Work

Germination-induced cyanide accumulation during the grain hydration process of Jiangxiangxing Baijiu

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Baijiu significantly enhances dhurrin accumulation driven by sorghum germination. Within 48 h, dhurrin levels increased sharply (up to 15 mg/kg, representing a 15-fold rise) accompanied by a corresponding increase in free cyanide, reaching up to 3.3 mg/kg (an 8-fold increase). The high temperature and moisture conditions during hydration markedly promoted sorghum germination. Varieties with high germination capacity exhibited significantly higher cyanogenic potential, accumulating up to 1.7-fold more dhurrin than that of the less germinable varieties. Ultrasonic pre-treatment effectively inhibited germination and shortened the hydration duration, reducing dhurrin and free cyanide by 40.9 % and 28.5 %, respectively. These results provide theoretical and practical guidance for the upstream control of ethyl carbamate precursors and the optimization of Baijiu grain treatment.

Source: Food Chemistry X

DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2025.103391

Authors: Yuxuan Zhu, Ruiyang Qin, Yehui Han, Shuang Chen, Yan Xu

Institution: Jiangnan University

Language: English

Topic: Cassava research and cyanide

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,330