Comparative analysis of characteristic volatile compounds in five types of Yunnan dry-cured hams by HS-GC-IMS and HS-SPME-GC-MS

The quality characteristics of dry-cured hams from different regions of Yunnan province were studied by analyzing five types of Yunnan dry-cured hams (Xuanwei ham, Sanchuan ham, Nuodeng ham, Saba ham, and Heqing ham) using headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) and headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). The analysis aimed to identify different volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the dry-cured ham samples. Forty-one VOCs were qualitatively characterized by HS-GC-IMS from dry-cured ham samples, of which Nuodeng ham and Saba ham had similar fingerprint profiles and contained higher levels of aldehydes and alcohols. Meanwhile, a total of 12 qualitatively differential characteristic markers were screened by the PLS-DA model. Furthermore, 128 main VOCs were identified by HS-SPME-GC-MS, of which 26 differential characteristic markers were screened by the PLS-DA model. HCA analysis showed that the VOCs of Sanchuan ham were different from those of the other four dry-cured hams due to the unique processing. These results can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the flavor characteristics of dry-cured hams from different regions of Yunnan.