In this work, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐NMR)and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to characterize the different metabolites and the free fatty acid composition of Yunnan dry‐cured beef. Compared with raw meat, the moisture content of the finished product was reduced by 53.41% (p < .01). The water activity of the finished product was 15.15% lower than that of the raw beef (p < .05). The TBARS value reached its highest value during the first drying phase, 13 times higher than that of the raw meat (p < .01). The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and saturated fatty acids increased during the production. 1H‐NMR was used to identify and quantify 59 water‐soluble low molecular weight (WSLMW) compounds. Amino acids and its derivatives and amine compounds were the most abundant WSLMW compounds in the final product. The five compounds of lactate, creatine, carnosine, inosine monophosphate, and inosine play an important role in the differentiation of samples at different processing stages.
Practical applications
Yunnan dry‐cured beef is a traditional naturally fermented meat product in Yunnan Hui Autonomous Region of China, which is famous for its unique flavor. At present, there are few studies on the change of flavor precursors in Yunnan dry‐cured beef during processing, and the mechanism of flavor formation is still unclear. For these reasons, the aim of this study was to determine the changes in physicochemical parameters, free fatty acid profile, and water‐soluble low molecular weight (WSLMW) compounds of Yunnan dry‐cured beef during the production process. These results contribute to a more accurate understanding of precursor changes and flavor formation of Yunnan dry‐cured beef during processing.