Caracterización microbiológica, sensorial y bromatológica de la fermentación de cacao en los genotipos CCN 51 e ICS 95.

The fermentation of cocoa is a process carried out by microorganisms whose composition and activity is relevant in the synthesis of precursor molecules for flavor and aroma. The objective of this study was to carry out a microbiological, sensory, and bromatological characterization of cocoa beans during the fermentation process in genotypes ICS 95 and CCN 51. For this, cocoa beans were extracted during the fermentation process, taking samples every 24 hours for seven days. In the laboratory, the isolation and identification of the present microorganisms were carried out. Yeasts were identified using amplification of the ITS region (Internal Transcribed Spacer), while bacteria were identified by sequencing the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Subsequently, cocoa beans were dried to 7% moisture, identifying the sensory profile from prepared cocoa liquor, through trained evaluators. The analyses allowed the identification of microorganisms such as Candida orthopsilosis, Hanseniaspora opuntiae, Issatchenkia orientalis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kodamaea ohmeri, Tatumella sp., Tatunella ptyseos, Lysinibacillus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Acetobacter pasteurianus, Acetobacter sp., Gluconobacter sp., Gluconacetobacter sp., Bacillus sp., Bacillus cereus and Serratia marcescens. Sensory analyses indicated that the ICS 95 genotype presented better descriptors than CCN 51, such as walnut, fruit and floral, reflecting more intense basic flavors. On the contrary, in the CCN 51 genotype, a higher proportion of polyphenols, theobromine, and carbohydrates were detected. These results will allow determining the potential effects of these microorganisms on the sensory quality of cocoa beans, to significantly improve fermentation processes at an industrial level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]