Flavour Compensation Role of Yeast Strains in Reduced-Salt Dry Sausages: Taste and Odour Profiles

The effects of different yeast strains including Pichia kudriavzevii, Torulaspora delbrueckii, and Debaryomyces hansenii on the taste and odour profiles of reduced-salt dry sausages were explored. Inoculation of P. kudriavzevii and D. hansenii compensated for the lack of saltiness and umami tastes of reduced-salt sausages. Furthermore, inoculation of P. kudriavzevii and T. delbrueckii resulted in an odour profile in the reduced-salt dry sausages that was similar to traditional dry sausages. According to the volatile analysis, the contents of certain alcohols, acids, esters and terpenes were higher in the inoculated sausages. Finally, the sensory evaluation indicated that the inoculation of P. kudriavzevii and D. hansenii contributed positively to the aroma and saltiness of reduced-salt dry sausages. In conclusion, P. kudriavzevii and D. hansenii can be employed as effective starter cultures to compensate for the flavour deficiencies of reduced-salt dry sausages.