Development of fermented date syrup using Kombucha starter culture

In the present study, date syrup (DS) was used as a medium for preparation of Kombucha beverage. Fermentation of DS with different Brix values and also sweetened black tea were performed using Kombucha starter culture (KSC) and cultivation was accomplished after 15days at 30 degrees C. The results indicated that by increasing the Brix value of DS from 6 to 10, a rise in the titratable acidity, phenolic content, antioxidant activity, organic acid, and yield of microbial cellulose in the Kombucha DS were observed. There was no considerable difference in the pH values of Kombucha samples at the end of fermentation. However, the titratable acidity of Kombucha DS beverages was higher than that of Kombucha tea beverage at the end of the fermentation. The obtained results proved that KSC is an appropriate starter culture for developing a novel fermented DS beverage. Practical applicationsKombucha is a popular non-alcoholic beverage which is obtained by the fermentation of sweetened black tea with symbiotic bacteria and yeast. Kombucha tea can be regarded as a functional beverage that can promote overall health. Developing products which include traditional date flavors with the fermentation techniques of Kombucha tea can lead to increased consumption of this high antioxidant beverage leading to the decreased cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancers. Kombucha DS has been associated with the possibility of reducing the risks of diseases due to its high amounts of dietary antioxidants. This study investigated the effect of sweetened black tea substitution by DS which have health and economic benefits.