Non-Alcoholic Fermentation of Maize (Zea mays) in Sub-Saharan Africa

Maize, together with its fermented products, is fundamental for human nutrition and animal feed globally. Non-alcoholic fermentation of maize using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is one of the food preservation methods that has been utilised throughout the centuries and has played a vital role in the manufacturing of many fermented beverages consumed these days. However, the coincidence of LAB and yeasts during the spontaneous fermentation of maize-based products is inevitable. The involvement of other microorganisms such as moulds, Bacillus species and acetic acid bacteria in the fermentation of maize is important to the characteristics of the final product. Fermented beverages are affordable, have been produced traditionally and are known for their organoleptic properties, as well as their health-promoting compounds. The consumption of non-alcoholic beverages has the prospect of reducing the detrimental health and economic effects of a poor diet. Different fermented maize-based gruels and beverages such as ogi, mawe, banku and kenkey in West Africa, togwa in East Africa, as well as mahewu in South Africa have been documented. The physical and biochemical properties of most of these maize-based fermented products have been investigated and modified by various researchers. Attempts to enhance the nutritional properties of these products rely on supplementation with legumes to supply the insufficient amino acids. The production technology of these products has evolved from traditional to industrial production in recent years.