Partial substitution of pork backfat with extra-virgin olive oil in ‘salami’ products: effects on chemical, physical and sensorial quality

The effects on chemical, physical and sensory quality of the partial substitution of pork backfat with extra-virgin olive oil were studied in ‘salami’ products. Four ‘salami’ formulations, with 15% total fat, were prepared, in which 0, 33.5, 50 and 66.5% of pork backfat was substituted with extra-virgin olive oil. The partial pork backfat substitution with extra-virgin olive oil did not substantially affect the chemical, physical and sensorial characteristics of products, with the exception of water activity and texture. With regard to both oxidation and loss of organoleptic quality, the addition of extra-virgin olive oil, rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids, did not decrease the shelf-life. The difference between samples with and without extra-virgin olive oil was a piquant note detected in the oil-added ‘salami’. The formulation with 5% olive oil, corresponding to 33.3% substitution of pork backfat with olive oil, was judged best of all formulations. The results show that it is possible to produce this type of product, of good taste, similar to the traditional one, but with healthier features.