A study was carried out to evaluate the main process variables in the production of a fermented/distilled beverage from the pseudofruit of the Japanese grape (Hovenia dulcis Thunberg). The influences of temperature, fermentation time and the addition of micronutrients (Mn+2 and K+) on the alcoholic graduation, pH and ester contents of the samples were evaluated. The experimental results showed that the pH (average pH value of the "heart fraction" of 5.35) of the fermented/distilled beverage from the Japanese grape was not affected by the factors tested. The temperature and Mn+2 concentration were the most significant factors influencing the alcoholic graduation and ester content (2.81 ± 3.13 mg.100mL-1) of the "heart fraction" of the beverage produced. The Japanese grape was shown to be a viable alternative for the production of a fermented/distilled beverage or as the raw material to produce bioethanol for diverse applications (95-100 GL).
Sugarcane spirits; Alcoholic graduation; Experimental design; Nutrients; Fermentation
