Lactic acid bacteria play a major role in the
microbial consortium of fermented and cured
meat: they affect both the technological properties and the microbial stability of the final
product through the production of lactic and
acetic acids, and the consequent pH decrease.
At pH values of 4.6 – 5.9, muscle proteins
coagulate and lose their water - holding capacity. This results in an improvement in the
final product ’ s sliceability, firmness, and
cohesiveness. Ripening is also favored at this
acidic environment, as well as color development. Moreover, the accumulation of lactic
and acetic acids inhibits growth of spoilage
and pathogenic microorganisms. Gram -
positive catalase - positive cocci also have a
relevant role in the manufacture of fermented
sausages. They enhance color stability,
prevent rancidity, reduce spoilage, decrease
processing time, and contribute to flavor
development. Yeasts and molds are used
mainly for fl avor development, the first
through carbohydrate fermentation and the
latter by lactate oxidation, proteolysis, degradation of amino acids, and lipolysis (Hugas
and Monfort 1997 ; L ü cke 2000 ).