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International Journal of Food Microbiology Manuscript Draft Manuscript Number: FOOD-D-20-00197 Title: Multivariate analysis of microbial and volatile compounds profile of Mexican Criollo cocoa beans fermented by artisanal methods with consecutive turning Article Type: Full Length Article Keywords: HS-SPME/GC-MS; key-aroma markers; MALDI-TOF; Principal Component Analysis; PLS-DA. Abstract: The effect of two artisanal methods of fermentation of Mexican Criollo cocoa with a different turning start time on the microbial dynamics and volatile compounds generated were studied and analyzed by multivariate analysis (Principal Component Analysis and Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis). The turning start time at 48h stimulated a microbial profile with yeasts domain such as Hanseniaspora opuntiae, Pichia manshurica, and Candida carpophila, favoring the production of several key-aroma markers associated with cocoa quality such as phenylethyl acetate, 2-phenylacetaldehyde, 3-methylbutanal, 2-phenylethyl alcohol, 2,3-butanedione, 3-methylbutanoic acid, and 2-methylpropanoic acid. While an immediate turning start time favored an aerobic environment that stimulated the rapid growth of Acetobacter pasteurianus, Bacillus subtilis, and higher biodiversity of LAB such as Lactobacillus plantarum and Pedioccoccus acidilactici, increasing the ethyl acetate production. Thus offering cocoa producers a scientific-based tool for the selection of the fermentation technique based on the volatile compounds profile in fermented cocoa.

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International Journal of Food

Microbiology

Manuscript Draft

Manuscript Number: FOOD-D-20-00197

Title: Multivariate analysis of microbial and volatile compounds profile

of Mexican Criollo cocoa beans fermented by artisanal methods with

consecutive turning

Article Type: Full Length Article

Keywords: HS-SPME/GC-MS; key-aroma markers; MALDI-TOF; Principal

Component Analysis; PLS-DA.

Abstract: The effect of two artisanal methods of fermentation of Mexican

Criollo cocoa with a different turning start time on the microbial

dynamics and volatile compounds generated were studied and analyzed by

multivariate analysis (Principal Component Analysis and Partial Least

Square Discriminant Analysis). The turning start time at 48h stimulated a

microbial profile with yeasts domain such as Hanseniaspora opuntiae,

Pichia manshurica, and Candida carpophila, favoring the production of

several key-aroma markers associated with cocoa quality such as

phenylethyl acetate, 2-phenylacetaldehyde, 3-methylbutanal, 2-phenylethyl

alcohol, 2,3-butanedione, 3-methylbutanoic acid, and 2-methylpropanoic

acid. While an immediate turning start time favored an aerobic

environment that stimulated the rapid growth of Acetobacter pasteurianus,

Bacillus subtilis, and higher biodiversity of LAB such as Lactobacillus

plantarum and Pedioccoccus acidilactici, increasing the ethyl acetate

production. Thus offering cocoa producers a scientific-based tool for the

selection of the fermentation technique based on the volatile compounds

profile in fermented cocoa.

Highlights

The microbial dynamics and volatile compounds generated in two traditional

fermentation methods of Mexican Criollo cocoa with a different start time of

turning were evaluated.

The fermentation methods evaluated did not change the fermentation time, but the

volatile compounds profile.

The multivariate analysis revealed the volatile compounds related to the different

turning methods

The turning start time at 48h stimulated a yeast domain that favors the production of

compounds recognized as key-aroma markers that are associated with cocoa quality.

An immediate turning start favors a mostly aerobic environment that stimulated the

rapid growth of genus Bacillus spp. which favor the ethyl acetate production.

*Highlights (for review)

1

Multivariate analysis of microbial and volatile compounds profile of Mexican Criollo 1

cocoa beans fermented by artisanal methods with consecutive turning 2

3

Velasquez-Reyes Dulce1, Gschaedler Anne2, Kirchmayr Manuel2, Avendaño-Arrazate 4

Carlos3, Rodriguez-Campos Jacobo1, Calva-Estrada Sergio1, Lugo-Cervantes Eugenia1 5

6

1Food Technology Departament. Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del 7

Estado de Jalisco (CIATEJ) A.C., Camino Arenero 1227, El Bajío, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico. C.P. 8

45019. 9

2Industrial Biotechnology Departament, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y 10

Diseño del Estado de Jalisco (CIATEJ) A.C., Camino Arenero 1227, El Bajío, Zapopan, Jalisco, 11

Mexico. C.P. 45019. 12

3Genetic Departament, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales Agricolas y Pecuarias 13

(INIFAP), C. E. Rosario Izapa, Chiapas. Km. 18. Carretera Tapachula-Cacahoatan, Tuxtla Chico, 14

Chiapas, Mexico. CP. 30780. 15

16

17

18

*Corresponding author: [email protected] 19

20

21

*Manuscript with Line NumbersClick here to view linked References

2

Multivariate analysis of microbial and volatile compounds profile of Mexican Criollo 22

cocoa beans fermented by artisanal methods with consecutive turning 23

24

Abstract 25

The effect of two artisanal methods of fermentation of Mexican Criollo cocoa with 26

a different turning start time on the microbial dynamics and volatile compounds generated 27

were studied and analyzed by multivariate analysis (Principal Component Analysis and 28

Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis). The turning start time at 48h stimulated a 29

microbial profile with yeasts domain such as Hanseniaspora opuntiae, Pichia manshurica, 30

and Candida carpophila, favoring the production of several key-aroma markers associated 31

with cocoa quality such as phenylethyl acetate, 2-phenylacetaldehyde, 3-methylbutanal, 2-32

phenylethyl alcohol, 2,3-butanedione, 3-methylbutanoic acid, and 2-methylpropanoic acid. 33

While an immediate turning start time favored an aerobic environment that stimulated the 34

rapid growth of Acetobacter pasteurianus, Bacillus subtilis, and higher biodiversity of LAB 35

such as Lactobacillus plantarum and Pedioccoccus acidilactici, increasing the ethyl acetate 36

production. Thus offering cocoa producers a scientific-based tool for the selection of the 37

fermentation technique based on the volatile compounds profile in fermented cocoa. 38

39

Keywords: HS-SPME/GC-MS, key-aroma markers, MALDI-TOF, Multivariate analysis, 40

Principal Component Analysis, PLS-DA. 41

42

3

1. Introduction 43

México represents the 13th

worldwide producer of cocoa beans (Theobroma cacao L.) 44

with an annual production of 28,363 ton in 2018 (SIAP, 2018). The cocoa aroma potential 45

is the most important quality attribute that determines the economic value and acceptability 46

of chocolate and derived products (Magagna et al., 2017). The cocoa aroma depends on the 47

genotype, geographical origin, and post-harvest processing (fermentation, drying, and 48

roasting), imparting a high variability to the composition and quality of the cocoa flavor 49

