Effect of biomass reduction on the fermentation of cider

Abstract

The aim of this work was to determine the influence of biomass reduction in the cider processing and the quality of the fermented product made on laboratory scale, but in the same conditions usually found in factory units. The must, made with apples of the Gala variety, depectinized and transferred to 500 mL-fermenters, was inoculated with 2.0x106 cfu/mL of natural or commercial yeast, and at each 12 hours biomass was removed by centrifugation in one flask of the experimental set, and the must was left to ferment. All seven flasks of the fermented beverage were analyzed for 20-26 days after the inoculation, and the results showed that the best moment for biomass removal was 1.5-2.0 days of fermentation, leading to a product with significant residual sugars content, a low alcoholic degree, and with a fruity flavor. In addition, it was possible to practically eliminate all nitrogen, which was important to control the natural gasification. It was quite clear that biomass removal could be a very efficient treatment in order to obtain a sweeter and more pleasant alcoholic beverage, a better cider.