Quality and Sensory Analysis of Fermented Products

A special issue of Fermentation (ISSN 2311-5637). This special issue belongs to the section "Fermentation for Food and Beverages".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 January 2024) | Viewed by 16293

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Life Sciences, Linyi University, Linyi, China
Interests: probiotics; fermented products; biotechnology; food safety; food flavour

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fermented products include alcoholic beverages, fermented dairy products, fermented bean products, fermented vegetables, fermented meat products and condiments. They are popular throughout the world and in some regions make a significant contribution to the diet of millions of individuals. Fermented products supply protein, minerals and other nutrients that add variety and nutritional fortification to otherwise starchy, bland diets. Although the fermentation of foods has been in use for thousands of years, it is likely that the microbial and enzymatic processes responsible for the transformation were largely unknown. It is only recently that there has been a development in the understanding of these processes and their adaptation for commercialization.  The quality analysis of fermented products includes general composition analysis, trace element analysis, pesticide residue analysis, veterinary drug residue analysis, mycotoxin analysis, food additive analysis and other harmful substances analysis. Sensory analysis has been widely used in new product development, food quality evaluation, market prediction and product evaluation. The application of sensory analysis has also promoted the application and development of interdisciplinary disciplines, such as psychology, physiological medicine and bionics in the field of food engineering, as well as the development of modern food sensory detection equipment, such as electronic noses, electronic tongues and food sensory robotics.The goal of this Special Issue is to publish recent and innovative research results as well as review papers on the quality and sensory analysis of fermented foods, emphasizing analytical methods and techniques, quality and safety control and the food microbiology involved in this topic. Review and research papers on the development of novel fermented foods are also of interest. If you would like to contribute a review paper, please contact one of the editors to discuss the topic’s relevance before submitting the manuscript.

Prof. Dr. Yunguo Liu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Fermentation is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • food microbiology
  • product quality
  • fermented products
  • biotechnology
  • fermenting organisms
  • yeast
  • probiotics
  • food flavour
  • microbial diversity
  • human health
  • fermentation control
  • putrefactive

Published Papers (10 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 2279 KiB  
Article
GC-Olfactometric Analysis as a Tool for Comprehensive Characterization of Aromatic Profiles in Cocoa-Based Beverages with a Natural Chocolate Substitute
by Fernanda Papa Spada, Severino Matias de Alencar, Eduardo Purgatto and Stanislau Bogusz Junior
Fermentation 2024, 10(5), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation10050228 - 25 Apr 2024
Viewed by 203
Abstract
Cocoa is the third most important global agricultural export commodity. However, because it is a crop sensitive to climatic change, there has been an active search for cocoa substitutes worldwide. Roasted jackfruit seeds were previously described as having a chocolate aroma and are [...] Read more.
Cocoa is the third most important global agricultural export commodity. However, because it is a crop sensitive to climatic change, there has been an active search for cocoa substitutes worldwide. Roasted jackfruit seeds were previously described as having a chocolate aroma and are affordable and accessible. In this study, we characterized and identified by SPME-GC-O and SPME-GC-MS the aroma profile of cocoa-based beverages formulated with jackfruit seed flour as a natural cocoa substitute. Our analysis tentatively identified 71 odor-active aroma descriptors with some similarities between formulations. Overall, 15 odor-active aromas were present in all beverages. The formulation containing only cocoa/chocolate showed the following aroma descriptors: cocoa, hazelnut, peanut butter, earthy, and roast, which are mostly related to the presence of 2,3-dimethylpyrazine and 2,3-diethyl-5-methylpyrazine. The fermented beverage had a content of complex pyrazines such as 2,3,5-trimethyl-6-isopentylpyrazine and methylpropylpyrazine. Our data indicated that both the control and fermented beverages showed a similar aromatic profile, mainly earthy, pyrazine, and chocolate. Qualitative similarities in the pyrazine content were observed between the fermented jackfruit seed flour and cocoa beverages. In conclusion, fermented jackfruit seed flour can be incorporated into cocoa-based beverages as a natural chocolate substitute, offering the potential to elevate the chocolate aroma. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality and Sensory Analysis of Fermented Products)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1918 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Fermentations with Controlled Temperature with Three Varieties of Coffee (Coffea arabica L.)
by Aida Esther Peñuela-Martínez, Jhoan Felipe García-Duque and Juan Rodrigo Sanz-Uribe
Fermentation 2023, 9(11), 976; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9110976 - 15 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1265
Abstract
Temperature control is the starting point for the development of controlled fermentation and improving coffee quality. The characteristics of coffee varieties can influence fermentation behavior. To evaluate the effect of the coffee variety on the behavior of controlled fermentation and on coffee quality, [...] Read more.
