Effect of Storage Conditions on Quality Characteristics of Bologna Sausages Made with Citrus Fiber

Bologna sausage with added citrus fiber was improved nutritionally in fiber content and had decreased residual nitrite levels and a delay in the oxidation process as determined by TBA values and red color. Only TBA values and redness were influenced by storage conditions (light and darkness) mainly due to the oxidant effect attributable to light. In both cases these effects were minimized by the citrus fiber. Citrus fiber at all concentrations made the products harder and less springy and chewy. All samples had similar satisfactory quality scores except bologna with 2% citrus fiber, which had the lowest scores. Microbial growth was not modified by citrus fiber during storage.