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Updated: Dec 10, 2025

Preparation of High-Quality Fermented Fish Product
Published on: August 23, 2019
Chemical and Sensory Characteristics of Soy Sauce: A Review
Carmen Diez-Simon1,2, Charlotte Eichelsheim1, Roland Mumm2,3
1Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen 6708 PB, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Soy sauce is a fermented product, and its flavor is a complex mixture of individual senses which, in combination, create a strong palatable condiment for many Eastern and Western dishes. This Review focuses on our existing knowledge of the chemical compounds present in soy sauce and their potential relevance to the flavor profile. Taste is dominated by umami and salty sensations. Free amino acids, nucleotides, and small peptides are among the most important taste-active compounds. Aroma is characterized by caramel-like, floral, smoky, malty, and cooked potato-like odors. Aroma-active volatiles are chemically diverse including acids, alcohols, aldehydes, esters, furanones, pyrazines, and S-compounds. The origin of all compounds relates to both the raw ingredients and starter cultures used as well as the parameters applied during production. We are only just starting to help develop innovative studies where we can combine different analytical platforms and chemometric analysis to link flavor attributes to chemical composition.
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