(Kongor et al., 2016). Several chocolate brands are interested in controlling each stage in 50

the manufacture of their product, focusing on the principal and crucial process, the 51

fermentation (Crafack et al., 2014; Menezes et al., 2016). 52

53

The cocoa fermentation is a spontaneous process that involves a microbial succession 54

responsible for the production of aroma precursor compounds and the development of 55

pigments characteristic of cocoa inside the beans through biochemical reactions 56

(Papalexandratou et al., 2019). The traditional fermentation process involves the extraction 57

of the cocoa beans from the pod. Then, the beans are placed in either heaps, boxes (of 58

wooden or plastic), or trays, and are covered with plantain leaves and left to ferment for 5-7 59

days according to the cocoa origin and genotype (Guehi et al., 2010; Moreira et al., 2013). 60

Throughout the process, a wide range of yeasts and fermenting bacteria appears, increasing 61

the cocoa mass temperature above 45 ºC, and producing a liquid rich in ethanol, lactic acid, 62

and acetic acid that change the color and volume of the beans, and yield several aroma 63

precursors by proteolysis and carbohydrates hydrolysis (Camu et al., 2008a). The 64

fermentation method generally is based on experience of generation to generation, resulting 65

4

in very heterogeneous process applied in the world that implies a greater variation in 66

microbial growth and in the generated metabolites according to the cocoa genotype, origin, 67

production method, batch size, pod ripeness, pod storage, and fermentation conditions 68

(Guehi et al., 2010). One of the common differences between the fermentative cocoa 69

processes is the turning method. The application of two turning times (the first at 48 h, and 70

a second at 96 h) during the fermentation of African cocoa has been studied (Camu et al., 71

2008b; Guehi et al., 2010; Hamdouche et al., 2019). In the cocoa-pulp turning the 72

oxygenation is favored, increasing the growth of Acetic Acid Bacteria (AAB) and 73

producing higher acetic acid amount, a key metabolite in the production of aroma 74

precursors, and decreasing the fermentation time. 75

76

In Mexico, producers apply different fermentation techniques for freshly cut cocoa in 77

search to improve the aroma profile and decrease the fermentation time. Some of them 78

involve the consecutive turning of cocoa pulp with a different turning start time (at 24 h or 79

at 48 h). However, there are no scientific studies that support the fermentation techniques 80

applied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two artisanal 81

fermentation methods from Mexican Criollo cocoa with a different turning start time on the 82

microbial dynamics and volatile compounds produced through the multivariate analysis 83

(Principal Component Analysis and Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis). 84

85

2. Materials and methods 86

2.1 Fermentation process, monitoring, and sampling 87

5

Samples of Criollo cocoa pods were harvested in October 2018 in Chiapas, Mexico. 88

Cocoa beans were spontaneously fermented by the wooden box method. The freshly cut 89

pods were opened using a machete in the same place where they were fermented. The beans 90

were extracted manually and divided into two batches. Each batch was distributed into 91

individual wooden boxes (0.79 m x 0.80 m x 0.75 m each one). Two experimental 92

treatments were evaluated: B1) a spontaneous fermentation with first turning time at 24 93

hours after placing the beans in the fermentation box with consecutive turnings each 24 94

hours; and B2) a spontaneous fermentation with the first turning time at 48 hours after 95

placing the beans in the fermentation box with consecutive turnings each 24 hours. The 96

method selection was made following the artisanal practices applied. The turning of the 97

cocoa beans was manual, moving the total mass from one box to another empty box to 98

ensure uniform aeration during the process. The fermentation time was 7 days for both 99

batches. The end of the fermentation was based on temperature, pH changes, and the death 100

of the bean embryo. A sample of the beans mass was collected for each fermentation time 101

(0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144 h). The microbial and chemical analyses were carried out 102

immediately. The environmental temperature, box temperature, pH value and soluble solids 103

(ºBx) were measured throughout the fermentation. The pH was measured using a pHmeter 104

(pH Hanna HI98108). Soluble solids were measured using a refractometer. And the 105

temperature was measured in the middle of the fermenting mass with a digital thermometer 106

(Fluke t3000 FC). 107

108

2.2. Microbial ecology analysis 109

6

For the microbial analysis, 5 g of beans mass sample was vortexed with 10 mL of 110

physiological solution for 5 min. The supernatant was placed into a 1.5 mL sterile 111

Eppendorf tube and then different dilutions were prepared, depending on the expected 112

microbial counts. Then were plated on Wallerstein (WL) agar (Sigma-Aldrich) for yeast 113

enumeration, MRS agar (Sigma-Aldrich), and GYC agar (25 g/L D-glucose, 5 g/L yeast 114

extract, 10 g/L calcium carbonate, 7.5 g/L agar). Incubation was started in situ at 115

environmental temperature (24-34 ºC) for 24 h. Then, the plates with 30-300 colonies were 116

used for counting by the morphology of the colony. The Colony-Forming Units (CFU) was 117

recorded and isolated. Microbial morphology served as isolation criteria, for yeast, the 118

isolation was performed on Yeast-extract Peptone Dextrose agar (YPD), while the bacteria 119

were isolated on MRS and GYC agar. 120

121

2.2.1. MALDI-TOF sample preparation, measurement and data analysis 122

Isolates were grown on plates using specific culture medium and were incubated at 28 123

ºC for 18 h. Using the direct transfer method, the biological material (single colony) as a 124

thin film directly onto a spot on a MALDI target plate and covered with 1 µL of a saturated 125

solution of α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA). Each MALDI-TOF sample was 126

spotted in duplicated to evaluate reproducibility. Samples were then analyzed in a Matrix-127

Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization–Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF 128

MS) Microflex spectrometer (Bruker Daltonics), using the MALDI Biotyper 3.1 automatic 129

system. 130

131

2.3. Volatile compounds analysis 132

7

The analysis of volatile compounds was performed using the methodology described by 133

Rodriguez-Campos et al. (2011). The volatile compounds were extracted by Head-Space 134

Solid Phase Micro-Extraction (HS-SPME) using a 50/30 μm 135

divinylbenzene/carboxene/polydimethylsiloxane (DVB/CAR/PDMS) fiber (Supelco). The 136

sample (2 g) was placed in a head-space vial, and sealed with a PolyTetraFluoroEthylene 137

(PTFE) cap. The sample was equilibrated at 60 ºC for 15 minutes and then, the fiber was 138

exposed for 30 min at the same temperature. The volatile compounds were analyzed by Gas 139

Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), equipped with an Innowax capillary 140

column (60 m x 0.25 mm id x 0.25 μm film thickness). And the identification of volatile 141

compounds was made comparing the mass spectra of the compounds in the samples with 142

the database of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST/EPA/NIH v2.0 d 143

2004 Library, Gaithersburg, MD, USA) with a match of at least 80%. The average relative 144

abundance (n=3) of each compound was reported as a percentage of normalized area of the 145

corresponding peak. Aroma descriptors for the compounds identified were obtained by 146

bibliographic review. 147

148

2.4. Data processing and multivariate analysis (PCA and PLS-DA) 149

All analyses were performed in triplicate (n = 3). The experimental data are 150

presented as the mean and Standard Deviation (SD). An analysis of variance was performed 151

(ANOVA) and Tukey multiple range tests were conducted to determine the significant 152

differences among the means. The mean differences were considered significant at p<0.05. 153

Data analysis was performed using the XLSTAT 2019. 2. 3 (Addinsoft, Boston, USA). 154

155

8

The variables used in the Principal component analysis (PCA) represent the 156

normalized area of the chromatographic peaks obtained by GC-MS, and the CFU 157

corresponding to the main microorganisms identified during fermentation. Each variable 158

corresponds to the average of experimental points (analysis) done in triplicate. PCA bi-plot 159

was constructed to identify differences in the dynamics of microbial growth and volatile 160

compounds generated in the two fermentation treatments studied. The data set consisted of 161

12 observations (different fermentation times of both treatments) and 60 variables (52 162

volatile compounds, and 8 microorganisms). Previously, the complete matrix of volatile 163

compounds (70 volatile compounds) was filtered selecting only those compounds that were 164

identified at the beginning and end of the fermentation. Subsequently, all the set of 165

variables was transformed by mean-centering for the analysis. 166

167

Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) was applied to classify the 168

volatile compounds generated according to the fermentation treatment used. PLS-DA 169

reduces the number of variables used in the model combining the variables in order to 170

calculate the factors that most correlated with a class (treatment in this case). For the 171

analysis, the complete matrix of the relative abundance data of each compound identified 172

by GC-MS as qualitative dependent variables (Y) the type of treatment (B1 or B2), as 173

quantitative explicative variables (X) the volatile compounds, and as qualitative explicative 174

variables the different fermentation times for both treatments. The PLS-DA model was 175

evaluated by exhaustive cross-validation. The data were transformed by mean-centering 176

with a reduction of the aligned data based with a 95% confidence interval. 177

178

9

3. Results and Discussion 179

3.1. Physicochemical changes 180

The soluble solids (ºBrix), pH, environmental temperature, and temperature inside the 181

fermentation boxes evaluated throughout the process are shown in Figure 1. The mentioned 182

parameters are critical in the microbial enzymatic activity generated during the cocoa beans 183

fermentation (Camu et al., 2008a; Koné et al., 2016). After cacao pods opening, the initial 184

ºBrix and pH values were 13.30–13.33, and 3.53–3.59 respectively, in both fermentations 185

batches. The soluble solids of cocoa-pulp are related to the sugar content (between 10–186

15%), citric acid (1–3%), and pectin (1–1.5%) (Santander-Muñoz et al., 2019). And the 187

acidity of the initial pH of cocoa-pulp is attributed to the citric acid content mainly 188

(Lagunes-Gálvez et al., 2007). The behavior of pH, ºBx, and box temperature during 189

fermentation, were statistically different between the two treatments evaluated (p<0.05) 190

(Figure 1). The pH values and box temperature were increasing throughout the 191

fermentation, while the soluble solids were decreasing. In the treatment B1 (with initial 192

turning at 24 h), the ºBx showed a higher decreasing rate compared to the treatment B2 193

(with initial turning at 48 h). The microbial activity and metabolites generated during the 194

cocoa fermentation lead to an increase in temperature and pH (Moreira et al., 2017). The 195

rapid decrease in soluble solids in the cocoa bean mass may be associated with the highest 196

number of turning applied in B1 treatment compared to B2. Turning favors the deposition 197

of mucilaginous liquid of cocoa beans, rich in sugars, at the bottom of the fermentation box, 198

leading to the decrease of the substrate available for ethanol-producing yeasts at the 199

beginning of the fermentation (Schwan & Wheals, 2004). The decrease of soluble solids 200

from treatment B1 was correlated with a higher rate of temperature rise compared to 201

10

treatment B2. In B1, the maximum box temperature was 46.5 ± 2.33 ºC at 48 h, while in B2 202

it was observed at 72 h. The environmental temperature was the same for both treatments. 203

The results could be associated with the oxygenation incorporated with the turning at 24 h 204

in the B1 treatment, which could stimulate the growth of Acetic Acid Bacteria (AAB) 205

characterized by a highly exothermic metabolism generating an increase in temperature 206

above 45 °C (Papalexandratou et al., 2019; Ramos et al., 2020; Schwan & Wheals, 2004). 207

The pH increase is associated with the activity of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) that 208

consumes the fresh pulp citric acid as an alternative energy source for yeasts and LAB, 209

causing that the pulp pH increase from the onset with values around 3.5–4.0 (Illeghems et 210

al., 2015; Nielsen et al., 2013; Papalexandratou et al., 2019). The pH of the cocoa-bean 211

mass was increased during the fermentation time. In B2, the higher pH value (5.59 ± 0.03) 212

was observed at 120 h, while B1 showed a higher pH (5.60 ± 0.51) at 144 h (Figure 1). 213

Although during the fermentation acetic acid is also being produced, this occurs within the 214

bean cotyledon, having a minimal impact on the pH of the pulp (Camu et al., 2008a). 215

216

3.2. Microbial community dynamics during fermentation processing. 217

The evolution of colony-forming units (CFU) of yeasts, LAB, AAB, and spore-218

forming bacteria throughout fermentation for all experiments is shown in Figure 2. At the 219

beginning of the fermentation, both treatments showed a high content of yeasts. The initial 220

average yeast counts were between 6.71−7.28 log CFU/g, constituted by Hanseniaspora 221

opuntiae, and Pichia manshurica. The initial yeast count was higher than reported by 222

Papalexandratou et al. (2019) at the beginning of the fermentation of Nicaraguan Criollo 223

cocoa beans (6.00−7.50 log CFU/g). Among the most frequently isolated yeasts at the 224

11

beginning of cocoa fermentation were H. opuntiae and P. manschurica, possibly due to its 225

tolerance capacity of low pH by the high-citrate concentration (Meersman et al., 2013; 226

