Some chromatic differences were found between the treatments. Mean L* and C* values were similar (p > 0.05) in the Control and Started salamis, while mean H* angle was lower (p < 0.001) in the former, before and after drying. This means that the Started salami tended to a more yellowish-red tonality (simi- lar C* and higher H* angle) than the Control Salami. H* differences have been reported in salami as a function of different starter cultures; however, reflectance values of coarsely minced sausages can vary widely depending on factors such as colouring addition, muscle pigmentation, composition or mincing, among others. Ponceau red 4R provides a quite stable yellowish-red colour to salami, which may explain the C* stabilization noted during the drying stage. The nitrosylmyoglobin formation rate increases exponentially at the beginning of ripening as a result of the nitratereductant activity of staphylococci and other bacteria, and is associated with an increased C* in dry-cured fermented sausage ; however, C* may fall during the ripening due to the effect of the lactic acid on the different stages of myoglobin. The contribution of starter cultures to reddening was not clear, since there were no relevant changes in C*, even though Micrococcaceae counts were correlated with the H* angle (R = 0.65; p < 0.001).