Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare chemical composition and fatty acid profile of Croatian and Montenegrin dry-cured meat products and dry-fermented sausages produced using a similar technology. Five types of products (n = 60) from both countries, i.e., prosciutto, sausages, pancetta, dry sirloin, and dry rack, were analysed. Basic chemical compositions and fatty acid methyl esters were determined using the accredited ISO methods. The obtained results showed no significant differences between Croatian and Montenegrin meat products in most of their chemical components, except for pancetta, in which significant differences in moisture ( p = 0.007), fat ( p = 0.016), and sugar ( p = 0.027) contents were established. The highest protein share, significantly differing between the countries of origin, was determined in prosciutto ( p = 0.018) and dry sirloin samples ( p = 0.014). As for individual fatty acids, the most represented was oleic acid (C18 : 1n − 9c, OA) in prosciutto (42.29%–42.34%), followed by palmitic (C16 : 0, PA) and stearic acid (C18 : 0, SA) in Croatian dry sirloin (27.60%) and dry rack (16.08%). The obtained monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), saturated fatty acid (SFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) shares are typical of pork meat products and were in the following decreasing order: 41.97–49.75%, 39.96–45.94%, and 7.69–14.96%, respectively. The n − 6/n − 3 ratios, which were five- to eight-fold higher than recommended, ranged from 14.82 (pancetta, Montenegro) to 25.83 (pancetta, Croatia) with differences between the countries of origin seen only in pancetta samples ( p < 0.001). Lipid quality indices (PUFA/SFA ratios), spanned from 0.17 (dry sirloin, Croatia) to 0.38 (pancetta, Montenegro), were also not in accordance with health recommendations. Since Montenegrin traditional meat products are unexplored yet, the obtained results could facilitate the procedure of their designation of origin and consequently contribute to their valorisation and recognisability in the international market.
Highlights
Changes in food consumption habits are numerous and constant; meat and meat products stand steadily in many of diets
As for individual fatty acids, the most represented was oleic acid (C18 : 1n − 9c, OA) in prosciutto (42.29%–42.34%), followed by palmitic (C16 : 0, PA) and stearic acid (C18 : 0, SA) in Croatian dry sirloin (27.60%) and dry rack (16.08%). e obtained monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), saturated fatty acid (SFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) shares are typical of pork meat products and were in the following decreasing order: 41.97–49.75%, 39.96–45.94%, and 7.69–14.96%, respectively. e n − 6/n − 3 ratios, which were five- to eight-fold higher than recommended, ranged from 14.82 to 25.83 with differences between the countries of origin seen only in pancetta samples (p < 0.001)
Nutritional composition and fatty acid profile of traditional meat products originating from Croatia and Montenegro were investigated
Summary
Changes in food consumption habits are numerous and constant; meat and meat products stand steadily in many of diets. Meat and meat products are generally considered to be a part of a wellbalanced diet, primarily due to their high protein content and due to their richness in micronutrients, such as zinc, iron, selenium, and vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, B12) [2]. Despite their nutritive value, due to the high content of fat, saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and an excessive share of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) over n-3 PUFAs, this food group is often linked to cardiovascular. The consumption per capita in 2018 in these two countries was quite similar (Croatia 52.13 kg/capita/year and Montenegro 45.25 kg/capita/year) [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