Temperature control is the starting point for the development of controlled fermentation and improving coffee quality. The characteristics of coffee varieties can influence fermentation behavior. To evaluate the effect of the coffee variety on the behavior of controlled fermentation and on coffee quality, a completely randomized design was used with three varieties (Castillo, Cenicafé1 and Tabi) and two control temperatures (15 and 30 °C). Spontaneous fermentation was the control for each controlled process. The fermentation time, pH, glucose and lactic acid contents, as well as, the count of mesophiles, yeasts, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and acetic acid bacteria (AAB), were assessed. The sensory quality of the coffee was classified as very good and excellent based on the variety, with averages above 82 Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) points. The highest values were for the Cenicafé1 variety. Fermentation behaviors were similar among varieties but not based on the given condition. Compared with spontaneous fermentation, the treatment at 15 °C prolonged the degradation of mucilage in more than 24 h; additionally, there were differences in the final pH values, less than 3.5 and close to 4.0, respectively. Quality was not significantly different between the controlled fermentation and the spontaneous fermentation (Wilcoxon test p > 0.05) or between fermentation temperatures (Kruskal–Wallis test p > 0.05). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality and Sensory Analysis of Fermented Products)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 4469 KiB  
Article
Innovative Fermented Soy Drink with the Sea Buckthorn Syrup and the Probiotics Co-Culture of Lactobacillus Paracasei ssp. Paracasei (L. Casei® 431) and Bifidobacterium Animalis ssp. Lactis (Bb-12®)
by Nicoleta-Maricica Maftei, Roxana Elena Goroftei Bogdan, Monica Boev, Denisa Batîr Marin, Ana Yndira Ramos-Villarroel and Alina-Viorica Iancu
Fermentation 2023, 9(9), 806; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9090806 - 31 Aug 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1173
Abstract
The area of functional drink is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world, be it that it is made from plant-based or non-dairy milk. Sea buckthorn syrup is a source of functional ingredients, with a large spectrum of healthy compounds. The study [...] Read more.
The area of functional drink is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world, be it that it is made from plant-based or non-dairy milk. Sea buckthorn syrup is a source of functional ingredients, with a large spectrum of healthy compounds. The study aimed to investigate the suitability of sea buckthorn syrup as a substrate for Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei (L. casei® 431) and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis (Bb-12®) development and fermentation in vegetal soy drink and to evaluate the fermented product (at 30 and 37 °C) in terms of bacterial viability, pH, tithable acidity during fermentation and storage period, water holding capacity, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic contents, sensory analysis and in vitro bio-accessibility. During fermentation, a bacterial concentration around of 109–1010 CFU·mL−1 was found in the soy drink with sea buckthorn syrup and L. casei® 431 and Bb-12®. Antioxidant capacity significantly improved after the fermentation of the soy drinks. On the other hand, through the digestibility of the drinks, the bacterial viability significantly decreased for L. casei® 431 and increased for Bb-12®. Further investigation is required on the concentration of sea buckthorn syrup and probiotic encapsulation methods to comprehend the components responsible for the efficient delivery of bacteria across the gastrointestinal tract. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality and Sensory Analysis of Fermented Products)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1546 KiB  
Article
Effect of Different Vinification Techniques on the Concentration of Volatile Aroma Compounds and Sensory Profile of Malvazija Istarska Wines
by Sanja Radeka, Ena Bestulić, Sara Rossi, Fumica Orbanić, Marijan Bubola, Tomislav Plavša, Igor Lukić and Ana Jeromel
Fermentation 2023, 9(7), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9070676 - 18 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1275
Abstract
The majority of chemical compounds that contribute to varietal aroma originate from grape skin. To investigate the differences between volatile aroma compounds when different maceration conditions are applied, a total of six vinification treatments were carried out on Malvazija istarska (Vitis vinifera [...] Read more.