Papalexandratou et al., 2019). In the consecutive fermentation stages, the microbial 227

community was characterized per pronounced differences between treatments. In the case 228

of the yeast community, the fermentation with B2 treatment (with initial turning at 48 h) 229

favored a higher growth compared to the B1 treatment. The B2 treatment was characterized 230

by a greater predominance and yeast biodiversity constituted by H. opuntiae, P. 231

manshurica, and Candida carpophila, from 24-120 h (Figure 2B). While in B1 only P. 232

manshurica is maintained until 120 h, H. opuntiae growth only covered the period of 0-72 233

h, and C. carpophila, was not detected (Figure 2A). The yeasts play an important role at the 234

beginning of the cocoa bean fermentation for the reduction of pectin in sugars for the 235

production of ethanol, decreasing the viscosity of the mass and causing cocoa pulp drainage 236

at the bottom of the fermentation box (De Vuyst & Weckx, 2016; Garcia-Armisen et al., 237

2010). Prolonging the turning start time of the cocoa-bean mass could have favored an 238

anaerobic environment and a higher amount of substrate available for the growth and 239

biodiversification of yeasts community (Figueroa-Hernández et al., 2019; Koné et al., 2016; 240

Serra et al., 2019). Also, the rapid rise in temperature above 45 °C in treatment B1 (Figure 241

1) could cause growth inhibition of some species of yeast compared to B2 in which the 242

temperature peak was reached at a later time (Daniel et al., 2009). The growth of 243

Kodamaea ohmeri was in the last stages of B1 fermentation (Figure 2A), where the yeasts 244

H. opuntiae and P. manshurica are no longer detectable, which was not identified in B2. 245

This can be associated with the high concentration of acetic acid that acts as a yeast growth 246

12

inhibitor, to which K. ohmeri has demonstrated resistance, taking advantage of the sugars 247

available in the medium (Sharma et al., 2018). 248

249

After the yeast domain, the subsequent bacterial community appears after 48 hours 250

for both treatments, but with different dynamics and biodiversity. In treatment B1 (Figure 251

1A), the bacterial community begins with the predominance of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), 252

such as Lactobacillus plantarum and Pedioccoccus acidilactici, Acetic Acid Bacteria 253

(AAB) such as Acetobacter pasteurianus, and spore-forming bacteria such as Bacillus 254

subtilis. While in treatment B2 (Figure 2B), the microbial community was dominated by 255

Lactobacillus plantarum at 48 h, followed by Acetobacter pasteurianus after 72 h, and 256

finally Bacillus subtilis at the end of fermentation. Pedioccoccus acidilactici was not 257

identified in B2. BAL and AAB constitute the microbial groups that dominate the typical 258

fermentative process of cocoa after yeasts. Lactobacillus plantarum is the main LAB 259

identified in cocoa fermentation and is involved in the assimilation of glucose, citric acid, 260

and fructose for the production of ethanol, lactic acid, and mannitol (Nielsen et al., 2013). 261

Acetobacter pasteurianus is an AAB that participates in the ethanol oxidation in acetic acid 262

(Illeghems et al., 2015; Ramos et al., 2020; Saltini et al., 2013). And Bacillus spp. is 263

involved in depectinization of the cocoa-pulp increasing the permeability of the beans that 264

connecting the reactions occurring in the outer part of the bean (by microbial activity) 265

triggering reactions inside (Camu et al., 2008b; Ouattara et al., 2017). A. pasteurianus and 266

Bacillus spp. growth is favored under aerobic conditions and high temperature (Camu, 267

González, et al., 2008b; Hamdouche et al., 2019; Illeghems et al., 2015; Ouattara et al., 268

2017; Saltini et al., 2013). Therefore, the greater oxygenation incorporated in treatment B1 269

13

may have rapidly stimulated the growth of AAB and Bacillus spp. compared to treatment 270

B2. An antagonistic interaction has been reported in the growth of co-cultures of yeast 271

strains (Pichia spp.) and Bacillus subtilis in simulated cocoa-pulp media (Ouattara et al., 272

2020), which could explain the lower growth of the Bacillus genus in the B2 treatment in 273

which yeasts dominate fermentation. A. pasteurianus is a competitive species in an acid- 274

and ethanol-rich environment that favors to poor or no growth of L. plantarum (Camu et al., 275

2008b), which explains the decrease in LAB in later stages in which the maximum peak of 276

AAB appears in B1 treatment (Figure 2A), compared to B2 in which the AAB peak appears 277

after 48h, favoring a greater LAB growth in the final fermentation stages (Figure 2B). And 278

Pediococcus acidilactici are other LAB identified on cocoa fermentation, and its 279

inoculation in the B1 treatment could have been done since the direct environment with the 280

greater turning applied (Camu et al., 2008b; Miguel et al., 2017). 281

282

3.3. Volatile compounds profile 283

Seventy volatile compounds were identified during the cocoa fermentation 284

treatments evaluated. The volatile compounds were classified into six chemical classes: 285

volatile acids, alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ketones, and pyrazines. The percentage of 286

individual relative abundance for each compound at different fermentation times and the 287

associated aroma descriptor are presented in Table 1. 288

289

3.3.1. Volatile acids 290

Acetic acid, propanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic and 2-methylpropanoic acid were the 291

main volatile acids identified in the cocoa fermentations studied (Table 1). Volatile acids 292

14

represented between 46.72-48.16% of the final volatile profile in both treatments. Acetic 293

acid, 3-methylbutanoic and 2-methylpropanoic are recognized as cocoa key-aroma markers 294

and are responsible for imparting a sour, rancid, and intense vinegar-like perception that 295

affects cocoa aroma quality (Magagna et al., 2017). The highest production of volatile acids 296

was observed in the B2 treatment. Possibly due to the increased growth of alcohol-297

producing yeasts due AAB are able to convert alcohol by dehydrogenation to acids such as 298

propanoic, and 2-methylpropanoic, and by the degradation of citrate mediated by LAB 299

(Ramos et al., 2020). 300

301

3.3.2. Alcohols 302

Twenty-one alcohols were identified during fermentations evaluated. Phenylethyl 303

alcohol, ethanol, 2-pentanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, 2-pentanol, and 3-methyl-1-butanol 304

were the main. The final profile and percentage of alcohol between treatments was 305

different. The final profile of the B1 treatment was characterized by a higher content of 3-306

methyl-1-butanol, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, guaiacol, and 2-phenylethyl alcohol. And treatment 307

