Growth of Y. lipolytica was well-supported in the okara matrix, in
part due to its lipolytic and proteolytic capabilities to assimilate the
lipid and protein fractions in okara. The catabolismof these components
in the okara consequently led to an significant increase in succinate, free
amino acids (especially glutamate), and short-chain methyl ketones,
all of which could contribute to an overall umami and cheese-like
flavour in the fermented okara. Moreover, yeast biotransformation of
okara also enhanced its antioxidant capacity. This study therefore
demonstrated that the exploitation of Y. lipolytica could go beyond the
production of a single or a few value-added compounds; instead, the
whole Yarrowia-fermented okara could be used as a nutritious and
more palatable food product, achieving zero waste altogether. As
evident, Y. lipolytica is suitable for valorising soy food processing byproducts
and expanding their potential applications.