Evidence for a Lactic Streptococcal Role in Nigerian Acidic Cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz) Fermentations ¹

The predominant acid-producing organism isolated from Nigerian cassava mixed fermentation cultures was Streptococcus faecium . Corynebacterium manihot was also abundant in the mixed cultures, but contrary to earlier reports, this organism grew slowly and lacked significant acid-producing capabilities. Cultural characteristics of S. faecium indicated that it was the primary fermentation organism in acidic cassava fermentations rather than the earlier indicated C. manihot . Diacetyl production in both milk cultures and fermented cassava was demonstrated for S. faecium . Detection of diacetyl in fermented cassava products indicated that S. faecium may also play an additional role in the flavor development of these products.