This study aimed to investigate the correlation among
the amino
acids, fatty acids composition, flavor compounds, and microbial dynamic
changes of cured large yellow croaker (Larimichthys
crocea) roe (LYCR) with different salt additions (0,
4, 10, 16%, w/w) by the metabolomics and macrogenomics approaches.
A total of 22 amino acids, 33 fatty acids, and 57 volatile compounds
were detected in cured LYCR. Acinetobacter and Rhodococcus were the dominant genera for 0 and 16% salt-added
LYCR, respectively, and Staphylococcus dominated
in the 4 and 10% salt-added LYCR. Based on correlation analysis, Staphylococcus was the main influencing factor in the flavor
formation of cured LYCR, which was highly associated with fatty acid
degradation as well as amino acid degradation pathways, contributing
to ester production. These findings were very meaningful for elucidating
the flavor formation mechanism, optimizing the curing process, and
controlling the product quality of cured fish roe.