Among the phenomena leading to flavour formation,
it is well known that free amino acids released by starter
or endogenous proteases during ripening directly participate in the basic taste of dry fermented sausages, and indirectly contribute to the development of their typical aroma since they are precursors of many volatile compounds. In particular, the degradation of valine, leucine and isoleucine into methyl-branched aldehydes, acids and alcohols has been linked to the ripened aroma of fermented foods