Effects of Particle Size, Casing Diameter, and Addition of Emulsions and Residual Nitrite on Quality Attributes of Cooked Salami

Cooked salami was manufactured from raw materials of two particle sizes (6.5 and 13.0 mm) with and without the addition of 25% meat batter, and stuffed into two sizes of casings (64 and 90 mm). A fourth variable, three levels of added nitrite (110, 220, and 440 ppm) was also included in the experimental design. Increasing the particle size and casing diameter resulted in less shrinkage and a firmer product. The use of 25% added meat batter reduced shrinkage but made a softer product upon heat processing than without meat batter added. Neither sensory nor textural properties were significantly influenced (p < 0.05) by the level of nitrite added. Levels of residual nitrite decreased upon storage of the product up to 14 days.