The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing sodium nitrite by S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine (NAC-SNO) at different addition levels (50, 150, and 300 mg of equivalent nitrite–Neq/kg) on the sensory profile and on the quality characteristics of restructured cooked hams during sliced storage (up to 60 days at 4°C). The addition of NAC-SNO did not affect (P > 0.05) the pH of the products and resulted in lower (P < 0.05) residual nitrite content (1.79 ± 0.61 mg/kg) and higher (P < 0.05) TBARS values (0.86 ± 0.44 mg MAD/kg) than nitrite added samples (8.43 ± 2.37 mg/kg and 0.66 ± 0.25 mg MAD/kg, respectively). During storage, an increasing trend in lipid oxidation was observed regardless of the curing agent used. The addition of 50 mg NEq/kg of NAC-SNO resulted in products with a more yellowish color tone (higher h values) and less intensity (lower C* values) than all the other products. The equimolar addition of 150 mg NEq/kg of NAC-SNO resulted in a similar pink color acceptance to nitrite; however, they were characterized by a higher (P < 0.05) characteristic flavor and aroma intensity and obtained greater (P < 0.05) sensory acceptance than nitrite. The addition of 150 mg NEq/kg of NAC-SNO was suggested as a substitute for nitrite to achieve the desired stability and sensory characteristics of cooked cured products.
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