In conclusion, the concentration of curing salts, the nature of
the probiotic culture (free or immobilized L. casei ATCC 393 on
wheat grains) and the ripening time had a significant effect on
the concentration of all volatile compounds. Of note, PCA showed
that primary the ripening process affected the volatile profile. Generally,
reduction of curing salts led to increased content of esters
and organic acids. However, more research is required to better
understand the microbial interactions which are responsible for
the biochemical changes that occur during the ripening process
of dry-fermented sausages and the effect of the curing salts on
volatiles.