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Constante Catuto MP, Tigrero-Vaca J, Villavicencio-Vasquez M, Montoya DC, Cevallos JM, Coronel-León J. Evaluation of stress tolerance and design of alternative culture media for the production of fermentation starter cultures in cacao. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29900. [PMID: 38699711 PMCID: PMC11063452 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Ecuador is one of the world's leading producers of cacao beans, and Nacional x Trinitario cacao represents one of the most distinctive varieties due to its flavor and aroma characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the starter culture isolated from microbial diversity during the spontaneous fermentation of Nacional x Trinitario cacao. A total of 249 microbial isolates were obtained from spontaneous culture, with Lactiplantibacillus (45 %), Saccharomyces (17 %), and Acetobacter (2 %) being the most relevant genera for fermentation. Tolerance tests were conducted to select microorganisms for the starter culture. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum exhibited the highest tolerance at pH 5 and 6 % ethanol and tolerated concentrations up to 15 % for glucose and fructose. Acetobacter pasteurianus grew at pH 2 and 6 % ethanol, tolerating high sugar concentrations of up to 15 % for glucose and 30 % for fructose, with growth observed in concentrations up to 5 % for lactic and acetic acid. Subsequently, a laboratory-scale fermentation was conducted with the formulated starter culture (SC) comprising S. cerevisiae, L. plantarum, and A. pasteurianus, which exhibited high tolerance to various stress conditions. The fermentation increased alcoholic compounds, including citrusy, fruity aromas, and floral notes such as 2-heptanol and phenylethyl alcohol, respectively 1.6-fold and 5.6-fold compared to the control. Moreover, the abundance of ketones 2-heptanone and 2-nonanone increased significantly, providing sweet green herbs and fruity woody aromas. Cacao fermented with this SC significantly enhanced the favorable aroma-producing metabolites characteristic of Fine-aroma cacao. These findings underscore the potential of tailored fermentation strategies to improve cacao product quality and sensory attributes, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research in optimizing fermentation processes for the cacao industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pilar Constante Catuto
- Facultad de Ingeniería en Mecánica y Ciencias de La Producción, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo, Km 30.5, Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil, 090902, Ecuador
| | - Joel Tigrero-Vaca
- Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador (CIBE), Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo, Km 30.5, Via Perimetral, Guayaquil, 090902, Ecuador
| | - Mirian Villavicencio-Vasquez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador (CIBE), Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo, Km 30.5, Via Perimetral, Guayaquil, 090902, Ecuador
| | - Diana Coello Montoya
- Facultad de Ingeniería en Mecánica y Ciencias de La Producción, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo, Km 30.5, Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil, 090902, Ecuador
| | - Juan Manuel Cevallos
- Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador (CIBE), Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo, Km 30.5, Via Perimetral, Guayaquil, 090902, Ecuador
| | - Jonathan Coronel-León
- Facultad de Ingeniería en Mecánica y Ciencias de La Producción, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo, Km 30.5, Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil, 090902, Ecuador
- Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador (CIBE), Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo, Km 30.5, Via Perimetral, Guayaquil, 090902, Ecuador
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Chóez-Guaranda I, Maridueña-Zavala M, Quevedo A, Quijano-Avilés M, Manzano P, Cevallos-Cevallos JM. Changes in GC-MS metabolite profile, antioxidant capacity and anthocyanins content during fermentation of fine-flavor cacao beans from Ecuador. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298909. [PMID: 38427658 PMCID: PMC10906890 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The fermentation of fine-flavor cacao beans is a key process contributing to the enhancement of organoleptic attributes and monetary benefits for cacao farmers. This work aimed to describe the dynamics of the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) metabolite profile as well as the antioxidant capacity and anthocyanin contents during fermentation of fine-flavor cacao beans. Samples of Nacional x Trinitario cacao beans were obtained after 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours of spontaneous fermentation. Total phenolic content (TPC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total anthocyanin content were measured by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry. Volatiles were adsorbed by headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) while other metabolites were assessed by an extraction-derivatization method followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) detection and identification. Thirty-two aroma-active compounds were identified in the samples, including 17 fruity, and 9 floral-like volatiles as well as metabolites with caramel, chocolate, ethereal, nutty, sweet, and woody notes. Principal components analysis and Heatmap-cluster analysis of volatile metabolites grouped samples according to the fermentation time. Additionally, the total anthocyanin content declined during fermentation, and FRAP-TPC values showed a partial correlation. These results highlight the importance of fermentation for the improvement of the fine-flavor characteristics of cacao beans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Chóez-Guaranda