The majority of chemical compounds that contribute to varietal aroma originate from grape skin. To investigate the differences between volatile aroma compounds when different maceration conditions are applied, a total of six vinification treatments were carried out on Malvazija istarska (Vitis vinifera L.) variety, non-maceration control treatment (C), pre-fermentative two days cryomaceration treatment at 8 °C (CRYO), seven days maceration treatment at 16 °C (M7), 14 days maceration treatment at 16 °C (M14), and prolonged post-fermentative maceration treatments at 16 °C for 21 day (M21) and 42 days (M42). Wines were subjected to GC/MS and sensory analysis. Obtained results showed that prolonged post-fermentative maceration treatments contained the highest concentration of total volatile aroma compounds, precisely monoterpenes, alcohols, and other esters. Contrary, C and CRYO wines resulted in highest concentration of ethyl and acetate esters, and fatty acids. In addition, sensory analysis showed that longer maceration treatment wines (M14, M21, M42) were characterized by more aroma complexity, varietal flowery typicity, pronounced fruitiness, with accentuated dried fruit, moderate honey, and herbal notes. Obtained results can provide valuable information to producers when choosing an appropriate vinification technique based on the desired wine style which may lead to a further diversification of white wine market. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality and Sensory Analysis of Fermented Products)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3556 KiB  
Article
Isolation and Optimal Fermentation Conditions of Bacillus licheniformis SFD-Y5 for a New Douchi Fibrinolytic Enzyme Producer
by Mingjing Yao, Chunmin Ma, Xin Bian, Yang Yang, Yue Xu, Qiaoyan Wu, Xinyu Xu, Lulu Li, Na Zhang and Yanjun Tian
Fermentation 2023, 9(7), 668; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9070668 - 16 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1460
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become the leading cause of death, and it is critical to develop new functional foods to prevent intravascular thrombosis, the key cause of CVD. Fermented soy-based food is a good choice because of its native fibrinolytic enzyme (FE) activity. [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become the leading cause of death, and it is critical to develop new functional foods to prevent intravascular thrombosis, the key cause of CVD. Fermented soy-based food is a good choice because of its native fibrinolytic enzyme (FE) activity. In this study, a strain that can produce a new type of fibrinolytic enzyme was selected from Chinese Douchi and identified as Bacillus licheniformis SFD-Y5 by molecular biology experiments and physiological and biochemical experiments. Single factor experiments combined with statistical experiments, including Plackett–Burman experiment, steepest ascent experiment and RSM (Box–Behnken design), were used to optimize the fermentation of FE by B. licheniformis SFD-Y5. The final FE activity was 2434.45 ± 28.49 IU/mL under optimal conditions, which is the highest FE activity produced by wild B. licheniformis so far. Further studies showed that Y5 FE is a serine metalloproteinase with good stability at alkaline pHs (pH 8.0–11.0). The results of our study could lay a foundation for the future production, molecular modification and further application in functional foods of Y5 FE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality and Sensory Analysis of Fermented Products)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 4673 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Probiotic Strains Isolated from Artemisia argyi Fermentation Liquor and the Antagonistic Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum against Pathogens
by Hui Zhan, Yao He, Qi’an Wang, Qingzi Lu, Lihua He, Xueying Tao and Hua Wei
Fermentation 2023, 9(6), 536; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9060536 - 31 May 2023
Viewed by 1203
Abstract
This study was aimed at screening potential probiotic candidates to enhance the antimicrobial activity of Artemisia argyi against foodborne pathogens. Ten LAB strains were isolated from natural Artemisia argyi fermentation liquor (AAFL) and assessed for safety and antimicrobial ability. Therein, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WLPL01, [...] Read more.
