Half pieces of vacuum‐packaged traditional chorizos with different characteristics from Spain and Portugal were treated by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) in order to increase their stability during storage. Microbiological, physical‐chemical, oxidative, and sensory changes were evaluated during the storage at 4°C and 20°C for 180 days. HHP was effective for the reduction of microorganisms’ counts. In both chorizos, instrumental color was modified after HHP. Lipid oxidation was not modified by HHP, although at day 180, it was higher in chorizos stored at 20°C than at 4°C. The sensory analysis showed that the storage at 20°C and HHP could affect some important sensory parameters, although HHP could reduce the appearance of unpleasant odors. Despite all, HHP was effective to improve the microbial safety in traditional chorizo although a reduction of quality was noticed; however, the changes were less intense than the effect of temperature of storage.
Practical applications
Chorizo is a traditional dry‐fermented sausage, produced mainly by artisanal practices which differ in each region. Chorizos are generally considered as microbiologically safe products. However, in cases of initial contamination of the raw materials, the safety of these products can become compromised. Additionally, packaged dry‐cured sausages require long shelf life, and although they are normally stored at refrigeration temperatures; sometimes they are preserved at room temperatures. The application of hydrostatic high pressure could increase the safety of dry‐cured meat products even when they are stored at room temperature. Initial characteristics of each type of chorizo could determine their technological behavior during processing or during storage at different conditions.