Description:
The present invention relates to a process of preparing a concentrated liquid foodstuff with low alcohol content.
The fermentation of sugar into alcohol in the presence of yeast for the preparation of alcoholic beverages is known since a very long time. Already in the middle age people prepared alcoholic drinks, such as wine, by fermentation of grape juice. For such fermentation, yeasts are used. Overall, sugars, such as glucose, fructose and sucrose are converted into cellular energy and thereby produce ethanol and carbon dioxide as metabolic byproducts. Since this conversion is performed in the absence of oxygen, ethanol fermentation is classified as anaerobic.
However, the beverages produced in that manner contain considerable amounts of alcohol. Since alcoholic drinks are not suitable for different groups of people, fermented beverages not containing alcohol are of interest.
US 4,695,468 describes a process for producing carbonated beverages comprising the fermentation of a sugar solution containing a liquid flavor extract and having a ph of 3.5 or lower in the presence of a yeast and continuing fermentation until the ph level drops to 3.0 or lower. However, to obtain satisfactory fermentation, it is required to add a yeast nutrient.
IT 1264292 describes a non-alcoholic drink comprising a fermented mixture of plants substances. In the process described therein a diluted fruit juice is used for fermentation.