Changes in volatile compounds of Parma ham during maturation.

Changes in the aromatic profile of Parma ham caused by the normal course of aging up to 12 months were examined in order to identify distinctive signals for different maturing periods (6, 9, 12 months). The 28 samples analysed, divided among the three periods mentioned above, provided an aromatic profile in which methyl esters were the most relevant signals, followed by carbonyl compounds and alcohols. The greatest discriminating power is to be ascribed to components such as 3-methylbutanal and ethyl esters, and alcohols like 1-propanol, 1-butoxy-2-propanol and 2-butanol. These compounds were present in higher percentages at 12 months of aging.