by Chuckwagon » Sat Oct 10, 2009 2:37 am
Hot Goblin, ol' chap, allow me to take a crack at answering some of your questions.
On air-dried traditional sausages, white mold (penicillium nalgiovense or penicillium chrysangenum) are preferred to prevent myotoxin formation. Those used in cheese are of differing strains although they are very close in makeup. This “white mold” is generally not harmful to humans as are other molds with varying colors. The “good” white mold competes with the bad stuff displaying all kinds of different colors. All molds are aerobic and nalgiovense and chrysangenum assist in the drying process by preventing oxygen from reaching the interior of the sausage as they produce catalase. The catalase production reduces chemical lipid oxidation. In other words, it delays rancidity of fats. It also prevents loss of color. Penicillium nalgiovense also metabolizes lactic acid, causing an increase in Ph, thus lowering acidity. Generally, “wild” white or gray mold found in the atmosphere, is safe. Rinse away any other colored mold with a little salt and vinegar. If it has penetrated the sausage, it should be thrown out to be safe. Naturally occurring white or white-gray mold it is still a “wild” mold and it is always better to spend a few bucks and buy a prepared culture from a reputable company. In the states we pay about $15.00 for enough to cover at least a hundred pounds of sausage, depending on how it is applied (sprayed on, brushed on, or even dipped).
I hope this has helped answer your question. If not, write in and we’ll ‘splain sum more! Good luck in your sausagemaking. What’s next in the fermenting chamber? Well, I'm off. I bought a new AM radio and I'm going to see if it works in the evening!
Best Wishes, Chuckwagon
If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and walks like a duck, it probably needs a little more time on the grill.