B2 was characterized by a higher content of 2-pentanol, 2,3-butanediol, 4,5-octanediol, and 308

benzyl alcohol. The B1 treatment showed a final volatile profile with a higher percentage of 309

alcohol compared to the B2 treatment. High alcohol contents are desirable to obtain cocoa 310

products with flowery and candy notes (Rodriguez-Campos et al., 2012), due to alcohols 311

such as 2-phenylethyl alcohol is recognized as cocoa key-aroma marker related to the 312

honey-like aroma characteristic of Criollo cocoa (Cevallos-Cevallos et al., 2018), and 2,3-313

butanediol that is associated with a sweet chocolate odor descriptor (Moreira et al., 2017). 314

Yeasts such as H. opuntiae have been associated with 2-phenylethyl alcohol production 315

15

(Hu et al., 2018). In addition to the production of alcohols, the yeasts also participate in 316

their esterification, o alcoholic compounds are oxidized to ester with the presence of 317

oxygen by LAB (Cevallos-Cevallos et al., 2018; Hamdouche et al., 2019; Schlüter et al., 318

2020). So that the greater growth of yeasts in the fermentation B2 could have favored a 319

greater conversion of these alcohols into their derived esters. 320

321

3.3.3. Aldehydes 322

Twelve aldehydes were identified during fermentations evaluated, constituted by 3-323

methylbutanal, 2-methylbutanal, butanedial, 2-methylpropanal, 2-methylpentanal, nonanal, 324

benzaldehyde, phenylacetaldehyde, and benzenebutanal. The percentage of aldehydes in the 325

final volatile profile was similar between the treatments (around 25.91-30.85%). The final 326

profile of treatment B1 was characterized by phenylacetaldehyde, nonanal, and pentanal. 327

While the B2 profile was characterized by benzaldehyde, 2-methylpropanal, butanedial, 2-328

methylbutanal, and 3-methylbutanal. Phenylacetaldehyde and benzaldehyde are odor-active 329

cocoa aldehydes related to honey- and almond-like aroma descriptors (Hinneh et al., 2018), 330

and 3-methylbutanal is cataloged as a cocoa key-aroma marker associated with a chocolate 331

odor (Magagna et al., 2017). Therefore, high aldehyde content is favorable for the quality 332

of cocoa (Menezes et al., 2016). The aldehydes are produced from the oxidation of primary 333

alcohols produced by yeasts, and from amino acids such as leucine, isoleucine (for 3-334

methylbutanal) and phenylalanine (for benzaldehyde and phenylacetaldehyde) mainly by 335

enzymatic activity of LAB, whose activity is favored when the temperature increased and 336

reached its maximum (Hamdouche et al., 2019). 337

338

16

3.3.4. Esters 339

Twenty-one esters compounds were identified, represented by ethyl acetate, 340

isobutyl acetate, 2-pentanol acetate, ethyl octanoate, ethyl benzeneacetate, 2-phenylethyl 341

acetate, and ethyl palmitate, among others. At the end of fermentation, B2 presented a 342

volatile profile with a higher percentage and a number of esters compared to B1 that only 343

presented 2-phenylethyl acetate. The esters are important compounds in the profile of cocoa 344

products, and characteristic of products derived from Criollo cocoa, due to their attractive 345

sweet, flowery, and fruity aroma descriptors, such as 2-phenylethyl acetate associated with 346

perception like honey, and for which it is recognized as a key-aroma marker of cocoa 347

(Koné et al., 2016; Magagna et al., 2017; Moreira et al., 2018). The esters are produced 348

from the esterification of alcohols mediated by microorganisms such as yeasts, and some 349

LAB (Cevallos-Cevallos et al., 2018; Moreira et al., 2018; Ouattara et al., 2020). Yeasts 350

such as H. opuntiae have been associated with 2-phenylethyl acetate, and ethyl hexanoate 351

production (Hu et al., 2018). Esters are mostly produced by synergy of yeasts and LAB 352

during the anaerobic stage of fermentation (da Silva Vale et al., 2019; Hamdouche et al., 353

2019). The results could indicate the greater production of esters in B2 due to the lower 354

aeration of cocoa bean-mass compared to B1. 355

356

3.3.5. Ketones 357

Nine ketones represented by 4-hydroxy-2-butanone, 2,3-butanedione, 3-methyl-2-358

butanone, 4-methyl-2-hexanone, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, 2-nonanone, and acetophenone 359

were identified in the fermentations evaluated. A higher percentage of ketones were 360

observed in the early stages of fermentation, acetophenone principally. At the end of the 361

17

fermentation, the B2 treatment presented a higher percentage and number of ketones, 362

highlighting the presence of 2,3-butanedione, following by 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, and 363

acetophenone, compare to B1 treatment. Ketones such as 2,3-butanedione, and 3-hydroxy-364

2-butanone are recognized technological markers of cocoa processing and are important 365

contributors to the typical buttery and creamy aroma of chocolate (Magagna et al., 2017). 366

Ketones are compounds naturally present in cocoa, and their content decreases throughout 367

fermentation by degradation or microbial catabolism (Hamdouche et al., 2019). However, 368

some ketones such as acetophenone are produced by H. opuntiae (Hu et al., 2018), and 3-369

hydroxy-2-butanone can be produced by bacteria of the genus Bacillus spp. favoring its 370

increase in anaerobic conditions and high temperatures (Ouattara et al., 2020). 371

372

3.3.6. Pyrazines 373

Only the presence of 2,5-dimethylpyrazine was detected in the last stages of both 374

fermentations, observing a slightly higher production in the B1 treatment (0.51±0.04) 375

compared to B2 (0.28±0.01). Pyrazines in cocoa beans are formed only during the roasting 376

process. However, some methylpyrazines can originate during fermentation due to the 377

enzymatic activity of Bacillus spp. (Koné et al., 2016). Therefore, the higher production of 378

2,5-dimethylpyrazine could be associated with the greater growth of Bacillus during B1 379

fermentation. 380

381

3.4. Multivariate analysis of the volatile compounds produced during the cocoa 382

fermentations 383

18

The principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to evaluate the effect of the 384

first turning time on the growth dynamics of the main microorganisms (yeasts, BAL, AAB 385

and spore-forming bacteria) and volatile compounds generated during cocoa fermentation. 386

