Lipolytic activity of the yeast species associated with the fermentation/storage phase of ripe olive processing

The potentials and challenges of using fermentation to improve the sensory quality of plant-based meat analogs

Despite the advancements made in improving the quality of plant-based meat substitutes, more work needs to be done to match the texture, appearance, and flavor of real meat. This review aims to cover the sensory quality constraints of plant-based meat analogs and provides fermentation as a sustainable approach to push these boundaries. Plant-based meat analogs have been observed to have weak and soft textural quality, poor mouth feel, an unstable color, and unpleasant and beany flavors in some cases, necessitating the search for efficient novel technologies. A wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, as well as fungi like Fusarium venenatum and Neurospora intermedia, have improved the product texture to mimic fibrous meat structures. Additionally, the chewiness and hardness of the resulting meat analogs have been further improved through the use of Bacillus subtilis. However, excessive fermentation may result in a decrease in the final product's firmness and produce a slimy texture. Similarly, several microbial metabolites can mimic the color and flavor of meat, with some concerns. It appears that fermentation is a promising approach to modulating the sensory profiles of plant-derived meat ingredients without adverse consequences. In addition, the technology of starter cultures can be optimized and introduced as a new strategy to enhance the organoleptic properties of plant-based meat while still meeting the needs of an expanding and sustainable economy.

Fermentation of cv. Kalamata Natural Black Olives with Potential Multifunctional Yeast Starters

The purpose of this study was to explore the inoculated fermentation of cv. Kalamata natural black olives using selected strains of yeast cultures with multifunctional potential. For this purpose, five yeast starters belonging to Candida boidinii (four starters) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (one starter), previously isolated from table olive fermentation of the same variety and screened for their technological characteristics and probiotic potential, were inoculated in brines at the beginning of fermentation. Microbial populations (lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, and Enterobacteriaceae), pH, titratable acidity, organic acids, and ethanol were monitored during fermentation for a period of 5 months. At the same time, the survival of each starter was assessed by culture-dependent molecular identification at the beginning (0 days), middle (75 days), and final stages (150 days) of fermentation in the brines and olives (at the end of the process only). The results revealed the coexistence of yeasts and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) throughout fermentation in most processes and also the absence of Enterobacteriaceae after the first 20 days of brining. The population of yeasts remained 2 log cycles below LAB counts, except for in the inoculated treatment with C. boidinii Y28, where the yeast starter prevailed from day 60 until the end of the fermentation, as well as in the inoculated treatment with C. boidinii Y30, where no LAB could be detected in the brines after 38 days. At the end of the process, LAB ranged between 4.6 and 6.8 log₁₀ CFU/mL, while yeasts were close to 5.0 log₁₀ CFU/mL, except for the inoculated fermentation with C. boidinii Y27 and spontaneous fermentation (control), in which the yeast counts were close to 3.5 log₁₀ CFU/mL. At the end of fermentation, the recovery percentage of C. boidinii Y27 was 50% in the brines and 45% in the olives. C. boidinii Y28 and S. cerevisiae Y34 could be recovered at 25% and 5% in the brine, respectively, whereas neither starter could be detected in the olives. For C. boidinii Y30, the recovery percentage was 25% in the brine and 10% in the olives. Finally, C. boidinii Y31 could not be detected in the brines and survived at a low percentage (10%) in the olives.

The Occurrence of Triple Catalytic Characteristics of Yeast Lipases and Their Application Prospects in Biodiesel Production from Non-Edible Jatropha curcas Oil in a Solvent-Free System