This study was aimed at screening potential probiotic candidates to enhance the antimicrobial activity of Artemisia argyi against foodborne pathogens. Ten LAB strains were isolated from natural Artemisia argyi fermentation liquor (AAFL) and assessed for safety and antimicrobial ability. Therein, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WLPL01, Lacticaseibacillus casei WLCA01, WLCA02, and WLCA03, and Lactobacillus harbiness WLHA01 were further evaluated for their potential probiotic properties (gastrointestinal tolerance and adhesion capacity). The results suggested that L. plantarum WLPL01 exhibited excellent properties and was, therefore, selected as the starter for A. argyi leaves fermentation. Then, L. plantarum WLPL01-fermented AAFL (AAFL-LP) was further investigated for its antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens. The results demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of AAFL-LP to foodborne pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes CMCC54007, Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 13311, and Candida albicans ATCC 14053, was enhanced when compared to spontaneously fermented AAFL (AAFL-spontaneous). In addition, an analysis of the whole genome of L. plantarum WLPL01 revealed the presence of 13.9 kb long and 16 plantaricin-encoding loci (pln locus), and the increased antimicrobial activities of AAFL-LP might correlate with the production of bacteriocin. Our results indicate that L. plantarum WLPL01 can be used as a starter for Artemisia argyi fermentation to enhance its antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality and Sensory Analysis of Fermented Products)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 4212 KiB  
Article
Volatile Flavor Improvement and Spoilage Microorganism Inhibition in Low-Salt Fish Sauce (Yulu) by Salt-Tolerant Bacillus subtilis
by Chunsheng Li, Laihao Li, Shengjun Chen, Yongqiang Zhao and Yanyan Wu
Fermentation 2023, 9(6), 515; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9060515 - 26 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1169
Abstract
Use of low-salt fish sauce (Yulu) is limited due to its perishable property and rapid loss of unique flavor. In this study, a salt-tolerant strain, Bacillus subtilis B-2, with high protease production was used as a microbial starter for low-salt Yulu fermentation. A [...] Read more.
Use of low-salt fish sauce (Yulu) is limited due to its perishable property and rapid loss of unique flavor. In this study, a salt-tolerant strain, Bacillus subtilis B-2, with high protease production was used as a microbial starter for low-salt Yulu fermentation. A total of 133 volatile compounds were detected through HS-SPME-GC-MS. Most aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, furans, and hydrocarbons reached their maximum at 15 d, while most esters, aromatic compounds, acids, nitrogen compounds, and sulfur compounds peaked at 45 d. The 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing showed that Bacillus remained in high abundance during fermentation, reaching 93.63% at 45 d. The characteristic volatile flavor was obviously improved while the microbial contamination was significantly reduced in low-salt Yulu fermented with B. subtilis, compared with those without a microbial starter. The correlation network map suggested that the significant decrease in Pseudomonas, Achromobacter, Stenotrophomonas, Cyanobium, Rhodococcus, Brucella, Tetragenococcus, and Chloroplast contributed most to the decreasing richness and evenness of the microbial community, while Bacillus was the only genus playing a key role in the inhibition of spoilage microorganisms and improvement of volatile flavor after B. subtilis addition. This study suggests the potential use of salt-tolerant B. subtilis as a special starter for industrial Yulu fermentation in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality and Sensory Analysis of Fermented Products)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 8616 KiB  
Article
Microbiota Succession and Chemical Composition Involved in Lactic Acid Bacteria-Fermented Pickles
by Xiangna Lin, Shalkyt Bakyrbay, Lingxiao Liu, Xiaojuan Tang and Yunguo Liu
Fermentation 2023, 9(4), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9040330 - 26 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2335
Abstract
Pickles are a type of traditional fermented vegetables in China. To ascertain the effect of different lactic acid bacteria on pickles, the chemical composition characteristics, flavor substances, and bacterial diversity of the pickles fermented by natural bacteria, Lactobacillus plantarum R5, Lactobacillus pentosus R8, [...] Read more.
