Changes in titrable acidity, pH, and reducing sugars of ganoderma kombucha with honey after the fermentation process

Abstract

Kombucha, a fermented tea beverage prepared with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) and sucrose as a carbon source, has gained popularity for its potential health benefits. This study aimed to explore the effects of fermentation on the titrable acidity, pH, and reducing sugar content of Ganoderma kombucha with honey. In this study, we used Ganoderma lucidum as a substrate since it is a widely used natural medicinal and promotes health benefits. The sucrose commonly used in kombucha production was replaced with honey to enhance the functional qualities of the final product. Honey derived from Apis cerana and Heterotrigona itama is used in this study, with a ratio of Sugar and honey as follows: 100% honey, 50%:50% honey and sugar, and 100% sugar. The highest titrable acidity was found in kombucha with A. cerana honey (50%:50% honey and sugar) after fermentation i.e. 12.98±0.09%. Both of A .cerana (Sugar and honey 50:50 %) and H.itama (100 %) have the lowest pH after fermentation, i.e. 3.01±0.02 and 3.01±0.01 respectively. The reducing sugar was decreased after the fermentation process. The findings revealed an increase in titrable acidity during the fermentation process, accompanied by decreased pH and reducing sugar values.