tions, mainly through proteolysis and lipolysis,
even though these enzymes have a
reduced time for action. Muscle proteases
and lipases contribute to the generation of
free amino acids and fatty acids, which have
some infl uence on taste and aroma.
The conditions within the hams (high
water activity, low salt content) are favorable
for proteolysis, but muscle protease enzymes
are sensitive to temperatures above 50 ° C and
thus, are rapidly inactivated during cooking
because their stability decreases rapidly
(Toldr á et al. 1992 ). In any case, there is
some generation of free amino acids by
muscle aminopeptidases that contribute to