title: Factors affecting acceptability of dry-cured ham throughout extended maturation under "bodega" conditions.
abstract: The evolution of biochemical, instrumental colour and texture, sensory parameters and consumer acceptability of 12-month dry-cured hams maintained up to 26 months under "bodega" conditions (18°C, 75% relative humidity) was assessed, in order to investigate the influence of extended ripening on their sensory characteristics and acceptability. Results demonstrated that ham acceptability showed no significant differences (p>0.05) from 12 to 22 months, while it decreased significantly (p<0.05) until 26 months. Principal component analysis of all data brought about a comprehensive explanation of the biochemical, instrumental and sensory parameters involved in the acceptability decrease. In fact, high pastiness and adhesiveness values, as measured by both sensory and instrumental methods, appeared to be most related to decreasing acceptability. Those attributes were the result of an excessive proteolysis, as revealed by biochemical maturation indices.
authors: Department of Animal Production and Food Science, Laboratory of Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain.
authors: Irene
authors: I
authors: Cilla
authors: Luis
authors: L
authors: Martínez
authors: José Antonio
authors: JA
authors: Beltrán
authors: Pedro
authors: P
authors: Roncalés