Extracellular and cell-bound lipase-producing yeasts were isolated from the palm oil mill wastes and investigated for their potential uses as biocatalysts in biodiesel production. Twenty-six yeast strains were qualitatively screened as lipase producers. From those yeast strains, only six were selected and screened further for quantitative lipase production.The phylogenetic affiliations of the yeast strains were confirmed by investigating the D1/D2 domains of 26S rDNA and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 molecular regions of the six yeast strains selected as potent lipase producers. The three yeast strains A4C, 18B, and 10F showed a close association with Magnusiomyces capitatus. Two yeast strains (17B and AgB) had a close relationship with Saprochaete clavata, whereas the strain AW2 was identified as Magnusiomyces spicifer. Three main catalytic activities of the yeast lipases were evaluated and Magnusiomyces capitatus A4C, among the selected lipase-producing yeasts, had the highest extracellular lipolytic enzyme activity (969 U/L) with the cell-bound lipolytic enzyme activity of 11.3 U/gdm. The maximum cell-bound lipolytic activity (12.4 U/gdm) was observed in the cell-bound lipase fraction produced by Magnusiomyces spicifer AW2 with an extracellular lipolytic enzyme activity of 886 U/L. Based on the specific hydrolytic enzymatic activities, the cell-bound lipases (CBLs) from the three yeast strains M. capitatus A4C, M. spicifer AW2, and Saprochaete clavata 17B were further investigated for biodiesel production. Among them, the CBL from M. spicifer AW2 synthesized the most FAME (fatty acid methyl esters) at 81.2% within 12 h indicating that it has potential for application in enzymatic biodiesel production.

Sugary Kefir: Microbial Identification and Biotechnological Properties

Background: The aim of the present study was to assess the microecosystem composition of three different fruit kefir grains used for the fermentation of apple juice (NAJ), cherry juice (SCN), and a solution of sugary water, enriched with plums (BSS). Methods: Yeast and bacterial populations were enumerated using classical microbiological techniques, clustered by RAPD-PCR genotyping, and identified by sequencing of the D1/D2 region of 26S-rRNA gene and the V1-V3 region of 16S-rRNA gene, respectively. The caseinolytic/lipolytic activities and the production of antimicrobial compounds were assessed by well diffusion assays. The proteolytic and lipolytic capacity were further assessed by SDS-PAGE and titrimetric assay, respectively. Results: Yeast and bacterial populations were enumerated at 6.28, 6.58, and 6.41 log CFU/g and at 4.32, 4.85, and 4.34 log CFU/g, regarding BSS, NAJ, and SCN, respectively. Saccharomyces cerevisiae dominated all three sugary kefir grains; Kluyveromyces marxianus formed a secondary microbiota in BSS and NAJ. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens dominated NAJ and SCN; Lactobacillus rhamnosus dominated BSS. Four bacteria and nine yeast isolates exhibited proteolytic activity. Forty bacteria and 45 yeast isolates possessed lipolytic activity. No antibacterial activity was detected. Conclusions: Prevalence of yeast over bacterial populations was evident in all samples assessed. Several bacterial and yeast strains exhibited proteolytic and lipolytic activities, making them suitable candidates for inclusion in starter cultures for milk and sugary kefir fermentation.

Spoilage yeasts: What are the sources of contamination of foods and beverages?

Foods and beverages are nutrient-rich ecosystems in which most microorganisms are able to grow. Moreover, several factors, such as physicochemical characteristics, storage temperature, culinary practices, and application of technologies for storage, also define the microbial population of foods and beverages. The yeast population has been well-characterised in fresh and processed fruit and vegetables, dairy products, dry-cured meat products, and beverages, among others. Some species are agents of alteration in different foods and beverages. Since the most comprehensive studies of spoilage yeasts have been performed in the winemaking process, hence, these studies form the thread of the discussion in this review. The natural yeast populations in raw ingredients and environmental contamination in the manufacturing facilities are the main modes by which food contamination occurs. After contamination, yeasts play a significant role in food and beverage spoilage, particularly in the alteration of fermented foods. Several mechanisms contribute to spoilage by yeasts, such as the production of lytic enzymes (lipases, proteases, and cellulases) and gas, utilisation of organic acids, discolouration, and off-flavours. This review addresses the role of yeasts in foods and beverages degradation by considering the modes of contamination and colonisation by yeasts, the yeast population diversity, mechanisms involved, and the analytical techniques for their identification, primarily molecular methods.

MALDI-TOF MS Supplementary database for species identification employing the yeast diversity encountered on southern Brazil grapes

The study of grape microflora is of interest when autochthonous yeasts, which are related to typical wine characteristics, are intended to be used in winemaking. The election of matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) as the first method for yeast identification was based on its accuracy and rapidity compared to alternative laboratory protocols for identification. The aims of this study are to consolidate the MALDI-TOF MS Supplementary database for environmental yeasts already constructed, to expand it through the addition of standard spectra of not included yeast species, and to discuss the grape microflora encountered in Southern Brazil. A total of 358 strains, isolated from grape berries, were submitted to protein profiling employing Biotyper and Supplementary database. Molecular biology techniques were used as alternatives to identify 6.4% of strains not promptly designated by protein profiling. These strains corresponded to the species Candida californica, Zygoascus meyerae, Candida akabanensis, Candida azyma, and Hanseniaspora vineae. The MALDI-TOF MS spectra of the identified species were added to Supplementary database. The presented results strengthen the need for further expansion of the mass spectra database to broaden its microbiological application.

