Bacterial Proteinase Reduces Maturation Time of Dry Fermented Sausages

The effect of proteinases, from Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NCDO151 and from Bacillus licheniformis (Alcalase, NOVO Nordisk), on the ripening of dry sausages was compared. Increased levels of starter bacteria, d-lactic acid, a sharper pH-drop and changes in chromato-graphic profiles (by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) indicated that the enzyme from Lactobacillus paracasei accelerated the dry sausage ripening. This effect was not detected in sausages with the Alcalase enzyme. Higher sensory scores on maturity flavor, color, hardness and others, confirmed that sausages containing proteinase from L. paracasei showed the same maturity after 14 days as those without enzymes or with the Alcalase enzyme after 28 days.