Microbiota dynamics and volatile metabolite generation during sausage fermentation

Microorganism metabolic activity is critical for the formation of unique flavors in fermented meat products. To clarify the relationship between the formation of the special flavor of fermented meat and microorganisms, high-throughput sequencing and gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry were used to analyze microorganisms and volatile compounds in naturally fermented sausage. The findings revealed 91 volatile compounds and 4 key microorganisms, including Lactobacillus, Weissella, Leuconostoc, and Staphylococcus. The key microorganisms were positively correlated with the formation of 21 volatile compounds. The validation results showed that the contents of volatile compounds such as heptanal, octanal, 2-pentanone, and 1-octen-3-ol increased significantly after inoculation with Lb. sakei M2 and S. xylosus Y4. These two bacteria are the key microorganisms that produce the special flavor of fermented sausage. The present study can provide a theoretical basis for the directional development of fermented meat products, the preparation of special flavor enhancers, and expedited fermentation processes.