams.     

The effects of atmospheric cold plasma on inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus and some quality characteristics of pastırma—A dry-cured beef product

In this study the effectiveness of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) in inactivating two bacterial pathogens on inoculated pastırma was investigated. In addition, the effect of this treatment on the total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB) and yeast–mold counts was also observed. Pastırma samples were inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes and subjected to CAP applications using oxygen (100%), argon (100%) and two oxygen/argon mixtures (25%O₂/75%Ar and 50%O₂/50%Ar) for 180 and 300 s. Maximum reduction of 0.85 log CFU/cm² for S. aureus counts and 0.83 log CFU/cm² for L. monocytogenes counts were found from starting level of 5.78 and 5.71 log CFU/cm², respectively. However, it was determined that the TMAB and yeast–mold counts were reduced by 1.41 log CFU/cm² and 1.66 log CFU/cm², respectively. It was found that pastırma samples had a 7.34% decrease in moisture content as a result of CAP application due to evaporated water from the sample's surface. In the light of these results, this study showed that cold atmospheric plasma can be used to lower levels of S. aureus and L. monocytogenes in pastırma.Industrial relevanceThermal treatments can cause sensory and nutrient changes in meat products. Non-thermal food processing technologies are innovative applications that continue to attract attention. Cold plasma, which is one of the non-thermal technologies, is environmentally friendly and causes minimal changes to treated products. In this study, cold atmospheric plasma treatment was effective against S. aureus and L. monocytogenes inoculated on pastırma and reduced their counts. Moreover, it also succeeded in reducing counts of TMAB and yeast–mold in the pastırma.     

Application of time–intensity method to assess the sensory properties of Iberian dry-cured ham: effect of fat content and high-pressure treatment

This paper describes the effect of high-pressure treatment (HHP) (600 MPa) on the oxidative stability (hexanal) and the sensory properties of sliced and vacuum-packaged Iberian dry-cured ham varying in intramuscular fat (IMF) content (low fat—flank, high fat—hip) after refrigerated storage (120 days, +2 °C). Both static and dynamic time–intensity sensory techniques were applied. Samples subjected to HHP treatment and HF samples showed the highest hexanal content. HF samples displayed higher scores for colour intensity, marbling and brightness of lean. IMF content contributed to a more intense temporal perception of hardness and fibrousness and to a more intense and longer rancid flavour perception. External fat from pressurized samples showed a higher colour intensity and hardness probably due to the extent of lipid oxidation and the development of fat crystallization. Results of temporal analysis indicated that pressurized samples turned out harder, juicier, more fibrousness, saltier and displayed a more intense overall and rancid flavour.     

Lipolysis, proteolysis and sensory characteristics of a Spanish fermented dry-cured meat product (salchichón) with oregano essential oil used as surface mold inhibitor

The superficial antifungal activity of oregano essential oil (OEO) in Spanish fermented dry-cured sausages ("salchichón"), and its effects on lipolysis, proteolysis and sensory characteristics were evaluated. The surface application of OEO reduced mold contamination on the surface, without significantly affecting the drying process. To evaluate the intensity of lipolysis during the ripening process, the profile and content of free fatty acids were determined. The addition of OEO led to a higher amount of unsaturated fatty acids, but lipolysis was not greatly affected. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), which was used to qualitatively assess the proteolytic changes in the sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins during the process, pointed to very similar patterns in all the sausages. OEO did not significantly affect the sensory properties, but increased hardness, resulting in a better texture. Therefore, a shorter ripening time may be necessary for sausages treated with OEO.     

Development of volatile compounds during the manufacture of dry-cured "lacón," a Spanish traditional meat product

Volatile compounds were determined throughout the manufacture of dry-cured "lacón," a traditional dry-salted, and ripened meat product made in the north-west of Spain from the foreleg of the pig following a similar process to that of dry-cured ham. Volatiles were extracted by a purge-and-trap method and analyzed by gas chromatographic/mass spectrometry. One hundred and two volatile compounds were identified. In raw material, only 34 volatile compounds were found and at very low levels. The number of volatile compounds increased during processing. The substances identified belonged to several chemical classes: aldehydes (23), alcohols (9), ketones (15), hydrocarbons (37), esters (4), acids (3), furans (4), sulphur compounds (1), chloride compounds (1), and other compounds (4). Results indicated that the most abundant chemical family in flavor at the end of the manufacturing process was aldehydes, followed by hydrocarbons and ketones. Lipids were the most important precursor of flavor compounds of dry-cured "lacón."     

Influence of the salting time on volatile compounds during the manufacture of dry-cured pork shoulder "lacón"

The effect of the length of salting time on volatile compounds throughout the manufacture of dry-cured "lacón" was studied using a purge-and-trap extraction and GC/MS analysis. For this study, six treatments of "lacón" were salted with different amounts of salt (LS (3 days of salting), MS (4 days of salting) and HS (5 days of salting)). The total area of volatile compounds increased significantly (P<0.001) as the length of salting time increased. Significant differences were found for the total area of all aldehydes for each salting time at the end of process. Hexanal presented the most relative abundance, showing highest content in HS treatments while LS treatments showed the lowest one at the end of salting, post-salting and drying-ripening stage. The influence of salting time on the content of 3-Octen-2-one was significant on salting stage (P<0.001) and drying-ripening stage (P<0.01). The salting time affected (P<0.001) the relative abundance of esters at the end of salting and at the end of drying-ripening stage. The salting time affected significantly (P<0.001) on alcohols content at the end of drying-ripening process. However, no significant effect of salt level (P>0.05) was detected on total hydrocarbons and total furans at the end of process.     