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador (CIBE), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - María Maridueña-Zavala
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador (CIBE), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Adela Quevedo
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador (CIBE), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - María Quijano-Avilés
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador (CIBE), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Patricia Manzano
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador (CIBE), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida (FCV), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Juan M. Cevallos-Cevallos
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador (CIBE), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida (FCV), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Chang H, Gu C, Wang M, Chang Z, Zhou J, Yue M, Chen J, Qin X, Feng Z. Integrating shotgun metagenomics and metabolomics to elucidate the dynamics of microbial communities and metabolites in fine flavor cocoa fermentation in Hainan. Food Res Int 2024; 177:113849. [PMID: 38225124 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamic profile of microorganisms and metabolites in Hainan Trinitario cocoa during a six-day spontaneous box fermentation process. Shotgun metagenomic and metabolomic approaches were employed for this investigation. The potential metabolic functions of microorganisms in cocoa fermentation were revealed through a joint analysis of microbes, functional genes, and metabolites. During the anaerobic fermentation phase, Hanseniaspora emerged as the most prevalent yeast genus, implicated in pectin decomposition and potentially involved in glycolysis and starch and sucrose metabolism. Tatumella, possessing potential for pyruvate kinase, and Fructobacillus with a preference for fructose, constituted the primary bacteria during the pre-turning fermentation stage. Upon the introduction of oxygen into the fermentation mass, acetic acid bacteria ascended to dominant within the microflora. The exponential proliferation of Acetobacter resulted in a decline in taxonomic richness and abundance. Moreover, the identification of novel species within the Komagataeibacter genus suggests that Hainan cocoa may serve as a valuable reservoir for the discovery of unique cocoa fermentation bacteria. The KEGG annotation of metabolites and enzymes also highlighted the significant involvement of phenylalanine metabolism in cocoa fermentation. This research will offer a new perspective for the selection of starter strains and the formulation of mixed starter cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haode Chang
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Chunhe Gu
- Spice and Beverage Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wanning 571533, China
| | - Mengrui Wang
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Ziqing Chang
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Junping Zhou
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Mingzhe Yue
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Junxia Chen
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Xiaowei Qin
- Spice and Beverage Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wanning 571533, China.
| | - Zhen Feng
- Spice and Beverage Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wanning 571533, China.
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Streule S, Freimüller Leischtfeld S, Galler M, Motzer D, Poulose-Züst M, Miescher Schwenninger S. Variations in Ecuadorian Cocoa Fermentation and Drying at Two Locations: Implications for Quality and Sensory. Foods 2023; 13:137. [PMID: 38201165 PMCID: PMC10778537 DOI: 10.3390/foods13010137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In Ecuador, various processes are applied during cocoa post-harvesting. This study, therefore, explored fermentation parameters across two locations with 2-7 independent runs, focusing on temperature, microbial counts, pH during fermentation and drying, and their impact on cocoa bean quality. Factors including fermentation devices (jute bags, plastic bags, and wooden boxes), pre-drying, turning during fermentation, fermentation duration, and drying temperature were investigated. Fermenting in plastic bags without pre-drying or turning and fermenting in jute bags for only 40 ± 2.0 h yielded low maximal fermentation temperatures Tmax (31.1 ± 0.4 °C and 37.6 ± 1.8 °C), leading to bitter, astringent, woody, and earthy cocoa liquor. Longer fermentation (63 ± 6 h) in wooden boxes with turning (Wt) and in jute bags with pre-drying and turning (Jpt) achieved the highest Tmax of 46.5 ± 2.0 °C, and a more acidic cocoa liquor, particularly in Wt (both locations) and Jpt (location E). Therefore, it is recommended to ferment for a minimum duration from day 1 to 4 (63 ± 6 h), whether using plastic bags (with mandatory pre-drying) or jute bags (with or without pre-drying or turning). Furthermore, this study underscores the risks associated with excessively high drying temperatures (up to 95.2 ± 13.7 °C) and specific dryer types, which can falsify cut-tests and introduce unwanted burnt-roasted off-flavors in the cocoa liquor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Streule
- ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Food and Beverage Innovation, Food Biotechnology Research Group, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland; (S.S.); (S.F.L.); (D.M.); (M.P.-Z.)
