Colour and texture profiles of boneless reestructured dry-cured hams compared to traditional hams

Colour and texture, resultant of a complex process involving chemical, physical and enzymatic modifications, are important parameters for the acceptability of dry-cured hams. This study aimed to evaluate texture and colour instrumentally profiles of six types of dry-cured ham: two experimentally accelerated processed products, called CTC 3.5% and CTC 5.0% according to the initially added salt percentage; two imported (Spanish Serrano and Italian); and two Brazilian (Serrano type and Parma type) commercial products. The experimental process combined muscle-boning, transglutaminase addition, tumbling and moulding in stainless steel moulds, followed by drying and maturation. Evaluations were carried out using the Hunter colour system (A, 10º) and TPA (Texture Profile Analysis). The samples differed in lightness (lighter products - CTCs), and in red colour (higher a values - Italian and Serrano type). The more distinct texture profiles were seen in CTCs as compared to the Italian and Parma type samples, with the former having the highest values of hardness, springiness, cohesiveness and chewiness. The results showed the typical colour and texture characteristics of dry-cured hams, although each product had its own particularities likely due to differences in the raw material and processing techniques.