Biochemical and sensory changes in dry-cured ham salted with partial replacements of NaCl by other chloride salts

The reduction of the content of sodium chloride in dry-cured ham was studied in to prevent the problems related to high sodium intake (i.e. the hypertension). One of the possibilities to reduce the sodium content is the partial replacement of sodium chloride by mixtures of potassium, magnesium and calcium chloride salts. The effect of two salting formulations (formulation II: 50% NaCl–50% KCl and formulation III: 55% NaCl, 25% KCl, 15 CaCl2 and 5 MgCl2) on the protease activity through the dry-curing process and on the sensory characteristics of the final product was evaluated and compared to those of control hams (formulation I, 100% NaCl). Sensory attributes were all affected in the hams containing CaCl2 and MgCl2 while hams containing 50% KCl and NaCl (formulation II) were better valued, except for the attribute taste probably due to the potassium contribution to bitter taste.

► Sodium chloride in dry-cured ham reduced with mixtures of K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ chlorides.
► Hams containing 50% of each KCl and NaCl were better rated, except for taste.
► The partial substitution of NaCl content did not affect the proteolysis phenomena.