Fat effect on physico-chemical, microbial and textural changes through the manufactured of dry-cured foal sausage Lipolysis, proteolysis and sensory properties

The effect of fat content on chemical traits related to dry-curing process (pH, moisture and water activity), color and textural properties and changes of free fatty acids and amino acids compositions during the processing of foal dry-cured sausages were studied. For this purpose, three batches (20 units per batch) of dry fermented sausages with different pork back fat content (5%, 10% and 20%) were manufactured; low fat (LF), medium fat (MF) and high fat (HF), respectively. Samples at 0 days (mix before stuffing), and after 7, 14, 28, 42 and 49 days of ripening were taken.The fat level affected color and textural parameters at the end of the process, showing dry-cured foal sausage with the higher level of fat, the highest values of luminosity and the least hardness. No significant differences (P > 0.05) among batches were detected on total viable counts, lactic acid bacteria and Microccaceae during the process. Regarding lipolysis and lipid oxidation it can be deduced that the increase in the fat level encouraged the production of free fatty acids and 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. At the end of the ripening individual free fatty acids followed this order: oleic, palmitic, linoleic and stearic acid, representing 82-95% of the total free fatty acids. Final level of TBARS index was in the worst case of 1.23 mg MDA/kg of sausage. On the contrary, the batch with lesser fat content showed the highest levels of free amino acids at the beginning and at the end of the process, showing final values of 1.6%.

► Fat level on physico-chemical properties of dry-cured foal sausage ► Horsemeat has excellent nutritional properties ► Foal meat represents a good alternative for use in preparing cured sausages