Yeast strains were characterized to select potential starter cultures for the production of masau fermented
beverages. The yeast species originally isolated from Ziziphus mauritiana (masau) fruits and their traditionally
fermented fruit pulp in Zimbabwewere examined for their ability to ferment glucose and fructose using standard
broth under aerated and non-aerated conditions. Most Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains were superior to other
species in ethanol production. The best ethanol producing S. cerevisiae strains, and strains of the species Pichia
kudriavzevii, Pichia fabianii and Saccharomycopsis fibuligera were tested for production of flavor compounds
during fermentation of masau fruit juice. Significant differences in the production of ethanol and other volatile
compounds during fermentation of masau juice were observed among and within the four tested species.
Alcohols and esters were the major volatiles detected in the fermented juice. Trace amounts of organic acids
and carbonyl compoundswere detected. Ethyl hexanoate and ethyl octanoatewere produced in highest amounts
as compared to the other volatile compounds. S. cerevisiae strains produced higher amounts of ethanol and flavor
compounds as compared to the other species, especially fatty acid ethyl esters that provide the major aroma
impact of freshly fermented wines. The developed library of characteristics can help in the design of mixtures
of strains to obtain a specific melange of product functionalities.