Question

Discuss the advantages of different methods used to produce fermented foods. 

Answer 1

 

• There are 3 types of fermentation methods based on the type of end product formed, which includes Lactic acid fermentation, Ethanol/Alcohol fermentation, Acetic acid fermentation, butyric acid fermentation.

 

Lactic acid fermentation:

• The enzyme lactate dehydrogenase catalyzes glucose to lactic acid. As the end product is lactic acid this fermentation method is called Lactic acid fermentation.

                              

• Lactobacillus prepare the curd from milk by this method of fermentation.

Ethanol/alcohol fermentation:

• The enzymes pyruvic decarboxylase and alcohol dehydrogenase catalyzes glucose to acetaldehyde, co₂, and ethanol.

                               

• This type of fermentation is used in the industrial production of beer, biofuel, wine, etc,.

Acetic acid fermentation:

• This method of fermentation is a 2 step process.
• In the 1st step, using yeast the sugar is converted to ethanol.
• In the 2nd step, using the acetobacter the ethanol is oxidized to acetic acid.

                            

• This method is used for the production of Vinegar.

Butyric acid fermentation:

• In this type of fermentation, the sugar is 1st oxidized to pyruvate by the process of glycolysis. 
• Then the pyruvate is oxidized to acetyl-coA with the help of oxidoreductase enzyme.
• This acetyl-coA is further reduced to form the butyric acid.
• This mostly occurs in the retting of jute fiber, tanning of leather, tobacco processing and rancid butter.

                              

Advantages of the Fermentation and fermented foods:

• Fermentation is used widely in various industries.
• By this various kinds of products like yoghurt, pickles, bread, sour foods, vitamins and antibiotics are prepared.
• Even fermentation is used in industries, to produce methane in fresh water sediments and sewage treatment plants.
• These foods are nutritious, digestible and flavored.
• By consuming these fermented foods, it improves the digestion and also helps to maintain intestinal bacteria.
• These also have anti-cancer effect.
• These reduces the lactose intolerance.
• It also improves the immunity.

 Fermentation

• The process which is biochemical where the chemical breakdown of substances occurs by bacteria, yeasts or other microorganisms is known as Fermentation.
• It is one of the oldest metabolic processes which is common in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
• For example, when grapes are transferred into press and when yeasts are added to it, then the sugars in the grapes are converted into alcohol.
• There are 3 types of fermentation based on the type of end product formed, which includes Lactic acid fermentation, Ethanol/Alcohol fermentation, Acetic acid fermentation, butyric acid fermentation.