The effect of Juniperus communis L. essential oil (JEO) addition at concentrations of 0.01, 0.05 and 0.10 µL/g on pH, instrumental parameters of color, lipid oxidation (2-Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)), microbial growth, texture and sensory attributes of dry fermented sausages produced with different levels of fat (15 and 25%) and sodium nitrite (0, 75 and 150 mg/kg) was assessed. Reduced level of sodium nitrite (75 mg/kg) in combination with all three concentrations of JEO (0.01–0.10 µL/g) resulted in satisfying physico-chemical (color and texture) properties and improved oxidative stability (TBARS < 0.3 mg MDA/kg) of dry fermented sausages produced with 25% of fat. However, sausages produced with 0.10 µL/g of JEO had untypical flavor. No foodborne pathogens (Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp. and sulfite-reducing clostridia) were detected in any sample throughout the storage period (225 days). The results of this study revealed significant antioxidative activity of JEO and consequently its high potential as effective partial replacement for sodium nitrite in dry fermented sausages.

The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Juniperus communis L. essential oil (JO) in cooked sausages was examined. Sausages with different concentrations of JO (0.15.0 µl/g) and a control were prepared. Instrumental parameters of colour (CIE L*a*b*), TBARS values, DPPH scavenging activity assay, microbial profile, and sensory panel scores have been assessed. Batches produced with the JO addition were darker and redder compared to the control. Sausages with the addition of 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 µl/g JO showed the significantly (P &lt; 0.05) lower TBARS values compared to the control. The addition of JO decreased radical formation and reduced the growth of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria. The flavour of sausages produced with the addition of 0.1 and 0.5 µl/g JO was slightly/moderately and significantly (P &lt; 0.05) different from the control. This study demonstrates the significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Juniperus communis L. essential oil, as well as the potential of its utilisation in the production of cooked pork sausages to enhance quality.

This study investigates the effects of sodium nitrite replacement by the sage essential oil (SEO), on the physico-chemical, microbiological and sensory quality of dry fermented sausages (DFS) during 225 days of storage. The SEO (0.00, 0.05 and 0.10 µL/g) was added in DFS batters formulated with different levels of pork back fat (15% and 25%) and sodium nitrite (0, 75 and 150 mg/kg). The inclusion of SEO had no negative impact on pH, color (instrumental and sensory) and texture parameters. Total plate counts were lower than 6 log CFU (colony forming units)/g in all samples throughout the storage. Furthermore, the addition of SEO at concentration of 0.05 µL/g provided acceptable TBARS (2-Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) values (<0.3 mg MDA (malondialdehyde)/kg) in the samples produced with reduced levels of sodium nitrite (0 and 75 mg/kg) without negative alternations on sensory attributes of odor and flavor. Generally, our findings confirmed that the usage of SEO could be a good solution to produce healthier DFS with reduced levels of sodium nitrite.

Caraway (Carum carvi L.) essential oil (CEO: 0.01, 0.05, 0.10 µl/g) was used in dryfermented sausages manufactured with 15% and 25% of fat and three levels of sodium nitrite (0, 75, 150 mg/kg). Dry-fermented sausages were vacuum packed and stored (225 days) and their physico-chemical, microbial, and sensory attributes were assessed (a total of 288 dry-fermented sausages were produced). The inclusion of CEO had a significant effect on pH, texture and color, odor, and flavor. Moreover, the partial and total replacement of sodium nitrite with CEO (0.01 µl/g) provided acceptable TBARS values (<0.3 mg MDA/kg) in low-fat (15%) of sausages throughout the storage. The usage of CEO at 0.10 µl/g affected formation of atypical flavor.Generally, our findings confirmed that the CEO has promising potential for development of dry-fermented sausages with reduced level of sodium nitrite, primarily regarding their oxidative stability. Practical applicationsThe usage of natural antioxidants is one of the key strategies in the novel meat industry. Concerning strong antioxidant potential, CEO could be used as an emerging antioxidant and potential substitute for sodium nitrite in meat processing.