Reduction or Replacement of Sodium Chloride in a Tumbled Ham Product

Abstract

ABSTRACT Public concern over excess sodium in the diet has prompted investigation of sodium replacement in tumbled ham. Salt treatments consisted of a control (100% NaCl) and 50% or 100% ionic strength replacement with either KCl or MgCl 2 . Protein extraction was monitored during the 8 hr, discontinuous tumbling cycle, and reached a peak within 6 hr for all salt treatments. Control hams had the best overall sensory scores, while KCl/NaCl treatment gave the best physical bind and acceptable sensory scores (P<0.05). Treatment with MgCl 2 gave the lowest bind and sensory scores (P<0.05). Partial replacement of Nacl ionic strength with 50% or less of KCl in tumbled ham can be accomplished while maintaining acceptable sensory and physical attributes.