The influence of nitrite and nitrate on microbial, chemical and sensory parameters of slow dry fermented sausage

Nitrate and/or nitrite are used in the manufacture of dry-fermented sausages. However, research has mainly been focusing on nitrite and its effect on flavour development whereas little attention has been paid to nitrate. The aim of the present work was to study the effect of nitrate and nitrite as curing salts on the quality of a slow fermentation process. Two different batches containing nitrate or nitrite were manufactured. Microbial and chemical parameters were monitored during ripening and after vacuum packed storage, as well as their fatty acid composition and their profile of volatile compounds. The oxidation, measured as TBARS (Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), was greater in the samples with added nitrite than in the samples with added nitrate. FFA (free fatty acids) release was higher in the samples containing nitrite throughout the process. Volatile compounds arising from amino acid degradation and carbohydrate fermentation were generated at higher levels in the samples with added nitrate, probably due to the higher population of microorganisms in these samples and the effect of nitrate on their metabolism.