Development of a sparkling cloudy draft sake “AWANAMA” using high hydrostatic pressure pasteurization technology

Abstract

Unpasteurized draft sake has a potential market value, since it shows fresh flavor and fruity taste, compared with conventional thermal pasteurized sake. However, the actualization of the market value of draft sake is restricted by its short shelf life due to deterioration of flavors and taste by the over-fermentation by sake-yeast, as well as by remaining enzymes produced by koji-mold. Recently, we have developed a new sake brewing process with high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment as a non-thermal pasteurization. Using this process, a prototype HHP-treated sparkling type draft cloudy sake, namely AWANAMA, was brewed. This prototype sake remains the sensory properties like draft sake, but avoiding deterioration by over-fermentation. In this report, we described the development of the new sake brewing process, results of marketing research by domestic and international exhibitions, and the still-remaining research objectives undergoing.