Biogenic amine content during the manufacture of dry-cured lacón, a Spanish traditional meat product: Effect of some additives

The content of nine biogenic amines (agmatine, tryptamine, 2-phenylethylamine, putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, tyramine, spermidine and spermine) was determined throughout the manufacture of dry-cured lacón, a traditional dry-salted and ripened meat product made in the north-west of Spain from the fore leg of the pig following a similar process to that of dry-cured ham. The effect of the use of additives (glucose, sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate, sodium ascorbate and sodium citrate) on the biogenic amine content during manufacture was also studied. Tryptamine and spermine were the main biogenic amines in fresh meat, while tryptamine and cadaverine were the most abundant at the end of the manufacturing process. During ripening the total amine content increased significantly (P<0.05) in the batches made both without and with additives. The use of additives significantly (P<0.05) increased the total amine content and the content of tryptamine, tyramine and histamine. The total biogenic amine content at the end of the manufacturing process was low as expected for a product in which there is little active microbial metabolism during manufacture.     

Effect of a 10-day ageing at 30°C on the texture of dry-cured hams processed at temperatures up to 18°C in relation to raw meat pH and salting time

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a 10-day ageing at 30 ± 2 °C on the texture of dry-cured hams processed at temperatures up to 18 ± 2 °C for 12 months in relation with raw ham pH and salting time. Three pH groups (semimembranosus muscle at 24 h post-mortem: Low pH < 5.7, Medium pH = 5.7  pH  5.9, and High pH > 5.9), three salting times (6 d, 10 d and 14 d) and two ageing temperatures (18 °C and 30 °C) were investigated. Physicochemical characteristics, instrumental and sensory texture and product sliceability were evaluated on biceps femoris and semimembranosus muscles. Hams with pH_SM24 < 5.7 should be avoided in order to reduce the incidence of texture problems in dry-cured ham elaboration. Texture problems are especially important in hams with a reduced salt content that are mechanically sliced (not frozen). A 10-day ageing at 30 °C could be useful for reducing the soft texture problems in dry-cured hams processed at temperatures up to 18 °C for 12 months without affecting the product flavour.     

Frequency and behavior of Salmonella and Escherichia coli on whole and sliced jalapeño and serrano peppers

The frequencies of coliform bacteria (CB), thermotolerant coliforms (TC), Escherichia coli, and Salmonella were determined for jalape?o and serrano peppers. In addition, the behavior of four serotypes of Salmonella and three E. coli strains on whole and sliced jalape?o and serrano peppers as well as in blended sauce at 25 ± 2°C and 3 to 5°C was investigated. Chili peppers were collected from markets in the city of Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico. CB, TC, E. coli, and Salmonella were detected on serrano peppers in 100, 90, 50, and 10 % of the samples, and on jalape?o peppers in 100, 86, 32, and 12 % of the samples. Concentrations of CB ranged from 3.8 to 7.9 log CFU per serrano sample and from 5.3 to 8.2 log CFU per jalape?o sample, whereas concentrations of TC and E. coli were between < 3 and 1,100 most probable number per serrano and jalape?o samples. On whole serrano and jalape?o peppers stored at 25 ± 2°C or 3 to 5°C, no growth was observed for rifampin-resistant strains of Salmonella and E. coli. After 6 days at 25 ± 2°C, the tested Salmonella serotypes and E. coli strains had decreased from an initial inoculum level of 5 log CFU to 1 and 2.5 log on serrano and jalape?o peppers, respectively, and at 3 to 5°C they decreased to approximately 1.8 and 1.2 log, respectively, on serrano and jalape?o. Both the Salmonella serotypes and E. coli grew on sliced chili peppers and in blended sauce; after 24 h at 25 ± 2°C, both bacteria types had grown to approximately 4 and 5 log CFU on pepper slices and in sauce, respectively. At 3 to 5°C the bacterial growth was inhibited.     

Synthesis and structure–activity relationships and effects of phenylpropanoid amides of octopamine and dopamine on tyrosinase inhibition and antioxidation

Phenylpropanoid amides of octopamine (OA) 1a–1e and dopamine (DA) 2a–2e were synthesised and the structure–activity relationships (SARs) for antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibition activities were analysed. Among synthesised compounds, 2c, which contains two catechol moieties, exhibited the most DPPH radical-scavenging activity (EC₅₀ = 16.2 ± 2.4 μM), and 1d exhibited significant tyrosinase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 5.3 ± 1.8 μM). Interestingly, with the same acid moiety, OA derivatives showed more inhibitory effect on tyrosinase than did compounds derived from DA, whereas DA derivatives were found to have higher antioxidant activity than compounds derived from OA. The relationship between their structures and their potencies, demonstrated in the current study, will be useful for the design of optimal agents.     

Knitting and Embroidery

ITMA ASIA Hall 4 Stand No. B76OTEMAS Hall 5 booth 5001At the 7th otemas the textile machinery manufacturer KarlMayer, together with Nippon Mayer Ltd, will be exhibitingthe latest tricot, Raschel and warping machines at a 360 m～2large exhibition stand in,included will be the HKS 4 EL high-performance tricot machine in a max. working width of 4,572 mm (180″) and gauge E 28. This machine works withelectronic EL ghde bar control system so that a pattern changecan be catried out in a …     

Dyeing and Finishing

Santex -GroupITMA ASIA Hall 5 Stand No. A43The Santex-Group prepares a joint booth:·Santex AG, Tobel/Switzerland, specialized in machines andknow-how for finishing of knitted fabrics·SperottoRimar S.p.A.. Malo/Italy, with machines and plantsfor woven fabrics. especially also for wool·Santex Nonwoven,Tobel/Switzerland, with plant technol-ogy for thermobonding and nonwoven manufacturing·Cavitec AG, Munchwilen/Switzerland, specialized in ma-chines and plants for industrial textil…