The Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant Activity and Microflora of Wild Elderberry in Asturias (Northern Spain): An Untapped Resource of Great Interest.

The objective of this study is the characterization of the phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of elderberries (Sambucus nigra L.) from a collection of 79 wild specimens in northern Spain to assess variations in the species at the local level and evaluate its interest as a source of biocompounds. Also, a first study was carried out on the microflora present in this fruit, providing information relevant to its commercial exploitation. Moreover, the phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity and microbial composition in overripe fruits were determined, seeking a better use for this currently wasted resource. A wide variability in levels of phenolics was detected. Elderberries showed high antioxidant activity related to a high cyanidin derivative content, making them of interest to industry. Microflorae were present in very variable concentration ranges, so their levels should be monitored in those applications that require strict control. Overripe fruits are of interest as a source of anthocyanidins, since their concentration and antioxidant capacity remain after the optimal ripening period, promoting sustainability and a better use of natural resources. The database generated is of particular interest for further breeding trials based on the phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of the samples.

Aromatic, olfactometric and consumer description of sweet ciders obtained by cryo-extraction.

Nine ciders obtained by cryo-extraction were analysed for chemical, olfactometric and sensory characteristics. Three types of ice apple juices and three autochthonous yeast strains were evaluated. The quantitative volatile profile is mainly influenced by the apple juice. Regarding the olfactometric profiles of the ice ciders, 23 odorants not previously found in Spanish still ciders, and described as sweet, spicy, fruity and floral were observed. Among these, it is worth mentioning 5 high-boiling point compounds found in an olfactometric zone where heavy, phenolic odours predominate in still ciders. The sensory descriptions obtained by Check-All-That-Apply classified the ice ciders mainly by their sweet taste and smoothness, these attributes being the most influential in the assessment of the overall quality of the ciders. The most highly valued ciders were described as the sweetest, most fruity ones, in agreement with their having the highest values for the ratio between total sugars and total acidity.

Screening of cider yeasts for sparkling cider production (Champenoise method).

A total of 350 colonies isolated from a cider cellar in Asturias (Spain) were identified by rDNA ITS-RFLP restriction analysis. Saccharomyces spp. strains were characterized by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) restriction analysis. Fifty-four different Saccharomyces spp. strains were identified and tested to ascertain their capacity to carry out secondary fermentation of sparkling ciders. The screening of yeasts to determine their principal enological characteristics (tolerance to ethanol, production of volatile acidity and hydrogen sulphide) was accomplished by means of rapid, non-expensive assays (plate agar). As a result, 13 (24%) of the 54 initial Saccharomyces spp. yeast strains were eliminated. The technological properties assessed were flocculation capacity, ethanol and sulphite tolerance, and production of major volatiles. Ten Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains were characterized as true flocculants; all of these strains were able to grow in ethanolic medium and in the presence of 200mg/l of sulphite. Applying cluster analysis to the production of amyl alcohols, isobutanol, propanol and 2-phenylethanol, the strains were classified in two natural groups. Two flocculent yeast strains referred to as 3' and 50', representative of the each statistical group, were selected together with two reference strains (Saccharomyces bayanus C6 and S. cerevisiae Levuline CHP) to elaborate four sparkling ciders by the Champenoise method. The analysis of variance (p<0.01) among ciders revealed that glycerol, acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, methanol, propanol, i-butanol and 2-phenylethanol were significantly influenced by the secondary yeast strain. The results of sensory analysis indicated that all the sparkling ciders were scored as good. No significant differences among sparkling ciders were found for odour attributes and taste intensity.