Results and discussion
Table 1 shows the counts of the main fermentative groups of the salami. Mean TVC were higher (p < 0.05) in the Started- than in the Control salami, both before and after drying. The addition of L. sakei and P. pentosaceus at very low doses (6 × 105 CFU g–1) increased the initial LAB load by 2 log CFU g–1 with respect the spontaneous LAB, although final LAB counts of up to 8 log CFU g–1 were reached for both treatments. According to this, spontaneous LAB may even ferment the salami with no need for additional cultures despite the lower initial LAB counts, as suggested by other authors (Fernández et al., 2008; Moretti et al., 2004; Roig et al., 1999; Tabanelli et al., 2012). However, a low inoculation dose of pediococci and lactobacilli starter cultures led to an increase in a LAB population to reach levels considered suitable for a fermented sausage (Ammor & Mayo, 2007) from the beginning of the drying stage.