Figure 3 shows the first two Principal Components (PC), explaining together 56.15% of the 387

total variance (30.80% for PC1 and 25.35% for PC2). The PCA allowed a natural grouping 388

of the observations separating the initial time, intermediate times and final time of both 389

fermentations in different quadrants of the biplot. PC2 separated the initial fermentation 390

times in the bottom of the plot (with negative scoring) mainly related to 2-heptanol, 2-391

heptanone, 2-hydroxyacetophenone, butanal, and the microorganisms H. opuntiae and B. 392

subtilis. While the fermentation time of 72 h, and the final time (144 h) were placed in the 393

top of the biplot, with positive scoring of PC2, related to 2-methylpropanal, 2,3-394

butanedione, 3-methyl-2-butanol, 4-methyl-2,3-pentanediol, 4,5-octanediol, phenylalcohol, 395

methyl-2-methoxy-butanoate, 2-methylpropanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, and 2,5-396

dimethylpyrazine. The PC1 allowed separating the final profile of each treatment. The B1 397

treatment was located in the upper quadrant of the plot with negative scoring related to 398

ethyl acetate and Pediococcus acidilactici. And the B2 treatment was located with positive 399

scoring, mainly related to butanal, nonanal, phenylacetaldehyde, acetophenone, 2-400

heptanone, 4-methyl-2-hexanone, 2-phenylethyl alcohol, 2-pentanol, 2,3-butanediol, 2-401

heptanol, and ethyl octanoate, as well as the microorganisms H. opuntiae and B. subtilis. 402

403

Subsequently, supervised classification was carried out. Partial Least Square 404

Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) model was constructed to classify volatile compounds 405

generated in fermentation with the type of treatment used, in order to maximize the 406

19

separation between classes, and find the most relevant compounds for each turning 407

treatment (B1 and B2). PLS-DA scores biplot of volatile compounds is shown in Figure 4. 408

Seventeen compounds such as 3-metilpentanoic acid, 2-nonanone, 3-methyl-2-butanone, 409

acetophenone, 4-hydroxy-2-butanone, phenyleacetaldehyde, benzaldehyde, 3-410

methylbutanal, 1-phenylethyl acetate, 2-pentanol acetate, 2,3-butanediol diacetate, ethyl 411

hexanoate, 2-hydroxy-ethyl propanoate, ethyl decanoate, 2-phenylethyl alcohol, 2-412

pentadecanol, and 2-decanol were highly correlated with the B2 treatment, for being placed 413

farther from the center, particularly between the inner and outer circles in the biplot. PLS-414

DA allows to visualize that the compounds associated as key-aroma markers of cocoa, such 415

as phenylacetaldehyde, 3-methylbutanal, 2-phenylethyl alcohol, 2-phenylethyl acetate, 2,5-416

dimethylpyrazine, 3-methylbutanoic acid, 2-methylpropanoic acid, and 2,3-butanedione are 417

mostly correlated with the B2 treatment (with initial turning at 48 h). While B1 (with initial 418

turning at 24 h) showed a higher correlation with the key-aroma marker 3-hydroxy-2-419

butanone. 420

421

The results can be associated with the fact that the greater aeration incorporated into 422

the cocoa-bean mass in the B1 treatment caused an aerobic environment that caused the 423

decline of yeasts and the increase of AAB and spore-forming bacteria of the genus Bacillus 424

spp (Guehi et al., 2010; Hamdouche et al., 2019; Ouattara et al., 2020). The latter microbial 425

genus has been reported as a producer of 3-hydroxy-2-butanone in simulated cocoa pulp 426

media (Ouattara et al., 2020). In addition, Pediococcus acidilactici was identified in 427

treatment B1, which in co-inoculation with yeasts of the genus Pichia spp. has shown a 428

higher production of ethyl acetate than in isolation (da Silva-Vale et al., 2019). 429

20

430

On the other hand, the B2 treatment, by prolonging the anaerobic conditions 431

stimulated the growth of yeasts and LAB that favored its total dominance during the whole 432

fermentation. A higher production of acetate esters has been associated with greater 433

synergy between co-inoculation of yeasts and LAB (da Silva-Vale et al., 2019). Some yeast 434

isolated from cocoa fermentation, such as H. opuntiae and Pichia spp., have been 435

recognized as producers of ethanol, 2-phenylethyl alcohol, esters (such as 2-phenylethyl 436

acetate, ethyl hexanoate, and 2-pentanol acetate), and aldehydes (such as 3-methyl butanal, 437

and phenylacetaldehyde), and acetophenone (Cevallos-Cevallos et al., 2018; Hu et al., 438

2018; Ouattara et al., 2020). Subsequently, by incorporating aeration into the cocoa-pulp, 439

aerobic conditions favored the growth of AAB, which from the alcohols generated by 440

yeasts, produced a higher content of acids such as propanoic acid, 3-methylpropanoic acid, 441

and 3-methyl butanoic acid (Ramos et al., 2020). All the aforementioned compounds were 442

co-correlated with the B2 treatment. 443

444

Conclusion 445

The effect of two traditional methods of fermentation of Mexican Criollo cocoa 446

with different start time of turning the cocoa-pulp mass on the microbial dynamics and 447

volatile compounds generated using multivariate analysis was studied. The multivariate 448

analysis indicate that 3-metilpentanoic acid, 2-nonanone, 3-methyl-2-butanone, 449

acetophenone, 4-hydroxy-2-butanone, phenyleacetaldehyde, benzaldehyde, 3-450

methylbutanal, 1-phenylethyl acetate, 2-pentanol acetate, 2,3-butanediol diacetate, ethyl 451

hexanoate, 2-hydroxy-ethyl propanoate, ethyl decanoate, 2-phenylethyl alcohol, 2-452

21

pentadecanol, and 2-decanol are volatile compounds are related to the start time of the 453

cocoa-bean mass turning. The results indicate that the production of volatile compounds 454

during cocoa fermentation, rather than being produced by specific microbial taxa, is closely 455

related to a synergism and/or antagonistic mechanism between yeasts, LAB, AAB and 456

spore-forming bacteria. The turning start time at 48h stimulated a microbial profile with 457

yeast domain that favors the production of compounds such as acetate esters, aldehydes 458

(such as 2-phenylacetaldehyde and 3-methylbutanal), alcohols (2-phenylethyl alcohol), 459

acetophenone, and increased production of volatile acids recognized as key-aroma markers 460

that are associated with cocoa quality. While an immediate turning start favors a mostly 461

aerobic environment that generates a decline of yeasts stimulating a rapid growth of LAB, 462

AAB and spore-forming bacteria of the genus Bacillus spp. which favor a greater 463

production of ethyl acetate mainly. 464

465

The fermentation methods evaluated did not change the fermentation time, but the 466

volatile compounds profile. These results offer Mexican Criollo cocoa producers an 467

overview of the different volatile compound profiles as a tool for the selection of the 468

fermentative technique. This suggests deepen the changes in the aroma profile on the 469

improvement of Mexican Criollo cocoa quality using regional artisanal fermentation 470

methods, and generate a greater understanding of the interaction of the generated microbial 471

profile associated with the genotype and origin of the cocoa bean. 472

473

Acknowledgments 474

22

The authors acknowledge the support of the SAGARPA Conacyt grant (project number: 475

