The pH was not adjusted
but was measured as henequen juice always has a pH value
of 4.7 ± 0.2. After inoculation, the fermentations were incubated at
35 ± 2 C in darkness, without stirring, and samples were collected
every 12 h to monitor the evolution of the fermentation process.
The soluble solids concentration of the samples was measured
every 12 h and the reducing sugars were analyzed on initiation
and completion of fermentation. Previous experiments confirmed
that the concentration of soluble solids stabilizes at its lowest
point between 46 and 48 h, and foaming also ceases at this point.
Our fermentations were carried out over a period of 48 h.