Comparison of Meat Quality Traits in Salami Added by Nitrate-free Salts or Nitrate Pickling Salt during Ripening

Evaluating the Potential of Korean Mudflat-Derived Penicillium nalgiovense SJ02 as a Fungal Starter for Manufacturing Fermented Sausage

The objective of this study was to isolate, identify, and evaluate novel Korean starter cultures for use in fermented sausages. A total of 72 strains were isolated from various indigenous sources, including Nuruk, Jeotgal, and mudflats on the west coast of South Korea. Two strains were identified as Penicillium nalgiovense (SD01 and SJ02), a traditional starter used in the production of fermented sausages. A comparative analysis was performed between SD01 and SJ02 using the commercial starter culture (M600). Strain SJ02 exhibited superior lipolytic and proteolytic activities, as well as an enhanced growth rate at the optimal salinity level of 2% NaCl compared to M600. No significant differences were observed in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values, sausage colors, and texture properties between SJ02 and M600 fermented sausages, except for adhesiveness. Profiles of mycotoxin-related genes were similar for both strains. Electronic nose analysis revealed distinct aroma profiles between SJ02 and M600 fermented sausages, with a relatively higher levels of propan-2-one and butyl butanoate in SJ02, and a higher level of ethanol and propanal in M600. In electronic tongue analysis, there was no significant differences in taste characteristics between SJ02 and M600. These results indicate that P. nalgiovense SJ02 is a potential starter culture to produce dry fermented sausages, enhancing Korean style cured meat processing industry.

Effect of the Addition of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) on the Protein Profile, Antiradical Activity, and Microbiological Status of Raw-Ripening Pork Sausage

The study evaluated the effect of adding dandelion extract on the characteristics of raw-ripening pork sausages while reducing the nitrite addition from 150 to 80 mg/kg. The sausages were made primarily from pork ham (80%) and pork jowl (20%). The process involved curing, preparing the meat stuffing, forming the links, and then subjecting the sausages to a 21-day ripening period. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, water activity, and oxidation-reduction potential were compared at the beginning of production and after the ripening process. The study also examined the impact of ripening on protein metabolism in pork sausages and compared the protein profiles of different sausage variants. The obtained research results indicate that dandelion-leaf extract (Taraxacum officinale) were rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, and their derivatives (LC-QTOF-MS method). Antiradical activity test against the ABTS+* and DPPH radical, and the TBARS index, demonstrated that addition of dandelion (0.5-1%) significantly improved the oxidative stability of raw-ripening sausages with nitrite content reduction to 80 mg/kg. A microbiological evaluation of the sausages was also carried out to assess the correctness of the ripening process. The total number of viable bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and coliforms were evaluated and subsequently identified by mass spectrometry.

Overview of Studies on the Use of Natural Antioxidative Materials in Meat Products

Studies conducted in the past decade related to the use of natural antioxidants in meat products revealed the prevalent use of plant-based antioxidative materials added as powders, extracts, or dried or raw materials to meat products. The amount of antioxidative materials varied from 7.8 ppm to 19.8%. Extracts and powders were used in small amounts (ppm to grams) and large amounts (grams to >1%), respectively. Antioxidative materials used in meat products are mainly composed of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which are able to inhibit lipid peroxidation of meat products, thereby preserving meat quality. However, the main ingredients used in processed meat products are the traditional additives, such as sodium erythorbate, sodium hydrosulfite, and synthetic antioxidants, rather than natural antioxidants. This difference could be attributed to changes in the sensory quality or characteristics of meat products using natural antioxidants. Therefore, novel research paradigms to develop meat products are needed, focusing on the multifunctional aspects of natural antioxidants.

Effects of partial substitution of nitrites with purple-fleshed sweet potato powder on physicochemical characteristics of sausages

Synthetic nitrite imparts a reddish-pink color to meat and a distinct flavor to meat products, delays lipid oxidation, and inhibits microbial growth and pathogens. However, excessive intake of nitrite might result in the production of carcinogenic nitrosamine, which might increase the risk of cancer in humans. Therefore, we aimed to find an alternative natural colorant for pork sausages. Pork sausages were mixed with 0.014% sodium nitrite (NaNO₂) alone (CON), without either NaNO₂ or purple-fleshed sweet potato powder (PP; CON1), 0.5% PP alone (PP1), 1% PP (PP2) alone, 0.011% NaNO₂ and 0.5% PP (SP1), and 0.011% NaNO₂ and 1% PP (SP2). The sausages were then cooked and stored for physicochemical analysis on days 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20. The a* and W* values were the greatest and lowest in the SP2 and CON1 treatments, respectively (p < 0.05). The concentrations of residual nitrite in the sausages at 20 days decreased in the order of CON > SP1, SP2 > PP2 > PP1, CON1. The fatty acid content was higher, and flavorous amino acids were more in PP2 (p < 0.05). The fatty acid composition was comparable between the SP2 and CON groups, but the contents of glutamic acid and alanine were greater in the SP2 group. In conclusion, SP2 (0.011% NaNO₂ with 1% PP) could be added as a natural colorant for pork sausage production, and NaNO₂ could be substituted with up to 20% PP without detrimental effects on sausage appearance and/or quality.