Investigation of homogeneity and physicochemical characterisation of the Homemade Slavonian Sausage

analysis, every sausage sample was triparted. 1 dr.sc. Dragan Kovačević, full professor, Kristina Suman, Bsc, assistant, Dr. sc. Drago Šubarić , full professor, Krešimir Mastanjević, Bsc, assistant. Faculty of Food Technology, University of J. J. Strossmayer in Osijeku, Department of Food Technology, Kuhačeva 20, 31 000 Osijek 2 dr.sc. Sanja Vidaček, scienti!c assistant. Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb-Croatia, Department of Food Engineering, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb The aim of this study was to investigate the homogeneity of the traditional dry-fermented sausages manufactured in small scale facilities in Eastern Croatia. The homogeneity was estimated by analysis of the physicochemical parameters of 20 di!erent brands of traditional Croatian homemade dry fermented sausage known as Homemade Slavonian Sausage. Sensory analysis and correlation analysis (multivariate method) was performed in order to check if the physicochemical di!erences found, were perceived by the sensory panel. All of that was made in order to perform an exhaustive physicochemical characterisation of the "nal product. The physicochemical results showed that sausages were heterogeneous in composition, but only the heterogeneity in fat content was signi"cantly perceived by the sensory panel. This may indicate that fat content is the most important parameter for sensory evaluation. Also, the highest negative correlation between fat content and slice surface appearance may indicate that visible fat on slice surface in#uence on panellist’s perception of taste and odour of sausages.