Changes in lipid composition and fatty acid profile of Nham, a Thai fermented pork sausage, during fermentation

Abstract

Changes in lipid composition and fatty acid profile of Nham during fermentation were investigated. Total lipids of Nham were in the range 2–3%. The extracted lipid of initial Nham mix consisted mainly of triglycerides (TG), accounting for more than 75% of the total lipid, followed by phospholipids (PL) and a trace amount of diglycerides (DG) and free fatty acid (FFA). During fermentation, TG, DG and PL decreased with a concomitant increase in FFA, indicating lipolysis of Nham lipids during fermentation. Changes in fatty acids of the total lipids, non-polar and polar lipid fractions were observed during fermentation. In both total and non-polar lipid fractions, the major fatty acids found in a descending order were oleic (C18:1), linoleic (C18:2) and palmitic (C16:0) acids, which together accounted for 90% of the total fatty acids. Increases in fatty acid contents in both total and non-polar lipid fractions, were observed with a corresponding decrease in the quantity of fatty acids of phospholipids. As the fermentation proceeded, peroxide value generally increased while TBARS values decreased. Overall, lipid oxidation in Nham occurred during fermentation but did not cause the objectionable odour and taste in any Nham tested.