Technologies and Trends to Improve Table Olive Quality and Safety

Table olives are the most widely consumed fermented food in the Mediterranean countries. Peculiar processing technologies are used to process olives, which are aimed at the debittering of the fruits and improvement of their sensory characteristics, ensuring safety of consumption at the same time. Processors demand for novel techniques to improve industrial performances, while consumers' attention for natural and healthy foods has increased in recent years. From field to table, new techniques have been developed to decrease microbial load of potential spoilage microorganisms, improve fermentation kinetics and ensure safety of consumption of the packed products. This review article depicts current technologies and recent advances in the processing technology of table olives. Attention has been paid on pre processing technologies, some of which are still under-researched, expecially physical techniques, such ad ionizing radiations, ultrasounds and electrolyzed water solutions, which are interesting also to ensure pesticide decontamination. The selections and use of starter cultures have been extensively reviewed, particularly the characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Yeasts to fasten and safely drive the fermentation process. The selection and use of probiotic strains to address the request for functional foods has been reported, along with salt reduction strategies to address health concerns, associated with table olives consumption. In this respect, probiotics enriched table olives and strategies to reduce sodium intake are the main topics discussed. New processing technologies and post packaging interventions to extend the shelf life are illustrated, and main findings in modified atmosphere packaging, high pressure processing and biopreservaton applied to table olive, are reported and discussed.

Table Olive Fermentation Using Starter Cultures with Multifunctional Potential

Table olives are one of the most popular plant-derived fermented products. Their enhanced nutritional value due to the presence of phenolic compounds and monounsaturated fatty acids makes olives an important food commodity of the Mediterranean diet. However, despite its economic significance, table olive fermentation is mainly craft-based and empirically driven by the autochthonous microbiota of the olives depending on various intrinsic and extrinsic factors, leading to a spontaneous process and a final product of variable quality. The use of microorganisms previously isolated from olive fermentations and studied for their probiotic potential and technological characteristics as starter cultures may contribute to the reduction of spoilage risk resulting in a controlled fermentation process. This review focuses on the importance of the development and implementation of multifunctional starter cultures related to olives with desirable probiotic and technological characteristics for possible application on table olive fermentation with the main purpose being the production of a health promoting and sensory improved functional food.

The environmental and intrinsic yeast diversity of Cuban cocoa bean heap fermentations

The environmental yeast diversity of spontaneous cocoa bean fermentations in east Cuba was investigated. Seven fermentations, 25 equipment- and handling-related samples, and 115 environmental samples, such as flowers, leaf and cocoa pod surfaces, as well as drosophilid insects, were analysed. The basic fermentation parameters temperature and pH were recorded during five fermentations for at least six days. A total of 435 yeast isolates were identified by a combination of PCR-fingerprinting of genomic DNA with the M13 primer and sequence analysis of DNA from representative isolates, using the internal transcribed spacer region, the D1/D2 region of the large subunit rRNA gene, and an actin gene-encoding fragment, as required. Among 65 yeast species detected, Pichia manshurica and Hanseniaspora opuntiae were the most frequently isolated species, obtained from five and four fermentations, followed in frequency by Pichia kudriavzevii from two fermentations. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was isolated only occasionally. Cocoa fermentation yeast species were also present on processing equipment. The repeated isolation of a preliminarily as Yamadazyma sp. classified species, a group of strains similar to Saccharomycopsis crataegensis from fermentations and equipment, and the isolation of fifteen other potentially novel yeast species in low numbers provides material for further studies. Environmental samples showed higher yeast diversity compared to the fermentations, included the most frequent fermentation species, whereas the most frequently isolated environmental species were Candida carpophila, Candida conglobata, and Candida quercitrusa. Potential selective advantages of the most frequently isolated species were only partly explained by the physiological traits tested. For instance, tolerance to higher ethanol concentrations was more frequent in strains of Pichia spp. and S. cerevisiae compared to Hanseniaspora spp.; the ability to also assimilate ethanol might have conferred a selective advantage to Pichia spp. In contrast, high glucose tolerance was common among strains of Hanseniaspora spp., Torulaspora delbrueckii, and Candida tropicalis, among which only Hanseniaspora spp. were frequently isolated.