Pickles are a type of traditional fermented vegetables in China. To ascertain the effect of different lactic acid bacteria on pickles, the chemical composition characteristics, flavor substances, and bacterial diversity of the pickles fermented by natural bacteria, Lactobacillus plantarum R5, Lactobacillus pentosus R8, and L. plantarum R5 plus L. pentosus R8 were investigated in this study. The results showed that Lactobacillus enhanced the decrease in pH, increase in total acid content, degradation of nitrite, and production of organic acid (lactic acid and malic acid) of fermented pickles. A total of 80 flavors were detected in the pickles fermented for 14 days, and esters in pickles fermented by Lactobacillus were more plentiful. Firmicutes emerged as the predominant microbial phyla. Amongst these, the commonly encountered microorganisms were Lactobacillus, unclassified Enterobacteriaceae, Pantoea, and Weissella. The multivariate statistical analysis further showed that Lactobacillus had a strong negative correlation with pH and a strong positive correlation with malic acid and lactic acid, and the microorganisms in pickles could acclimate to the changing fermentation environment. The insights gained from this study may be of assistance to us in obtaining new insights into the microbiota succession and chemical compounds involved in the pickles fermented by Lactobacillus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality and Sensory Analysis of Fermented Products)
Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 272 KiB  
Article
Biocontrol Using Pythium oligandrum during Malting of Fusarium-Contaminated Barley
by Carlo Antonio Ng, Marek Pernica, Katerina Litvanova, Irena Kolouchova and Tomas Branyik
Fermentation 2023, 9(3), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9030257 - 05 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1553
Abstract
This study investigates the potential of Pythium oligandrum (strains M1 and 00X48) as a biocontrol agent in suppressing the growth of Fusarium culmorum and the production of mycotoxins during the malting of naturally contaminated barley (Hordeum vulgare). The effects of the [...] Read more.
This study investigates the potential of Pythium oligandrum (strains M1 and 00X48) as a biocontrol agent in suppressing the growth of Fusarium culmorum and the production of mycotoxins during the malting of naturally contaminated barley (Hordeum vulgare). The effects of the biocontrol agent on F. culmorum-infected barley malt (BM) were evaluated through real-time PCR and its impact on mycotoxin production was determined by quantitative analysis of deoxynivalenol (DON) and deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside (D3G). The effect of treatment on BM and beer quality were also determined through European Brewery Convention (EBC) standard methods. Optimal treatment with P. oligandrum strains M1 and 00X48 yielded a 59% and 48% reduction in F. culmorum contamination, by 37% and 17% lower DON, and 27% and 32% lower D3G, respectively. BM treated with both P. oligandrum strains exhibited quality enhancement; beer produced from the BM treated with P. oligandrum strain M1 resulted in no quality deterioration and with 26% and 18% less DON and D3G, respectively, transferred to the final product. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality and Sensory Analysis of Fermented Products)

Review

Jump to: Research

17 pages, 1566 KiB  
Review
New Insights on Low-Temperature Fermentation for Food
by Chen Liang, Ling-Xiao Liu, Jun Liu, Aihemaitijiang Aihaiti, Xiao-Juan Tang and Yun-Guo Liu
Fermentation 2023, 9(5), 477; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9050477 - 16 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3057
Abstract
Fermentation technology has a long history and low-temperature fermentation has now become the focus of research. This paper reviews the mechanism and application of low-temperature fermentation and the optimization of relevant strains. Low-temperature fermentation leads to a differential expression of growth in metabolism [...] Read more.
Fermentation technology has a long history and low-temperature fermentation has now become the focus of research. This paper reviews the mechanism and application of low-temperature fermentation and the optimization of relevant strains. Low-temperature fermentation leads to a differential expression of growth in metabolism genes (PSD1, OPI3, ERG3, LCB3 and NTH1). Low-temperature fermentation can be applied to foods and has various advantages, such as increasing changes in volatile flavor compounds and other corresponding metabolic substances of the strain, and inhibited growth of spurious bacteria. The focus of low-temperature fermentation in the long run lies in strain optimization, which is to protect and optimize the strains through a variety of methods. Low-temperature fermentation can greatly improve product quality. At present, the most effective methods to promote low-temperature fermentation are gene knockout and probiotic microencapsulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality and Sensory Analysis of Fermented Products)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop