Diversity of microbiota, microbial functions, and flavor in different types of low-temperature Daqu

Light-flavor Baijiu is made from grain materials using a combination of three types of low-temperature Daqu (Hongxin, Houhuo, and Qingcha). This study comprehensively examined the microbial structure, microbial functions, and flavor characteristics of the three types of low-temperature Daqu using high-throughput sequencing and electronic senses, and it further clarified the relationship between the microbiota and flavor in low-temperature Daqu. The results showed that Hongxin had the highest bacterial richness and diversity, while Houhuo had the lowest. Both fungal richness and diversity were significantly higher in Qingcha than in Hongxin and Houhuo. The differences in peak temperature during Daqu-making led to significant differences in the structure of microbial communities, microbial functions, and flavor quality in the three types of low-temperature Daqu, and could be leveraged for screening and enriching functional microorganisms for Baijiu-making. Co-exclusion patterns between lactic acid bacteria and Bacillus in low-temperature Daqu resulted in a negative correlation between amino acid transport metabolism and carbohydrate transport metabolism. The different types of low-temperature Daqu had distinct flavor profiles, and the differences in the taste profiles were more significant. Dominated by Thermoactinomyces and Lactobacillus, and together with Saccharopolyspora, Bacillus, Streptomyces, Saccharomycopsis, and Thermoascus, they formed the core microbiota that influencing the flavor of low-temperature Daqu. The bacteria mainly influenced the taste of low-temperature Daqu, whereas the fungi mainly influenced the aroma. Each type of low-temperature Daqu contributed to the flavor of light-flavor Baijiu: Hongxin could elevate the levels of aromatic compounds, Houhuo could regulate the bitterness and sourness, and Qingcha could inhibit the generation of sulfur organic compounds. The results of the present study enrich and refine our knowledge of low-temperature Daqu, promoting the further evolution of traditional brewing methods.