The effect of ZnCl2 on green Spanish-style table olive packaging, a presentation style dependent behaviour

BACKGROUND

Zinc chloride has been used previously as a preservative in directly brined olives with promising results. However, this is the first time that the effects of ZnCl2 addition (0-1 g L(-1) ) on green Spanish-style table olive (cv. Manzanilla) packaging has been studied.

RESULTS

The presence of ZnCl2 affected the physico-chemical characteristics of the products; the presence of the Zn led to lower pH values (particularly just after packaging) and titratable and combined acidity values than the control but did not produce clear trends in the colour parameters. No Enterobacteriaceae were found in any of the treatments evaluated. At the highest ZnCl2 concentrations, the lactic acid bacteria were inhibited while, unexpectedly, its presence showed a lower effect than potassium sorbate against the yeast population. Regardless of the use of potassium sorbate or ZnCl2 , the packages had a reduced microbial biodiversity because only Lactobacillus pentosus and Pichia galeiformis were found at the end of the shelf life. With respect to organoleptic characteristics, the presentations containing ZnCl2 were not differentiated from the traditional product.

CONCLUSION

Zinc chloride was less efficient than potassium sorbate as a yeast inhibitor in green Spanish-style olives, showing clear presentation style dependent behaviour for this property. Its presence produced significant changes in chemical parameters but scarcely affected colour or sensory characteristics.

Effect of pretreatments on microbial growth and sensory properties of dry-salted olives

The effect of various washing solutions (acetic acid, lactic acid, and chlorine dioxide) and NaCl concentrations (2.5, 5.0, and 10.0%) on the stability of dry-salted olives (cultivars Gemlik and Edincik) during storage was studied. Vacuum-packed olives were stored at 4°C for 7 months and monitored for microbiological changes that occurred in the dry-salted olives during the dry-salting process and for their stability during storage. Microbial populations were enumerated using pour plating (for aerobic plate counts) and spread plating (for counts of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts and molds). Aerobic plate counts were <2.5 log CFU/g for olive samples washed in chlorine dioxide at all NaCl concentrations. At 4°C, the population of yeasts and molds increased steadily during the shelf life in Gemlik olive samples washed with all of the solutions, except chlorine dioxide, whereas yeast and mold counts in Edincik olives decreased depending on the increase in salt concentration. Therefore, different combinations of organic acids, NaCl, and vacuum packaging can be successfully used to control the growth of yeasts and molds in these olives. The combination of vacuum sealing (with a 10-ppm chlorine dioxide wash) and storage at 4°C was the most effective approach for controlling the growth of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts and molds. Members of the sensory panel considered saltiness to be appropriate at 2.5 and 5.0% NaCl. Softness and bitterness scores increased with reduced NaCl concentrations, but rancidity and hardness scores increased as NaCl concentration increased.

Selection of yeasts with multifunctional features for application as starters in natural black table olive processing

Yeasts are unicellular eukaryotic microorganisms with a great importance in the elaboration on many foods and beverages. In the last years, researches have focused their attention to determine the favourable effects that these microorganisms could provide to table olive processing. In this context, the present study assesses, at laboratory scale, the potential technological (resistance to salt, lipase, esterase and β-glucosidase activities) and probiotic (phytase activity, survival to gastric and pancreatic digestions) features of 12 yeast strains originally isolated from Greek natural black table olive fermentations. The multivariate classification analysis carried out with all information obtained (a total of 336 quantitative input data), revealed that the most promising strains (clearly discriminated from the rest of isolates) were Pichia guilliermondii Y16 (which showed overall the highest resistance to salt and simulated digestions) and Wickerhamomyces anomalus Y18 (with the overall highest technological enzymatic activities), while the rest of strains were grouped together in two clearly differentiated clusters. Thus, this work opens the possibility for the evaluation of these two selected yeasts as multifunctional starters, alone or in combination with lactic acid bacteria, in real table olive fermentations.

