Effects of l‐arginine/l‐lysine on physicochemical properties of sodium‐reduced Cantonese sausage without exogenous phosphate addition

Summary The study inquired the influences of l ‐arginine and l ‐lysine on the physicochemical properties (including weight loss rate, water activity, texture, colour, lipid and protein oxidation, residual nitrite content and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) content) of low‐sodium and low‐phosphate Cantonese sausage during the 1‐ and 7‐day storage. The results showed that the addition of l ‐arginine or l ‐lysine reduced the weight loss rate, TBARS content, carbonyl group content and residual nitrite level, slightly decreased water activity, and enhanced L* , a* and b* values. Compared to the control, 0.3% l ‐arginine or l ‐lysine declined hardness and chewiness, while 0.6% l ‐arginine or l ‐lysine elevated these two parameters. However, the addition of l ‐arginine or l ‐lysine also led to an increase in TVB‐N content. Overall, l ‐arginine and l ‐lysine improved the qualities of low‐sodium and low‐phosphate Cantonese sausage, which might be attractive to meat product manufacturers.