Abstract. To compare quality traits of longissimus lumborum muscle of three genotypes, 20 White Mangalica (WM), 20 crossbred Duroc  ×  White Mangalica (DWM) and 20 Large White (LW) pigs were allotted to the same indoor rearing and feeding conditions. Crossbred and LW pigs grew faster than WM pigs reaching 150 kg on average 168 and 288 days before WM, respectively. Meat from WM pigs had the highest intramuscular fat content and darkest and reddest colour; crosses were at an intermediate position, with significant differences among all genotypes. In addition, ultimate pH, water-holding capacity and iron content were significantly the highest in meat from WM pigs, compared to the other two genotypes. Crossing WM with Duroc had a significant effect on individual fatty acid content of meat. However, the sum of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids remained unchanged. WM and DWM pigs had significantly more tender meat than LW pigs. Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) were most abundant, followed by saturated (SFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in meat from all animals. Meat from WM and DWM pigs had a significantly higher percentage of MUFAs and significantly lower percentage of SFAs than LW pigs.

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The aim of the present study was to develop meat-based media with compositions similar to those of dry-fermented meat products and to evaluate their use in studying the growth of Aspergillus parasiticus and the kinetics of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production. In our previous experiments, we found that the strain A. parasiticus ŽMJ7 produced a high amount of AFB1. Cooked meat agar (CMA2) was used as a novel complex meat-based medium with four variations: CMA2G (CMA2 supplemented with 1% glucose), CMA2YE (CMA2 supplemented with 0.2% yeast extract), and CMA2GYE (CMA2 supplemented with 1% glucose and 0.2% yeast extract). Media were inoculated with an A. parasiticus spore suspension (105 spores/mL) and incubated at 25 °C for up to 15 days. The A. parasiticus lag phase lasted less than 1 day, irrespective of the growth medium, with the exception of control medium CMA1 (cooked meat agar) as an already known meat-based medium. The highest mean colony growth rate was observed on CMA2 and CMA2G. Reversed-phase UPLC–MS/MS analysis was performed to determine the AFB1 concentration in combination with solid phase extraction (SPE). The highest AFB1 concentration in meat-based media was detected in CMA2GYE after 15 days of incubation (13,502 ± 2367 ng/mL media). The results showed that for studying AFB1 production in dry-fermented meat products, novel suitable media such as CMA2-based media are required. This finding could represent a potential concern with regard to the production of dry-fermented meat products.

Kranjska klobasa is a traditional Slovenian cured, smoked, and cooked sausage made with coarse‐ground pork. It is a traditional product that is protected geographical indication status and is produced practically everywhere in Slovenia, as well as in some other European countries. The aim of this study was to determine the main characteristics of Kranjska klobasa prepared by different manufacturers in Slovenia. Products from 14 producers were analysed for basic chemical composition, for content of salt, nitrite, phosphate, and TBARs, for instrumentally measured firmness, and for sensory parameters. A comparison of some of these characteristics of Kranjska klobasa produced over the last 12 years was also carried out. Despite some of the limitations (less added pork fat, free of added phosphates, and beef), the Kranjska klobasa with protected geographical indication status shows better juiciness, texture, intensity of flavor, and overall acceptability compared to Kranjska klobasa produced before protection was granted. Practical applications It is well known that protection of quality traditional food products can promote specific rural areas. Therefore product characterization is essential for success and recognition in the market. In this article is shown that protection has changed and standardized the composition and manufacturing process of Kranjska klobasa with protected geographical indication status. Protected product showed better juiciness, optimal texture, intense flavor, and improved overall acceptability compared to the Kranjska klobasa “before protection.” Even with some limitations (use of beef, polyphosphates, and meat batter is prohibited, pepper and garlic permitted spices), decreased content of fat (limited to 29%) improved sensory quality for the product can be provide.