What You Need to Know
Yeast metabolize sucrose and glucose to ethanol and CO₂ via glycolysis, while lactic acid bacteria convert sugars to lactic acid and acetic acid through heterofermentative pathways. Trace ester formation, such as ethyl acetate, arises from yeast esterases reacting ethanol with acetic acid, contributing aromatic complexity. The process is temperature‑dependent, with 25–30 °C favoring balanced ethanol and acid production.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Sugar (sucrose, glucose) → ethanol + CO₂ + lactic acid + acetic acid (via yeast and lactic acid bacteria)