RESUMEN
The traditional process of producing Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar faces challenges such as high water usage, wastewater generation, raw material losses, and limitations in mechanization and workshop conditions. This study introduces and evaluates a novel dry gelatinization process, focusing on fermentation efficiency and the vinegar flavor profile. The new process shows a 39.1% increase in alcohol conversion efficiency and a 14% higher yield than the traditional process. Vinegar produced through the dry gelatinization process has a stronger umami taste and a higher lactic acid concentration. Both processes detected 33 volatile substances, with the dry gelatinization process showing a notably higher concentration of 2-methylbutanal, which imparts a distinct fruity and chocolate aroma. These findings suggest that the dry gelatinization process outperforms the traditional process in several aspects.