The identification and classification of yeasts have traditionally been based on morphological, physiological and biochemical traits. Various kits have been developed as rapid systems for yeast identification, but mostly for clinical diagnosis. In recent years, different molecular biology techniques have been developed for yeast identification, but there is no available database to identify a large number of species. In the present study, the restriction patterns generated from the region spanning the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) and the 5.8S rRNA gene were used to identify a total of 132 yeast species belonging to 25 different genera, including teleomorphic and anamorphic ascomycetous and basidiomycetous yeasts. In many cases, the size of the PCR products and the restriction patterns obtained with endonucleases CfoI, HaeIII and HinfI yielded a unique profile for each species. Accordingly, the use of this molecular approach is proposed as a new rapid and easy method of routine yeast identification.

Actual healthy trends produce changes in the sensory characteristics of dry fermented sausages therefore, new strategies are needed to enhance their aroma. In particular, a reduction in the aroma characteristics was observed in reduced fat and salt dry sausages. In terms of aroma enhancing, generally coagulase-negative cocci were selected as the most important group from the endogenous microbiota in the production of flavour compounds. Among the volatile compounds analysed in dry sausages, ester compounds contribute to fruity aroma notes associated with high acceptance of traditional dry sausages. However, the origin of ester compounds in traditional dry sausages can be due to other microorganisms as lactic acid bacteria, yeast and moulds. Yeast contribution in dry fermented sausages was investigated with opposite results attributed to low yeast survival or low activity during processing. Generally, they affect sausage colour and flavour by their oxygen-scavenging and lipolytic activities in addition to, their ability to catabolize fermentation products such as lactate increasing the pH and contributing to less tangy and more aromatic sausages. Recently, the isolation and characterization of yeast from traditional dry fermented sausages made possible the selection of those with ability to produce aroma active compounds. Molecular methods were used for genetic typing of the isolated yeasts whereas their ability to produce aroma compounds was tested in different systems such as in culture media, in model systems and finally on dry fermented sausages. The results revealed that the appropriate selection of yeast strains with aroma potential may be used to improve the sensory characteristics of reformulated fermented sausages.

Aim Among the most important factors influencing wine quality are yeast strains and fermentation temperature. Fermentation at low temperature is presently used in winemaking to improve both aroma formation and retention. In this study, we have analysed the oenological characteristics of Tempranillo wines produced at 12 and 28°C by different Saccharomyces species and hybrids. Methods and Results Low temperature had a strong influence on yeasts fermentation kinetics, increasing fermentation times to more than 2 weeks. In some strains, glycerol production seemed to be positively influenced by low fermentation temperature. Analysis of the aroma composition of wines produced by different Saccharomyces species and hybrids revealed large differences depending on fermentation temperature. Conclusions Higher alcohols production seemed to be dependent on the strain. Production of acetate esters seemed to be favoured at 28°C, whereas production of ethyl esters was apparently preferred at low fermentation temperatures. The best aroma producers at 28°C were Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, whereas Saccharomyces uvarum and some hybrids excelled at 12°C. Significance and Impact of the Study Our results suggest that fermentation temperature and yeast species are of crucial importance for production of metabolites influencing wine aroma.