Free Amino Acids in Ham Muscle During Successive Aging Periods and Their Relation to Flavor

Abstract

SUMMARY— The free amino acids and total ninhydrin positive material (NPM) in a 1% picric acid extract from dry‐cured hams were measured after six different periods of aging. Correlation coefficients were calculated between amino acid values and taste panel scores. Significant (P < .051 increases were observed for NPM, serine, glutamic acid, threonine, leucine and isoleucine (not separated), valine, phenylalanine, proline, tyrosine, alanine, glycine and histidine during successive aging periods. Correlation coefficients between NPM and the organoleptic measurements of aged flavor, acidity, elasticity, crumbliness and softness were all highly significant. It k postulated that the increase in free amino acids can be attributed to action of the naturally occurring cathepsins. The free amino acids and their changes in concentration in relationship to flavor are discussed.