A Systematic Review on Chinese Baijiu Aging Process in Cellular Built Environment: States, Challenges, and Directions

Area of Science:

• Food Science and Technology
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Chinese Baijiu aging quality is linked to cellar conditions, but microenvironment dynamics are poorly understood.
• Interactions between temperature, humidity, and volatile compounds during aging are largely overlooked.
• Existing research lacks a comprehensive framework for analyzing Baijiu aging microenvironments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize research on Baijiu aging environments and introduce a Gas-Thermal-Humidity microenvironment concept.
• To investigate the spatial and temporal variability of cellar conditions and volatile compound interactions.
• To propose a research framework for a multi-faceted analysis of Baijiu aging microenvironments.

Main Methods:

• Dynamic measurement of key cellar parameters (temperature, humidity, volatiles).
• Statistical analysis to identify spatiotemporal patterns in aging environments.
• Development of a coupled gas-thermal-humidity multi-physical field model using computational fluid dynamics.

Main Results:

• Significant spatial and temporal variability observed in underground cellar temperatures.
• The reciprocal impact of volatile compounds on the cellar environment requires further study.
• A comprehensive framework for evaluating cellar microenvironments was established.

Conclusions:

• The Gas-Thermal-Humidity framework provides novel insights into Baijiu aging mechanisms.
• Optimized production strategies can be developed by understanding these coupled environmental factors.
• This study offers theoretical advancements and practical value for the Baijiu industry.