Role of Yeasts in the Brewing Process: Tradition and Innovation

• Main Authors: Massimo Iorizzo, Francesca Coppola, Francesco Letizia, Bruno Testa, Elena Sorrentino
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-05-01
• Series: Processes
• Subjects: brewing; <i>Saccharomyces</i>; non-<i>Saccharomyces</i>; non-conventional yeasts
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9717/9/5/839

Nowadays, in the beer sector, there is a wide range of products, which differ for the technologies adopted, raw materials used, and microorganisms involved in the fermentation processes. The quality of beer is directly related to the fermentation activity of yeasts that, in addition to the production of alcohol, synthesize various compounds that contribute to the definition of the compositional and organoleptic characteristics. The microbrewing phenomenon (craft revolution) and the growing demand for innovative and specialty beers has stimulated researchers and brewers to select new yeast strains possessing particular technological and metabolic characteristics. Up until a few years ago, the selection of starter yeasts used in brewing was exclusively carried out on strains belonging to the genus <i>Saccharomyces</i>. However, some non-<i>Saccharomyces</i> yeasts have a specific enzymatic activity that can help to typify the taste and beer aroma. These yeasts, used as a single or mixed starter with <i>Saccharomyces</i> strains, represent a new biotechnological resource to produce beers with particular properties. This review describes the role of <i>Saccharomyces</i> and non-<i>Saccharomyces</i> yeasts in brewing, and some future biotechnological perspectives.