2017-02-291417). 476

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623

624

Figure Captions 625

Figure 1. The pH, soluble solids (ºBx), environmental temperature, and box temperature 626

values at different fermentation times (0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 hours) of both 627

fermentation methods evaluated: B1) Fermentation of fresh cocoa beans with first turning 628

at 24 h; and B2) with first turning at 48 h. The pH and ºBx are displayed in bars with values 629

corresponding to the scale on the left side. And the box and environmental temperature 630

values are shown in lines with scale values from the right side. Different letters between pH 631

and ºBx values indicate significant differences (p<0.05). 632

633

Figure 2. Relative abundance expressed on a logaritmic scale of yeast community (left 634

side) and bacterial community (right side) at different fermentation times (0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 635

29

120, and 144 h) of both fermentation methods studied: A) Fermentation of fresh cocoa 636

beans and with first turning at 24 h; and B) with first turning at 48 h. 637

638

Figure 3. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the overall volatile profile and CFU of 639

the main microorganism at different fermentation times (0, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 h) on 640

both process evaluated (B1=green, and B2=blue). Values in parenthesis represent the 641

percentage of variance explained by each component. 642

643

Figure 4. Partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) score biplot of the volatile 644

compounds distribution according the fermentative treatments (B1=green, and B2=blue) at 645

different fermentation times (0, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 h). 646

647

648

Table 1. Volatile compounds identified by HS-SPME/GC-MS in the treatments B1 and B2 at the different fermentation times (0, 24,

48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 h).

Rt Compound name Odor descriptor*

Percentage (%)a per fermentation time

B1

B2

0 24 48 72 96 120 144 0 48 72 96 120 144

Acids

18.672 Acetic acid Sour, vinegary 1.90±0.09 6.43±0.04 51.48±8.72 58.12±4.58 69.70±8.91 64.28±0.52 35.85±6.40 1.41±0.04 45.27±2.13 17.46±1.33 65.98±1.36 86.07±14.0

1

35.86±3.28

19.928 Propanoic acid Fruity, pungent 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.15±0.01 0.20±0.02 0.00 0.66±0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.42±0.02

20.294 2-Methylpropanoic acid Rancid 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.29±0.01 2.84±0.15 1.94±0.16 3.14±0.46 0.00 0.00 0.29±0.01 0.77±0.01 0.83±0.01 3.15±0.07

20.959 Propanedioic acid - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.08±0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

21.571 3-methylbutanoic acid Rancid 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 7.07±0.56 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 8.74±0.21

21.582 3-methylpentanoic acid - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.57±0.04 0.00 0.00 0.00

total percentage 1.90±0.09 6.43±0.04 51.48±8.72 58.55±4.52 72.73±9.07 66.30±0.66 46.72±6.82 1.41±0.04 45.27±3.74 18.42±1.34 66.75±1.37 86.90±14.0

2

48.16±3.37

Alcohols

9.195 Ethanol Ethanol-like 16.88±0.74 0.00 6.24±0.01 12.95±0.69 0.00 0.00 0.00 32.89±1.99 9.94±0.72 0.00 0.00 0.21±0.03 0.00

12.59 2-Methyl-1-propanol Wine 0.96±0.04 0.00 0.00 0.19±0.00 0.00 0.08±0.01 0.10±0.00 0.00 0.00 0.23±0.04 0.00 0.00 0.08±0.00

13.134 2-Pentanol Light, seedy, sharp 2.85±0.20 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.67±0.06 0.00 0.20±0.02 6.88±0.51 0.87±0.00 1.20±0.21 0.00 0.25±0.04 0.49±0.01

14.785 3-Methyl-1-butanol Malty, chocolate 3.91±0.27 11.49±1.25 0.00 0.57±0.11 0.00 0.00 0.62±0.02 0.00 0.00 1.94±0.08 0.00 0.00 0.16±0.00

14.826 1-Pentanol Sweet, pungent 1.48±0.11 0.00 1.18±0.13 0.00 0.96±0.02 0.67±0.06 0.00 2.88±0.35 1.31±0.24 0.00 0.19±0.02 0.32±0.02 0.34±0.01

14.965 2-Methyl-5-hexen-3-ol - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.48±0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

16.611 2,3-Butanediol - 0.62±0.03 0.00 0.27±0.01 0.00 0.58±0.00 0.33±0.00 0.00 1.20±0.08 0.44±0.07 0.00 0.14±0.01 0.15±0.00 0.17±0.00

16.621 2-Heptanol Citrusy, fresh, lemon grass-

like

0.64±0.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.98±0.02 0.00 0.00 0.29±0.00 0.00 0.00

16.631 3-Methyl-2-hexanol - 0.00 1.76±0.17 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

17.164 3-Methyl-2-butanol - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.08±0.00

17.667 2-Methyl-5-hexen-3-ol - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.15±0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

19.134 2-Ethyl-1-hexanol - 1.00±0.05 1.42±0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.05±0.10 0.00 0.00 0.71±0.07 0.00 0.00 0.00

19.462 2-Decanol - 0.00 1.80±0.11 0.00 0.06±0.00 0.00 0.00 0.34±0.02 0.00 0.00 0.22±0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00

19.472 2-Pentadecanol - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.30±0.11 0.00 0.00 0.00

21.113 4,5-Octanediol - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02±0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.15±0.00

23.616 1-Phenyl-1-decanol - 0.23±0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.44±0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

23.626 α-Methyl-benzene

methanol

- 0.00 0.26±0.00 0.00 0.22±0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.27±0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

24.488 Guaiacol Spicy 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.20±0.00 0.16±0.00 2.75±0.26 0.00 0.08±0.00 0.00 1.09±0.05 0.05±0.00 0.78±0.03

24.652 Benzyl alcohol Sweet, fruity 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.23±0.02

25.288 2-Phenylethyl alcohol Honey-like 10.64±0.86 8.82±0.07 1.37±0.09 3.27±0.04 1.72±0.24 1.53±0.06 10.70±0.16 14.58±2.95 1.51±0.00 6.26±0.82 2.75±0.11 1.19±0.06 4.93±0.23

total percentage 39.13±0.83 25.50±1.20 9.06±0.24 17.76±0.77 4.13±0.32 2.78±0.14 15.78±0.58 61.65±3.48 14.15±1.31 12.10±1.12 4.45±0.19 2.17±0.18 7.39±0.29

Table

Table 1. Continue.

