Biotechnology roadmap for native microbial consortia in artisanal mezcal linking fermentation ecology, economic value and biocultural sustainability in Oaxaca, Mexico
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Artisanal mezcal produced in Oaxaca, Mexico, relies on native microbial communities that shape its volatile composition, sensory profile, and economic value. This manuscript presents a perspective on indigenous microbial consortia as a biotechnological roadmap for improving mezcal production stability, traceability, and sustainability while preserving regional diversity and the traditional knowledge rooted in artisanal systems. A six-stage framework is proposed (microbial characterization; functional metagenomics and metabolomics; selection of compatible microorganisms; design of native consortia; validation in palenques; and comprehensive evaluation of sensory, economic, environmental, and sociocultural impacts), which aims to put into practice the concept of a “biotechnological roadmap” for mezcal. Native microbial diversity constitutes a form of biocultural capital with direct economic implications, including the potential to reduce production losses, support product differentiation, and strengthen resilience among small-scale producers, subject to technical validation and compliance with the applicable regulatory framework. Biotechnological interventions must avoid homogenization while supporting context-specific solutions that respect the designation of origin and local traditions. By integrating microbiological, economic, and policy perspectives, native microbial consortia can be positioned not only as a substitute for spontaneous fermentation, but rather as a complementary tool for safeguarding the biological memory of mezcal production, improving its competitiveness in global markets, and driving the transition toward sustainability in traditional Mexican agri-food systems.
Language: English
Subfield: Food Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,418
OpenAlex ID: W7225789526