Evaluation of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for identification of environmental yeasts and development of supplementary database

Yeast identification using traditional methods which employ morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics can be considered a hard task as it requires experienced microbiologists and a rigorous control in culture conditions that could implicate in different outcomes. Considering clinical or industrial applications, the fast and accurate identification of microorganisms is a crescent demand. Hence, molecular biology approaches has been extensively used and, more recently, protein profiling using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has proved to be an even more efficient tool for taxonomic purposes. Nonetheless, concerning to mass spectrometry, data available for the differentiation of yeast species for industrial purpose is limited and reference databases commercially available comprise almost exclusively clinical microorganisms. In this context, studies focusing on environmental isolates are required to extend the existing databases. The development of a supplementary database and the assessment of a commercial database for taxonomic identifications of environmental yeast are the aims of this study. We challenge MALDI-TOF MS to create protein profiles for 845 yeast strains isolated from grape must and 67.7 % of the strains were successfully identified according to previously available manufacturer database. The remaining 32.3 % strains were not identified due to the absence of a reference spectrum. After matching the correct taxon for these strains by using molecular biology approaches, the spectra concerning the missing species were added in a supplementary database. This new library was able to accurately predict unidentified species at first instance by MALDI-TOF MS, proving it is a powerful tool for the identification of environmental yeasts.

Microbiota of table olive fermentations and criteria of selection for their use as starters

Fermentation is one of the oldest methods for preserving of olives applied worldwide for thousands of years. However, olive processing is a speculative area where whether olives are fermented products or pickled products produced by organic acids and salt. Although lactobacilli and yeasts play a major role in the process, literature survey indicates that lactobacilli are less relevant at least in some types of natural green olives during fermentation. There have been significant advances recently in understanding the process to produce olives, especially the role of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts including biofilm formation on olive surfaces by these organisms. The purpose of this paper is to review the latest developments regarding the microbiota of olives on the basis of olive types, their role on the fermentation process, the interaction between both group of microorganisms and the olive surface, the possibility to use starter cultures and the criteria to select appropriate cultures.

Yeasts in table olive processing: desirable or spoilage microorganisms?

Yeasts are unicellular eukaryotic microorganisms isolated from many foods, and are commonly found in table olive processing where they can play a double role. On one hand, these microorganisms can produce spoilage of fruits due to the production of bad odours and flavours, the accumulation of CO(2) leading to swollen containers, the clouding of brines, the softening of fruits and the degradation of lactic acid, which is especially harmful during table olive storage and packaging. But on the other hand, fortunately, yeasts also possess desirable biochemical activities (lipase, esterase, β-glucosidase, catalase, production of killer factors, etc.) with important technological applications in this fermented vegetable. Recently, the probiotic potential of olive yeasts has begun to be evaluated because many species are able to resist the passage through the gastrointestinal tract and show beneficial effects on the host. In this way, yeasts may improve consumers' health by decreasing cholesterol levels, inhibiting pathogens, degrading non assimilated compounds, producing antioxidants and vitamins, adhering to intestinal cells or by maintaining epithelial barrier integrity. Many yeast species, usually also found in table olive processing, such as Wicherhamomyces anomalus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pichia membranifaciens and Kluyveromyces lactis, have been reported to exhibit some of these properties. Thus, the selection of the most appropriate strains to be used as starters, alone or in combination with lactic acid bacteria, is a promising research line to develop in a near future which might improve the added value of the commercialized product.

Formation of lactic acid bacteria-yeasts communities on the olive surface during Spanish-style Manzanilla fermentations

This work examines the formation of poly-microbial communities adhered to the surface of Manzanilla olive fruits processed according to the Spanish style. The experimental design consisted of four pilot fermenters inoculated with four Lactobacillus pentosus strains, plus another fermenter which was not inoculated and fermented spontaneously. Lactic acid bacteria and yeasts were analysed in depth on olive epidermis throughout fermentation by plate count, molecular techniques and scanning electron microscopy. Data show that in all cases high population levels (above 8 log(10) CFU per olive) were reached for both groups of microorganisms at the second week of fermentation and that these counts never fell below 6 log(10) CFU per olive during the 3 months that fermenters were monitored. In situ observation of olive epidermis slices revealed a strong aggregation and adhesion between bacteria and yeasts by the formation of a matrix which embedded the microorganisms. Geotrichum candidum, Pichia galeiformis and Candida sorbosa were the main yeast species isolated from these biofilms at the end of fermentation (confirmed by RFLP analysis of the 5.8S-ITS region), while molecular characterization of lactobacilli isolates by means of RAPD-PCR with primer OPL(5) showed in many cases a high similarity in their banding profiles with the inoculated strains. Results obtained in this survey show the importance of studying the olive epidermis throughout fermentation, because ultimately, olives are ingested by consumers.