Rt Compound name Odor descriptor*

Percentage (%)a per fermentation time

B1 B2

0 24 48 72 96 120 144 0 48 72 96 120 144

Aldehydes

6.867 Butanal - 0.76±0.04 0.59±0.02 0.00 0.06±0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 01.18±0.04 0.00 0.15±0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00

7.052 2-Methylpropanal Green, pungent 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.06±0.01 0.33±0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02±0.00 1.16±0.09

8.795 2-Methylbutanal Malty, cocoa, chocolate,

almond-like

0.83±0.14 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.40±0.02 5.80±0.82 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.72±0.02

8.826 2,3-Dimethylpentanal - 0.00 1.39±0.06 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

8.898 Butanedial - 2.74±0.53 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.07±0.00 0.00 0.00 5.14±0.07 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.11±0.00

8.918 3-Methylbutanal Malty, cocoa, chocolate 4.23±0.34 2.77±0.50 0.00 0.20±0.01 0.00 1.70±0.18 0.00 5.51±0.17 0.00 35.93±1.59 0.80±0.03 0.00 1.19±0.08

8.997 Pentanal Almond-like, malt 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 5.36±0.52 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

17.903 2-Methylpentanal - 0.00 1.35±0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.34±0.01 0.00

17.985 Nonanal Fatty, waxy, pungent 1.27±0.12 1.13±0.13 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.39±0.02 1.31±0.34 0.00 0.44±0.06 0.00 0.00 0.25±0.01

20.098 Benzaldehyde Almond, burnt sugar, bitter 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.48±0.39 1.23±0.09 9.59±1.32 0.00 3.65±0.11 1.80±0.13 0.53±0.00 3.03±0.07

21.595 Phenylacetaldehyde Honey-like 37.61±5.66 38.58±0.65 16.32±2.29 3.16±0.23 14.97±1.37 17.59±1.81 23.14±4.50 0.50±0.02 29.37±0.93 17.20±1.87 22.27±1.77 7.50±0.13 19.46±0.38

23.79 Benzenebutanal - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.57±0.01 0.63±0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.13±0.02 0.61±0.00 0.00

total percentage 47.36±1.80 45.81±0.70 16.32±2.29 3.42±0.24 15.54±1.31 23.54±1.79 30.85±4.66 23.89±1.66 34.51±0.07 57.37±3.54 25.02±1.95 8.99±0.14 25.91±0.65

Esters

7.257 Methyl acetate - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.12±0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.06±0.00 0.20±0.02

8.241 Ethyl acetate Fruity, pineapple-like 3.39±0.28 0.00 19.79±1.40 10.25±0.46 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.55±0.26 0.00 0.00 0.09±0.00 0.00

11.102 Isobutyl acetate Fruity 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.24±0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.17±0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00

12.262 2-Pentanol acetate Green, fruity 0.00 0.00 2.18±0.10 0.08±0.00 0.00 0.09±0.01 0.00 0.00 1.03±0.04 0.16±0.01 0.00 0.09±0.00 0.16±0.01

15.370 Ethyl hexanoate - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.14±0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00

17.164 2-Hydroxy-ethyl propanoate - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.73±0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00

17.855 2,3-Butanediol diacetate - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.21±0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00

18.41 Ethyl octanoate Fruity, flowery 1.10±0.02 0.00 0.00 0.10±0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.60±0.24 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.39±0.04

19.462 2-Methoxymethyl-2-

butanoato

- 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.28±0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.61±0.05

21.103 Ethyl decanoate - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.36±0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

21.482 Isopropyl propanoate - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 6.28±0.74 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

21.493 Isopropyl methanoate - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.49±0.02 0.00 0.00

22.58 Benzyl-3-hydroxy

propanoate

- 0.11±0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.06±0.00

23.318 1-Phenylethyl acetate Fruity, sweet 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.46±0.01 0.00 0.00 0.25±0.02

23.906 2-Phenylethyl acetate Flowery, honey-like 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.19±0.14 0.00 0.00 1.53±0.07 0.00 0.00 1.73±0.02 0.00 0.00 1.09±0.07

27.141 Isopropyl myristate - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.51±0.07 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

32.052 Methyl hexanoate - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.29±0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

33.011 Ethyl palmitate Waxy, green 0.46±0.05 0.00 0.00 0.37±0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.51±0.84 0.00 0.37±0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00

48.313 Ethyl linoleate - 0.14±0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

total percentage 5.20±0.35 0.00 21.97±1.50 14.15±0.71 6.28±0.74 0.09±0.01 1.53±0.07 5.11±1.08 3.86±0.30 4.33±0.08 0.49±0.02 0.25±0.01 2.76±0.21

Table 1. Continue.

Rt Compound name Odor descriptor*

Percentage (%)a per fermentation time

B1 B2

0 24 48 72 96 120 144 0 48 72 96 120 144

Ketones

7.411 4-Hydroxy-2-butanone - 0.00 0.68±0.14 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4.27±0.16 0.00 0.00 0.00

10.344 2,3-Butanedione Buttery, creamy 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 7.29±0.10 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.87±0.10 0.99±0.02 8.69±0.20

11.102 3-Methyl-2-butanone - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.34±0.02 0.00 0.00 0.16±0.00 0.00 0.00 0.11±0.00

13.523 3-Penten-2-one - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.17±0.01

14.529 2-Heptanone Sweet, fruity 0.56±0.05 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.82±0.11 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

14.508 4-Methyl-2-hexanone - 0.35±0.00 5.71±0.08 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.69±0.07 0.00 0.00 0.08±0.00 0.00 0.27±0.03

16.457 3-Hydroxy-2-butanone Buttery, creamy 0.00 8.99±0.58 0.00 5.48±0.69 0.00 0.00 2.73±0.12 0.00 0.00 4.37±0.67 0.00 0.00 3.68±0.05

17.903 2-Nonanone Milk, green, fruity 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.53±0.01 0.00 0.00 0.50±0.06 0.00 0.00 0.00

21.739 Acetophenone Must-like, flowery, sweet, almond 5.50±0.05 6.09±0.94 1.16±0.16 0.64±0.04 1.32±0.12 0.00 1.01±0.19 6.43±1.78 2.20±0.30 2.85±0.01 1.35±0.04 0.71±0.01 2.57±0.14

total percentage 6.41±0.05 22.26±1.74 1.16±0.16 6.12±0.73 1.32±0.12 7.29±0.10 4.61±0.34 7.94±1.78 2.20±0.30 7.78±0.74 3.29±0.14 1.70±0.03 15.50±0.42

Pyrazines

17.09 2,5-Dimethylpyrazine Earthy, chocolate, nutty 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.51±0.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.28±0.01

total percentage 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.51±0.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.28±0.01

Rt= Retention time in minutes. a Percentage of compound based on the area normalization. - Indicates compound not detected. *Odor descriptor shows according Magagna et al., 2017, Rodriguez-Campos et al., 2012, Hinneh et al., 2018; and Ascrizzi et al., 2017.

Figure 1

Figure

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4