Pichia kudriavzevii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Inoculation Strategies for Cider Elaboration from Acidic Apples
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background: The cider industry is becoming an increasingly important segment of the apple fruit sector in Argentina. This study evaluated different inoculation strategies using two Patagonian strains to produce ciders with reduced malic acid and enhanced quality from acidic apple musts. Methods: Fermentations were performed using Pichia kudriavzevii NPCC1651 (isolated from cider) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae ÑIF8 (isolated from wine) in pure, simultaneous, and sequential inoculations. Viable cell counts, glucose and fructose consumption kinetics, and malic acid depletion were measured during fermentation, while physicochemical and aromatic profiles of the ciders were also analyzed in the final products. Results: P. kudriavzevii was capable to coexist with S. cerevisiae until the final stages of fermentation, independently from the inoculation strategy employed. The simultaneous inoculation at a 1:1 ratio and the sequential inoculation initiated with S. cerevisiae showed the best performance. Both strategies produced ciders with high fermentative efficiency, elevated levels of lactic and succinic acids, isoamyl alcohol, 2-phenylethanol, isoamyl acetate and 2-phenylethyl acetate, while reducing acetic acid and ethyl acetate levels. These fermentations also achieved higher malic acid consumption compared to pure cultures. Conclusion: The simultaneous inoculation at a 1:1 ratio is proposed for further pilot-scale testing in natural acidic musts due to its operational practicality and its potential to produce ciders with reduced malic acid and improved sensory quality.
Source: Fermentation
Authors: Maria Belen Mazzucco, Milena Jovanovich, María Eugenia Rodríguez, Juan Martín Oteiza, Christian Ariel Lopes
Language: English
Subfield: Food Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,534
OpenAlex ID: W4407223705