Three yeast strains belonging to Debaryomyces and Hyphopichia spp., isolated fromdry-cured hams and previously
tested for biocontrol activity against toxigenic Penicillium nordicum, were investigated for ability in colonising
ham surface. Hams were twice yeast-inoculated onto the unskinned muscle surface during ripening and processed
up to fullmaturation in two manufacturing plants. The yeast strains and themanufacturing plants differed
(P b 0.05) in surface populations, volatile compounds and sensory descriptors of matured hams. Sensory scores
for each of the yeast-inoculated groups were higher or similar to the non-inoculated ones (controls).
Debaryomyces strainswere regarded as thosemost fit to colonise the hamsurface under the ecological conditions
of dry-curing rooms, hence to qualify as biocontrol agents against the growth of undesired mould and preserve
the typical sensory properties of dry-cured hams.