Use of Kombucha SCOBY and Commercial Yeast as Inoculum for the Elaboration of Novel Beer

Kombucha is a beverage obtained from fermentation of Camellia sinensis tea using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). This association of bacteria and yeasts can be an interesting source of microorganisms for developing fermented beverages, including beer. The objective of this study was to evaluate kombucha SCOBY and commercial brewing yeast as a starter culture for the elaboration of beer. Three assays were performed to develop the beverage (C = control, KL = kombucha + yeast, K = kombucha). The pH, density, carbohydrates, organic acids and ethanol were evaluated during fermentation. Microbial counts (yeasts and mesophilic bacteria) and volatile compounds were recorded at the initial and final fermentation times. The content of total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, color and bitterness (IBU) of the beers were determined. The results showed that kombucha-fermented wort produces a beer with differentiated characteristics. Increased lactic acid (0.73 g/L) and low alcohol content (1.3%) were observed in the K assay. Further, desired volatile compounds, such as ethyl octanoate, phenethyl acetate and 2-phenylethanol, were also found in this beer. The combination of kombucha and commercial yeast for beer production showed carbohydrate consumption and contents of organic acids similar to those of control beer, producing beers with an alcohol content of 5.9%. From the results, it was possible to observe a tendency for the content of total phenolic compounds (37.57, 33.00 and 31.64 mg/100 mL for K, KY and C assays, respectively) to increase when the wort was inoculated with kombucha. There was no difference in the antioxidant activity of the produced beers. All produced beers showed a yellowish color and a bitterness value (IBU) of 27%. The present study showed that adding kombucha as a starter culture produced beer with differentiated properties, such as high antioxidant activity, low alcohol content and sour characteristics.