Improvement of Moisture Stability and Textural Properties of Fat and Salt Reduced Cooked Sausages by Inoculation of Thermotolerant Lactic Acid Bacteria

Four thermotolerant lactic acid bacteria strains (UAM15c, UAM10a, UAM17, UAM18) were inoculated in two cooked sausage formulations (one full fat and sodium and one fat-sodium reduced). Total moisture content, expressible moisture and cooking stability, pH and CIE-Lab color, and texture were evaluated during 15 days of storage at 4 degrees C. Inoculation improved cooking stability and reduced water release in both formulations, resulting as well in lighter and less red and yellow coloration. Inoculation of thermotolerant lactic acid bacteria resulted in less hard and more cohesive texture. Microscopy showed that P. acidilacti UAM15c and L. plantarum UAM10a secreted exopolysaccharides probably related to high moisture stability and better textural properties, as compared with non-inoculated samples.