| | - Susette Freimüller Leischtfeld
- ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Food and Beverage Innovation, Food Biotechnology Research Group, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland; (S.S.); (S.F.L.); (D.M.); (M.P.-Z.)
| | - Martina Galler
- Lindt & Sprüngli, Seestrasse 204, 8802 Kilchberg, Switzerland;
| | - Dominik Motzer
- ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Food and Beverage Innovation, Food Biotechnology Research Group, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland; (S.S.); (S.F.L.); (D.M.); (M.P.-Z.)
| | - Monja Poulose-Züst
- ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Food and Beverage Innovation, Food Biotechnology Research Group, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland; (S.S.); (S.F.L.); (D.M.); (M.P.-Z.)
| | - Susanne Miescher Schwenninger
- ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Food and Beverage Innovation, Food Biotechnology Research Group, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland; (S.S.); (S.F.L.); (D.M.); (M.P.-Z.)
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Jia Y, Liu Y, Hu W, Cai W, Zheng Z, Luo C, Li D. Development of Candida autochthonous starter for cigar fermentation via dissecting the microbiome. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1138877. [PMID: 36910204 PMCID: PMC9998997 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1138877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The main goal of tobacco fermentation technology is to minimize the alkaloid content while improving flavor substance content. Methods This study revealed the microbial community structure and their metabolic functions during cigar leaf fermentation by high-throughput sequencing and correlation analysis, and evaluated the fermentation performance of functional microbes based on in vitro isolation and bioaugmentation fermentation. Results The relative abundance of Staphylococcus and Aspergillus increased first but then decreased during the fermentation, and would occupy the dominant position of bacterial and fungal communities, respectively, on the 21st day. Correlation analysis predicted that Aspergillus, Staphylococcus and Filobasidium could contribute to the formation of saccharide compounds, Bacillus might have degradation effects on nitrogenous substances. In particular, Candida, as a co-occurring taxa and biomarker in the later stage of fermentation, could not only degrade nitrogenous substrates and synthesize flavor substances, but also contribute to maintaining the stability of microbial community. Moreover, based on in vitro isolation and bioaugmentation inoculation, it was found that Candida parapsilosis and Candida metapsilosis could significantly reduce the alkaloids content and increase the content of flavor components in tobacco leaves. Discussion This study found and validated the critical role of Candida in the fermentation of cigar tobacco leaves through high-throughput sequencing and bioaugmentation inoculation, which would help guide the development of microbial starters and directional regulation of cigar tobacco quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Jia
- Cigar Fermentation Technology Key Laboratory of China Tobacco, China Tobacco Industrial Co., Ltd., Chengdu, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yuanfa Liu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Wanrong Hu
- Cigar Fermentation Technology Key Laboratory of China Tobacco, China Tobacco Industrial Co., Ltd., Chengdu, China
| | - Wen Cai
- Cigar Fermentation Technology Key Laboratory of China Tobacco, China Tobacco Industrial Co., Ltd., Chengdu, China
| | - Zhaojun Zheng
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Cheng Luo
- Cigar Fermentation Technology Key Laboratory of China Tobacco, China Tobacco Industrial Co., Ltd., Chengdu, China
| | - Dongliang Li
- Cigar Fermentation Technology Key Laboratory of China Tobacco, China Tobacco Industrial Co., Ltd., Chengdu, China
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Yeasts as Producers of Flavor Precursors during Cocoa Bean Fermentation and Their Relevance as Starter Cultures: A Review. FERMENTATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/fermentation8070331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
During the fermentation of cocoa beans, the yeasts produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Through reactions associated with amino acid metabolism, yeasts generate important aroma precursors as acetate esters and fatty acid ethyl esters are essential in developing fruity flavors and aromas in the final product (usually chocolate). In addition, some yeasts may have pectinolytic and antifungal activity, which is desirable in the post-harvest process of cocoa. The main yeast species in cocoa fermentation are Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pichia kudriavzevii, and Hanseniaspora opuntiae. These produce higher alcohols and acetyl-CoA to make acetate–esters, compounds that produce floral and fruity notes. However, there are still controversies in scientific reports because some mention that there are no significant differences in the sensory characteristics of the final product. Others mention that the fermentation of cocoa by yeast has a significant influence on improving the sensory attributes of the final product. However, using yeasts as starter cultures for cocoa bean fermentation is recommended to homogenize sensory attributes such as notes and flavors in chocolate.
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