CHEMICAL AND COLOR CHARACTERISTICS OF “LOMO EMBUCHADO” DURING SALTING SEASONING

Abstract

ABSTRACT “Lomo embuchado” is a traditional Spanish dry‐cured meat product with two principal stages (salting‐seasoning and dry‐maturation) in its process. The evolution of chemical (moisture, nitrite, pH and lactic acid) and physical parameters: (CIELAB color space, chroma and hue, a*/b*, ΔE* and reflectance ratios R560/R500, R650/R570 and R630/RS80), during the salting‐seasoning stage were measured. Three zones in the salted‐seasoned loins were identified, and all parameters in each zone were analyzed. ANOVA and regression analyses were conducted. Moisture, pH and residual nitrite decreased with time (P<0.01), and lactic acid increased (P<0.05). Only moisture showed differences between zones (P<0.05). Color parameters changed during the salting‐seasoning stage. Lightness (P<0.01), redness (only during the first 24 h (P<0.05)), and a*/b* ratio (P<0.01) increased. Yellowness (P<0.01), hue (P<0.01) and chroma (P<0.05) decreased during the process. The only parameter that was not affected by time and zone was reflectance ratio R630/R580 (P>0.05). Moisture and reflectance ratio R560/R500 were affected by zones (PCO.05). An excellent cured color was obtained during salting and seasoning.