Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Novel Production Protocol for Small-scale Manufacture of Probiotic Fermented Foods
Published on: September 10, 2016
Microbiological, Functional, and Chemico-Physical Characterization of Artisanal Kombucha: An Interesting Reservoir of
Joel Armando Njieukam1, Marianna Ciccone1, Davide Gottardi1,2
1Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Campus of Food Science, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Piazza Goidanich 60, 47521 Cesena, Italy.
Abstract:
Kombucha is a trending tea fermented via a complex microflora of yeasts and acetic acid bacteria. It can be a valid low-calorie substitute for soft drinks due to its sour, naturally carbonated, and sweet taste. Despite increased interest, the microflora and functional properties of kombucha have not yet been fully understood. The aim of this work was to characterize, from a microbiological, chemico-physical, and functional point of view, three types of artisanal kombucha obtained by fermenting green tea containing sugar by means of different starter cultures. Metagenomic analysis revealed a predominance of yeasts compared to bacteria, regardless of the sample. In particular, Brettanomyces spp. was found to be the dominant yeast. Moreover, the different types of kombucha had different microbial patterns in terms of acetic acid bacteria and yeasts. Ethanol and acetic acid were the dominant volatile molecules of the kombucha volatilome; the samples differed from each other in terms of their content of alcohols, esters, and acids. All the samples showed a high antioxidant potential linked to the high content of phenols. This study confirmed the positive chemico-physical and functional properties of kombucha and indicated that the microflora responsible for the fermentation process can significantly affect the characteristics of the final product.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Fermentation
Methods to Assess Microbial Communities
Microbes in Food Production
Microbes in Beverage Production
Microbes in the Production of Fermented Foods
Probiotics

