In the present work we aimed to demonstrate the influence of inoculum starter in support high quality fermentation. Cocoa fermentations were performed in wooden boxes and eight yeasts strains were used in separated fermentations of fine cocoa, type Scavina, as starter inoculum. Temperature, pH, titirable acidity, reducing sugar and free amino acids were evaluated during or after fermentation. The influence of starters yeasts on the decrease of acidity, sugar concentration and free amino acids was significant. The strains Candida parapsilosis, Torulaspora delbrueckii and Pichia kluyveri showed greater changes in the reducing sugar and free amino acids in fermented cocoa beans. These results indicate the ability of yeast used as inoculum starter to modify the end condition and further enhance the quality of fine cocoa beans.
Cacao , Food Microbiology/methods , Yeasts , Amino Acids/analysis , Amino Acids/metabolism , Cacao/chemistry , Cacao/metabolism , Candida parapsilosis/genetics , Candida parapsilosis/metabolism , Chocolate , Fermentation , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Pichia/genetics , Pichia/metabolism , Seeds/chemistry , Seeds/microbiology , Temperature , Torulaspora/genetics , Torulaspora/metabolism , Yeasts/genetics , Yeasts/metabolism
