The aim of this study was to compare the effect of seawater to that of conventional salt (NaCl) on the technological properties of chicken emulsion sausages in a model system. Chicken sausages were prepared with seawater at three levels (10%, 15%, and 20%) in iced water (10%, 5%, and 0%, respectively) or with iced water (20%) and salt (1.2%). There was no difference in pH values and fat loss from emulsion stability between the two treatments. In general, with an increase in the amount of seawater, the water holding capacity (cooking yield and water loss), protein solubility (total and myofibrillar protein), and viscosity were increased. The addition of 20% seawater induced greater (p<0.05) water holding capacity, protein solubility, and viscosity compared to the control sample treated with salt, which was accompanied by an increase in the level of myosin heavy chain protein of samples with 10% and 20% seawater. Furthermore, addition of at least 15% seawater increased all of the main textural properties except for cohesiveness along with the moisture of sausage, whereas the fat and protein contents were decreased. Based on these results, the addition of ≥15% seawater to chicken breast sausage can induce equivalent or enhanced technological properties to those induced with salt, including water holding capacity, protein solubility, viscosity, and textural properties.

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