Correlation between microbiota and flavours in fermentation of Chinese Sichuan Paocai

Sichuan Paocai (SCP), a traditional fermentationed food, possesses unique flavours driven by various microbiota in fermentation ecosystems. However, the association between these microbiota and flavours is poorly understood. Here, we measured the structural dynamics of the microbial diversity and flavour compounds during SCP fermentation (0-7 days) using high-throughput sequencing and flavour analyses. Firstly, a total of 90 bacteria and 135 fungi were identified. The results showed that fermentation process was initiated by environmental microorganisms, such as Micrococcaceae, followed by a heterolactic fermentation phase dominated by Leuconostocaceae, and finally succeeded by homolactic fermentation led by Lactobacillaceae. Secondly, 6 organic acids, 12 amino acids and 86 volatile flavours were detected. The fermentation process was divided into 4 stages based on flavours: Day 0; Days 1-3; Days 4-6; and Day 7. Analysis of the correlation between microbiota and flavours indicated that bacteria contributed more to flavours formation than did fungi, and Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Achromobacter and Pediococcus were closely correlated with flavours. This study provides a systematic method for understanding the characteristics of fermented foods and useful guidelines for screening of strains that produce desirable flavours and functional substances.