Impact of partial substitution of NaCl by KCl, and MgCl(2) on physicochemical and sensory properties of cooked sausages during storage

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of three salting treatments (control, 100% NaCl; T1, 60% NaCl and 40% KCl; T2, 50% NaCl, 40% KCl, and 10% MgCl(2)) on meat quality of sausages during storage. METHODS: Various types of curing salts were used for processing of salamis. Physico-chemical and sensory evaluation of the sausages were analyzed during 4 weeks of ripening. RESULTS: The pH values and salinity contents were the highest in control, while they were the lowest in T2 at 4 weeks (p<0.05). Control and T1 had less thiobarbituric acid reactive substances than T2 at 2 weeks (p<0.05). The volatile basic nitrogen levels in T1 were similar to control and lower than T2 at 2 and 4 weeks (p<0.05). Moreover, T1 samples were redder and had a higher saturation index (C*) value when compared to the others. T2 showed greater hardness, gumminess and chewiness when compared with the control (p<0.05). Control was comparable to T1 for sensory attributes. CONCLUSION: Sodium chloride may be partially substituted with potassium chloride without negatively influencing meat quality of sausages up to 4 weeks of storage. These results could help to develop low-sodium sausages.