Combined application of high-throughput sequencing and UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS-based metabolomics in the evaluation of microorganisms and metabolites of dry-cured ham of different origins

Ham fermentation relies on environmental and indigenous microorganisms forming a rich microbiome, which is pivotal to taste and flavor formation. Previous studies have focused on the appearance of differences of microorganisms and metabolites, this study aims to establish the relationship between microorganisms and metabolites over a period of two years in the fermentation of hams from Jinghua (JH2), Xuanwei (XW2), Rugao (RG2), Iberian (IB2) and Parma (PA2). We profiled bacterial communities by sequencing the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA genes and metabolites were analyzed using LC-Q-TOF-MS. LefSe analysis showed that different biomarkers in five ham groups. OPLS analysis showed that most differential metabolites are amino acids and were associated with four metabolic pathways. Correlation analysis implies a firm positive relationship between microorganisms and metabolites. This study provides novel insights into the taste and flavor quality of dry-cured hams of different origins due to fermentation.