Iberian ham ripening: Evolution of volatile compound-based indices

The aim of this work was to know the evolution of several summatories and indices (calculated using volatile compound data) during the ripening stage of Iberian ham. Several summatories and indices experienced significant changes through ripening, and therefore they could be used as indicators of the ripening time of Iberian ham. Furthermore, for most variables a significant equation of simple linear regression (including one variable and ripening time) was found, which could help to predict ripening time. With regard to the summatories, the best result was found for the equation including time and the sum of 2-methylpropanal, 2-methylbutanal, 2-methyl-1-butanol and dimethyldisulfide (R-2= 0.610). With regard to the indices, the best result was found for the equation including time and the percentage of lipid oxidation-derived compounds (R-2= 0.632).