Effect of the Inclusion of Olive Cake in the Diet on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Dry-Cured Loin and Dry-Cured “Cachaço” of Bísaro Pig

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to characterize the dry-cured loin and dry-cured “cachaço” of Bísaro pork and evaluate the effect of the inclusion of olive cake in the animals’ diet on the cured products. For this purpose, forty loins and forty “cachaços” were used, followed by a process of cold curing with controlled ventilation, without adding nitrites or synthetic additives. The dry-cured loin and “cachaço” chemical compositions were significantly different in moisture, total fat, protein, chlorides, ash, and haem pigments. The “cachaço” showed a much higher value of total fat and a lower protein value. Its chloride content was lower and was related to the lower ash percentage. Neither product differed significantly in the water activity and collagen content. The proportions of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids were significantly different between these products. The dry-cured “cachaço” showed higher values of SFA and PUFA, and the dry-cured loin had higher MUFA content. No significant effect of different olive cakes on diet was observed in the chemical compositions. Both products are of high quality and with good nutritional and physicochemical characteristics, and the introduction of olive cake in the diet did not affect any of the quality parameters analyzed.