Search

[Display omitted] • Raman spectra can be used to rapidly test the degree of unsaturation during heating. • The early event of radical formation in pork belly during processing were evaluated. • Unsaturated fatty acids and oxidation products positively relate to aldehyde content. • The collection and synergy of taste-active compounds improved the umami and richness. This study investigated the mechanisms underlying the evolution and formation of aroma and taste-active compounds of pork belly in representative traditional pork cuisines during pan-heating. The results revealed that as the temperature increased to 110 ℃, the unsaturation of fatty acids decreased from 60.25 % to 58.71 %, while the content of free radicals and secondary oxidation products increased. At the later heating stages, the addition of spices and increased heating temperature (150 ℃) led to continuous increments in the contents (from 958.20 μg/kg to 1511.88 μg/kg) and diversity of volatile compounds in pork belly, imparting the unique aroma. Additionally, the accumulation of low-molecular-weight peptides, free amino acids, and nucleotides not only provided the substrate for thermal reactions and their synergistic effects, but also contributed to the desired taste quality. These findings offered insights into the flavor formation mechanisms of traditional pork cuisines and provided direction for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]