José Augusto Oliveira Naves’s scientific contributions

Using starter culture in liquid form is not economically viable in the coffee fermentation process. This work aimed to compare the fermentative performances of fresh and microencapsulated yeasts in coffee under self-induced anaerobic fermentation (SIAF). The inoculum permanence was monitored, and sugars, alcohols, acids, and volatile compounds were analyzed by chromatography. In addition, sensory analysis was performed on roasted beans. After 180 h of fermentation in the natural process, microencapsulated Torulaspora delbrueckii (MT) (7.97x107 cells/g) showed a higher population than fresh Torulaspora delbrueckii (FT) (1.76x107 cells/g). The same acids and volatile compounds were detected in coffees with fresh and microencapsulated yeast. However, the yeast state influenced the concentration of the compounds. In pulped coffee, the coffee inoculated with microencapsulated Saccharomyces cerevisiae (MS) obtained the highest concentration of alcohols, esters, pyrazines, and other compared with fresh Saccharomyces cerevisiae (FS), with an increase of up to 47%. Furthermore, the coffee inoculated with MT obtained the highest concentration in almost all chemical classes in both processes compared with FT. These differences ranged up to 55%. Regarding sensory analysis, coffees inoculated with MS showed dominant notes of fruity, caramel, and nuts in the natural process. Otherwise, in pulped process, coffees inoculated with MT showed caramel, honey, and nuts. Therefore, the microencapsulated yeasts were metabolically active and may be considered with commercial potential. Considering the parameters analyzed, the most suitable yeast for natural and pulped processing would be MS and MT, respectively.

This work aimed to evaluate the impact of inoculation single and co-cultivation of LAB and yeasts during the wet process of Coffea canephora using the self-induced anaerobic fermentation method. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Totulaspora delbrueckii delbrueckii, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum were monitored during fermentation. L. mesenteroides was detected in high concentrations in the coffee fruits (8.54 log10 cells/mL) and remained until the end of fermentation. Lactic and acetic acids were the main acids produced during fermentation. After 36 h of fermentation, 75.39% of malic acid was consumed in the L. mesenteroides + S. cerevisiae (MC) fermentations. In roasted coffee, the caffeine concentration reached 3.29 higher than the green beans in MC fermentation. Specific volatile compounds were detected in inoculated fermentation and may contribute to the beverage quality. Coffee inoculated with Leuconostoc mesenteroides was classified as fine (80.0–89.0), while the other fermentations were classified as premium (70.0–79.0). L. mesenteroides inoculation showed the best sensory score, and the beverage was characterized by caramel, fruity, and spices notes. L. mesenteroides inoculated alone or in co-culture with S. cerevisiae are promising starter cultures to improve Conilon coffee quality and obtain beverages with differentiated sensory profiles.

Wet coffee fermentation is widely used in coffee-producing regions such as Colombia and Hawaii, but it is not widespread in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate inoculating the lactic acid bacteria Leuconostoc mesenteroides CCMA1105 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCMA 1065 and the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCMA0543 and Torulaspora delbrueckii CCMA0684 as starter cultures on wet coffee fermentation using the SIAF method (self-induced anaerobiosis fermentation). The microbial activity resulted in high consumption of the carbohydrates glucose (98.6%), fructose (97.6%), and sucrose (100%), in addition to the production of lactic and acetic acids, impacting the final quality of the beverage. A total of 108 volatile compounds belonging to 17 classes were identified in the green and roasted coffee samples, including 2,3-butanediol produced by lactic acid bacteria, contributing to coffee's aromatic profile. The final scores for the coffees from the different treatments ranged from 79.0 to 83.25. The inoculated fermentations were classified as specialty according to the Specialty Coffee Association. Therefore, whole coffee fruit processed via wet using SIAF method and yeast and lactic acid bacteria starter is an alternative for improving wet fermented coffee quality and obtaining coffee beverages with a different sensory profile.

Microbial communities associated with coffee fermentation have been widely investigated. However, few reports about self-induced anaerobiosis fermentation (SIAF) on microbial diversity and the chemical and sensory profile of coffees grown under different environmental conditions have been studied. This study evaluated the microbial, chemical, and sensorial profile of the natural and pulped coffee fermented with and without induced anaerobiosis. The microbial diversity was determined by plating and next-generation sequencing, the chemical profile through 1H NMR and chemometrics analysis, and sensory analysis was conducted by Temporal Dominance of Sensations (TDS). Three hundred and eighty microorganisms were isolated; 149 mesophilic bacteria, 147 lactic acid bacteria, and 84 yeasts. Hanseniaspora uvarum, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and Weissella cibaria were identified in Monte Carmelo, Três Pontas, Carmo de Minas, and Lajinha in Minas Gerais, Brazil. New generation sequencing (NGS) analysis identified a high yeast species diversity (74). Some metabolites such as chlorogenic acid, sucrose, lactic acid, and trigonelline were identified in fermented coffees with the joint analysis of NMR and the loadings of PC1. Monte Carmelo coffees processed by the pulped method stood out sensorially showed a higher dominance rate for woody, herbaceous and fruity attributes. The SIAF positively impacts microbial behavior, resulting in coffees with a more intensified fruity attribute.