Coffee fermentation from traditional to controlled and its impact on sensory quality: a review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25186/.v20i.2355Abstract
Coffee fermentation has evolved from traditional methods, such as traditional processing methods (washed/wet, natural/dry, honey/semi-dry) with fermentation types (wet, dry, mixed), to controlled fermentations, such as carbonic maceration, induced fermentation, and biodigestive processing, to improve the sensory quality of the final product. This evolution is compounded by technological advances, such as the use of metagenomic tools for the identification of microorganisms and enzymes to accelerate mucilage degradation. This review synthesizes and compares various coffee fermentation techniques, analyzing their influence on sensory profiles. To this end, a systematic bibliographic review of 118 scientific articles published between 2014 and 2024 was conducted in databases such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, IOPscience, Springer Nature, and Dialnet, ultimately highlighting 80 relevant studies using the PRISMA method criteria. The results indicate that controlled fermentation allows for the efficient use of microorganisms such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida parapsilosis, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, which contribute to the development of complex sensory attributes in coffee, highlighting fruity, floral, sweet, and acidic notes. Factors such as time, temperature, and inoculum type have a significant impact on the sensory profile. Principal component analysis showed that the Catuí variety was the most associated with cup score, followed by Acaiá. Furthermore, it was evident that temperature and fermentation time primarily influenced Catuaí Vermelho, and that the Typica and Caturra varieties exhibited similar behavior within the diagram. Together, the application of controlled fermentation and starter cultures represents a key strategy to improve quality, standardize profiles, and
meet market demands.
Key words: Controlled coffee fermentation; microbial diversity; yeasts; bacteria; induced fermentation, carbonic maceration.
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