Comparative analysis of microbial communities and physicochemical attributes of strong-aroma Daqu from Southwestern China.

ABSTRACT: Daqu is a critical saccharifying and fermenting agent in the traditional solid-state production of strong-aroma Baijiu, with its physicochemical properties and microbial communities playing a vital role in both starter quality and final aroma. This study analyzed twelve Daqu samples from four key production regions in Sichuan Province-Luzhou (L), Suining (S), Yibin (Y), and Zigong (Z)-assessing physicochemical parameters such as moisture content, acidity, saccharification, liquefaction, and esterification activities. Microbial communities were characterized using Illumina high-throughput sequencing. Regional variations in physicochemical properties were observed, with Y showing the highest acidity, saccharification, and esterification activities. While no significant regional differences i

SUBMITTER: Shi M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12835487 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature