Combined application of high-throughput sequencing and LC-MS-based lipidomics in the evaluation of microorganisms and lipidomics of restructured ham of different salted substitution

The optimization of processed meats through salt replacement using KCl and k-lactate may reduce the risk of chronic diseases through reduction in dietary sodium. The objective of this study was to investigate the changes and relationships between microbial and lipid metabolism during the fermentation of restructured duck ham with different salt substitutions. Lactobacillus and Staphylococcus were found to be the dominant bacterial species in the 30 % KCl + 70 % NaCl (w/w) and 25 % k-lactate + 75 % NaCl (w/w). The LefSe analysis showed that different biomarkers were present in different ham groups, and the PLS-DA showed that triglycerides (GL) and glycerophospholipids (GP) were the two classes with the highest abundance. Besides, the KEGG pathway analysis revealed that glycerophospholipid metabolism and triglyceride metabolism were also the main metabolic pathways. According to the correlation study, Staphylococcus, Halomonas, and Lactobacillus were mostly linked to the important metabolic pathways in restructured ham. Our findings serve as a foundation for quality assurance and product enhancement for low-salt restructured ham.