Effects of low salt on lipid oxidation and hydrolysis, fatty acids composition and volatiles flavor compounds of dry-cured ham during ripening

In order to study the effect of low salt on lipid oxidation and volatile flavor of dry-cured ham, a formula containing 18% potassium lactate, 12% lysine and 70% NaCl was used as an alternative salt for curing ham. The control group using 100% NaCl as pickled formulation dry-cured ham. The results showed that low salt significantly increased peroxide value (POV) and thiobarbituric acid value (TBARS) (P < 0.05). Acid lipase, neutral lipase, and phospholipase enzyme activity, as well as the amount of free fatty acids (FFAs), were all considerably higher in the low salt group than in the full salt group (P < 0.05). The volatile flavor compounds of dry-cured ham were determined by GC-MS, and 14 differential metabolites were screened out by using OPLS-DA analysis based on P < 0.05 and VIP >1. The enrichment analysis showed that low salt mainly affected low molecules fatty acids (palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid and myristic acid). Meanwhile, low salt treatment also influenced biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid elongation and fatty acid degradation. This study demonstrates that low salt promotes the formation of ham flavor quality by affecting lipid oxidation and hydrolysis.