composition of white film and white crystals found in dry-cured hams

The compositions of the white film and white crystals in dry-cured hams were evaluated. White film and white crystals were extracted by 4 M HCl and the amino acid composition was determined by capillary gas chromatography and HPLC. Tyrosine was the main component of the white film and white crystals followed by phenylalanine. The relative amounts of tyrosine and phenylalanine were higher in white film, whereas the other amino acids analysed did not change in the cut surface due to the presence of white film. The amounts of amino acids on the surface of hams with high and moderate levels of white film did not differ.