Effect of NaCl partial replacement by KCl, Ca-ascorbate, and spent hen meat hydrolysate on the physicochemical properties and quality of Cantonese sausage

A large amount of NaCl is usually used to provide a unique flavor and extend the shelf life of meat products. However, excessive sodium intake may cause diseases such as cardiovascular diseases. Spent hen meat hydrolysate (SHH) as an efficient NaCl substitute was developed with inefficient research related to SHH application in food systems. Therefore, the effects of NaCl replacement with SHH, KCl, and Ca-ascorbate on the quality of low-sodium Cantonese sausage were investigated. Four groups of salt formulation, I (100% NaCl), II (NaCl/KCl/Ca-ascorbate = 60%/30%/10%), III (NaCl/KCl/Ca-ascorbate/SHH = 50%/30%/10%/10%), and IV (NaCl/KCl/Ca-ascorbate/SHH = 30%/30%/10%/30%), were used to produce Cantonese sausages. The moisture and nitrite content decreased, the microbiological growth was inhibited, and the protein content increased after adding SHH for Cantonese sausages with NaCl substitution degrees of 50% and 70%. The saltiness, overall flavor, color, and texture of low-sodium Cantonese sausages with SHH were maintained or improved compared to the Cantonese sausage without sodium replacement. The proportion of peptides with molecular weight <1 kDa in Cantonese sausages increased after adding SHH, which may improve the overall flavor by interacting with peptides or other compounds. SHH combined with KCl and Ca-ascorbate is an efficient NaCl substitute, which can maintain and even improve Cantonese sausage quality and reduce sodium content up to 70%. These findings offer a promising reference for SHH application in the food industry and promote the development of salt taste-enhancing hydrolysate in food science.