Application of microrganisms for coffee fermentation

Abstract

Arabica coffees of three varieties present distinct results when inoculated with microorganisms. The attempt to improve coffee quality can be implemented at different stages of coffee production. Presence of microorganisms during coffee fermentation directly interferes with the quality and characteristics of final beverage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on coffee quality of inoculation of different microorganisms and also to study a bacteriological composition of coffees processed by wet fermentation. Three varieties of coffees studied at work: Ouro amarelo, Mundo novo and Catuaí Vermelho, mining region (Cerrado Mineiro and Southern of Minas Gerais). Ouro amarelo and Novo mundo processed by semi-dry method inoculated with three yeast strains (Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCMA 0200 and CCMA 0543; Torulaspora delbrueckii CCMA 0684). Two sensory analysis techniques were used (Cup Test and Temporal Dominance of Sensations). It was possible to observe that Ouro Amarelo variety obtained higher scores for evaluated attributes. The use of the CCMA 0543 and CCMA 0684 strains improved the sensory quality of the beverages. The second aspect discussed in this work is the diversity and effect of the inoculation of bacteria in fermentation of coffee by the wet process. Initially, a bacterial diversity was studied (Ouro amarelo, Mundo Novo and Catuaí Vermelho). Through identification techniques such as MALDI-TOF (Array Assisted Laser Desorption / Ionization - Time of Flight) and sequencing it was possible to identify 41 species of bacteria. In addition, some target compounds were quantified through HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) and CG-MS (Gas Chromatography and a mass spectrometer). According to the results, Lactobacillus plantarum and Leuconostoc mesenteroides were found in all varieties. Citric acid was detected at high concentrations and as the main classes of volatiles found were acids, alcohols, aldehydes and hydrocarbons. The sensorial profile demonstrates the presence of sensations of acidity (Ouro amarelo and Catuaí vermelho), bitterness, chocolate and nuts (Novo mundo) and sweetness (Catuaí vermelho). And finally, some species tested for their fermentation capacity to be applied as a starter culture in coffee of the Catuaí vermelho, in wet fermentation process. Strains Pantoea dispersa CCMA 1203; Cellulosimicrobium cellulans 1186, L. mesenteroides CCMA 1105 and L. plantarum CCMA 1065 presented better results in relation to acid production and changes in volatile profile during fermentation. These strains are strongly selective to be as well as starter cultures in wet fermented coffee. However, it is concluded that the inoculation of microorganisms in coffee is a highly promising alternative, being dependent on the variety and type of processing to be applied.