Effect of five lactic acid bacteria on the flavor quality of fermented sweet potato juice

The purpose of this research was to assess the impact of 5 lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus casei, <i>Streptococcus thermophilus</i>, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and <i>Lactobacillus delbrueckii</i> subsp. bulgaricus on the characteristic flavor of the fermented sweet potato juice. Following the fermentation process, significant variations were observed in the concentrations of sugars, organic acids, as well as the overall volatile aroma compounds. LAB can effectively facilitate the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including acids and ketones, thereby enhancing the aroma quality. Inoculation fermentation by LAB decreased the sweet and nutty odor, and increased fresh, floral, and citrus aroma of the sweet potato juice. The sweet potato juice fermented by 5 lactic acid bacteria strains had different flavor features, while the sample of Lp10 showed the highest overall acceptability. Compared to other strains, <i>L. plantarum</i> exerted a more significant influence on the volatile compounds present in fermented sweet potato juice.