Fermented Beverages Revisited: From Terroir to Customized Functional Products

Fermented beverages have been a constant companion of humans throughout their history. A wide range of products have been developed with time, depending on the availability of raw materials and ambient conditions. Their differentiation was based on the specific characteristics of each product, resulting from the cultivation of different varieties and the variability of environmental conditions and agricultural practices, collectively described by the term ‘terroir’ that was developed in winemaking. The health benefits that have been associated with their consumption, which include the control of blood pressure and glycemic control, along with immunomodulatory, hypocholesterolemic, hepatoprotective, and antiproliferative activities, directed their re-discovery that occurred over the last few decades. Thus, the dynamics of the microbial communities of fermented beverages during fermentation and storage have been thoroughly assessed. The functional potential of fermented beverages has been attributed to the chemical composition of the raw materials and the bioconversions that take place during fermentation and storage, due to the metabolic capacity of the driving microbiota. Thus, the proper combination of raw materials with certain microorganisms may allow for the modulation of the organoleptic properties, as well as enrichment with specific functional ingredients, enabling targeted nutritional interventions. This plasticity of fermented beverages is their great advantage that offers limitless capabilities. The present article aims to critically summarize and present the current knowledge on the microbiota and functional potential of fermented beverages and highlight the great potential of these products.