RESUMO
Fermented vegetables are known for their unique flavors and aromas, which are influenced by the complex microbial processes that occur during fermentation. Rhodotorula mucilaginosa is a red yeast strain that is frequently isolated from fermented vegetables. However, the specific mechanisms underlying their effects on aroma production remain unclear. In this study, a simulated system of vegetables fermented using vegetable juices was used to investigate the effects of R. mucilaginosa inoculation on aroma development. The results demonstrated that this red yeast strain could utilize the nutrients present in the vegetable juices to support its growth and reproduction. Moreover, the inoculation of fermented vegetable juices with this yeast strain led to an increase in the levels of umami amino acids and sweet amino acids. Furthermore, this yeast strain was found able to significantly reduce the content of sulfur-containing compounds, which may decrease the unpleasant odor of fermented vegetables. Additionally, the yeast strain was capable of producing high concentrations of aromatic compounds such as phenylethyl alcohol, methyl 2-methylbutyrate, methyl butyrate, and nonanoic acid in a minimum medium. However, only phenylethyl alcohol has been identified as a core aromatic compound in fermented vegetable juice. The three fermented vegetable juices exhibited significantly different flavor profiles according to comparative analysis. Therefore, the core flavor compounds found in fermented vegetables are primarily derived from the release and modification of endogenous flavors naturally present in the vegetables, facilitated by the yeast during fermentation.