Characteristics of wild yeast isolated from non-sterilized Makgeolli in Korea

Abstract

Wild yeasts were isolated from domestic non-sterilized Makgeolli and their fermentation characteristics were analyzed to select the best fermentation seed culture. A total of 65 yeast strains isolated yeasts from non-sterilized Makgeolli and Nuruk. In order to select fermentable strains, hydrogen sulfide, CO2 production ability, alcohol tolerance and aroma component production ability were analyzed. To screen the aromatic strains of isolates, media containing cerulenin, 5,5,5-trifluor-DL-leucine (TFL) and API ZYM kit were used. There were 36 strains resistance to cerulenin and all strains produced esterase and demonstrated tolerance against TFL. Hydrogen sulfide, which could degrade the quality of the fermented beverage, was not produced in 34 yeast. The correlation between alcohol tolerance of yeast and carbon dioxide production was analyzed by principal component analysis. YM22, YM31, YM32 and YM37 produced a total of 0.14-0.18 g/72 h of CO2 indicating high fermentability. Alcohol tolerance was measured by alcohol concentration. YM32, YM37 yeast had 20% alcohol tolerance. As a result, alcohol and flavor characteristics of wild yeast isolated from non-sterilized Makgeolli were analyzed and it was confirmed that yeast was suitable for the production of alcohol.