Hams from Norwegian Duroc pigs, reared and fed identically, were dry-cured using three different processing methods: Spanish Serrano (SS), Norwegian Parma-style (PS) and deboning before curing (ND). The fatty acid compositions of the green and dry-cured hams were analysed in terms of their neutral lipid, phospholipid and free fatty acid contents and correlated with sensory attributes. Although the three drycuring processes were quite different, the hams 0 lipid profiles, lipid degradation patterns and lipid-associated sensorial characteristics differed only slightly. The phospholipids were the most extensively degraded lipid class (88, 89% and 84% degradation in PS, SS and ND hams, respectively) for all processing methods. The SS and PS hams had slightly riper sensory profiles due to their extensive conversion of fatty acids into aroma components. The free fatty acid contents of PS, SS and ND hams were 6.3, 6.2 and 7.5 times greater than those of green hams, respectively.

Hams from Landrace, Duroc and Hampshire pigs slaughtered at ages 6, 7.5 and 9 months were processed to generate Norwegian Parma-style hams. Lipid contents and the compositions of fatty acid classes (ΣSFA, ΣMUFA, ΣPUFA) within neutral lipids, phospholipids and free fatty acids were determined. Small differences in lipid degradation and composition of the classes were revealed. However, significant sensory differences related to lipids were observed. Breed was more important than age. Dry-cured Hampshire hams gave a more intense mature odour that may be associated with higher overall lipid degradation. Unexpectedly, these hams also demonstrated high juiciness and tenderness, which could be related to the melting characteristics of the fat. Dry-cured Duroc hams showed a higher susceptibility towards rancidity, presumably associated with preferential oxidation of n-6 fatty acids relative to C18:1 n-9. Dry-cured Landrace hams showed the lowest juiciness and tenderness, likely due to their lower fat content (marbling).

Knowledge of age-related changes and breed differences in fat content and composition would be helpful in determining the optimal breed and slaughter time in terms of raw ham quality.