Microbial dynamics and biodiversity in table olive fermentation: culture-dependent and -independent approaches

The microbial ecology of the table olive fermentation process is a complex set of dynamics in which the roles of the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast populations are closely related, and this synergism is of fundamental importance to obtain high quality products. Several studies on the ecology of table olives, both in spontaneous fermentations and in inoculated ones, have focused on the identification and characterization of yeasts, as they play a key role in the definition of the final organoleptic profiles through the production of volatile compounds. Moreover, these are able to promote the growth of LAB, which is responsible for the stabilization of the final product through the acidification activity and the inhibition of the growth of pathogenic bacteria. The current empirical production process of table olives could be improved through the development of mixed starter cultures. These can only be developed after a deep study of the population dynamics of yeasts and LAB by means of molecular methods. Until now, most studies have exploited culture-dependent approaches to define the natural microbiota of brine and olives. These approaches have identified two main species of LAB, namely Lactobacillus plantarum and L. pentosus, while, as far as yeasts are concerned, the most frequently isolated genera are Candida, Pichia, and Saccharomyces. However, there are a few studies in literature in which a culture-independent approach has been employed. This review summarizes the state of the art of the microbial ecology of table olive fermentations and it focuses on the different approaches and molecular methods that have been applied.

Chloride salt mixtures affect Gordal cv. green Spanish-style table olive fermentation

This work studies the effects of different sodium (in the range of 4-10%), potassium (0-4%) and calcium (0-6%) chloride salt mixtures on the fermentation profile of Gordal olives processed according to the Spanish style. For this purpose, response surface methodology based on a simplex centroid mixture design with constrain (sum of salt percentages = 10%) was used. All treatments reached appropriate titratable acidity levels, but this parameter could not be related to the initial chloride salt concentration. The presence of CaCl(2) led to lower initial and after-fermentation pHs, delayed sugar diffusion into the brine, its maximum concentration and titratable acidity formation. CaCl(2) also delayed Enterobacteriaceae and yeast sprang, decreasing their overall growth. This chloride salt also showed a tendency to reduce overall lactic acid bacteria growth. KCl had a similar behaviour to NaCl but, in general, increased overall microbial growth. Thus, a partial substitution of NaCl in Spanish-style green olives with KCl and CaCl(2) does not substantially modify the fermentation profile but does produce some changes, which, when properly managed, could help to improve product processing.

Exploring the yeast biodiversity of green table olive industrial fermentations for technological applications

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in identifying and characterizing the yeast populations associated with diverse types of table olive elaborations because of the many desirable technological properties of these microorganisms. In this work, a total of 199 yeast isolates were directly obtained from industrial green table olive fermentations and genetically identified by means of a RFLP analysis of the 5.8S-ITS region and sequencing of the D1/D2 domains of the 26S rDNA gene. Candida diddensiae, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia membranifaciens were the most abundant yeast species isolated from directly brined Aloreña olives, while for Gordal and Manzanilla cultivars they were Candida tropicalis, Pichia galeiformis and Wickerhamomyces anomalus. In the case of Gordal and Manzanilla green olives processed according to the Spanish style, the predominant yeasts were Debaryomyces etchellsii, C. tropicalis, P. galeiformis and Kluyveromyces lactis. Biochemical activities of technological interest were then qualitatively determined for isolates belonging to all yeast species. This preliminary screening identified two isolates of W. anomalus with interesting properties, such as a strong β-glucosidase and esterase activity, and a moderate catalase and lipolytic activity, which were also confirmed by quantitative assays. The results obtained in this survey show the potential use that some yeast species could have as starters, alone or in combination with lactic acid bacteria, during olive processing.