Pediococcus is, along with other lactic acid bacteria such as Leuconostoc and Lactobacillus, responsible for the fermentation of cabbage, making it sauerkraut. In this process, the sugars in fresh cabbage are fermented to lactic acid, which gives sauerkraut a sour flavour and good keeping qualities.
Pediococcus bacteria are usually considered contaminants of beer and wine,[2] although their presence is sometimes desired in beer styles such as lambic and Berliner Weisse.[3] Certain Pediococcus isolates produce diacetyl which gives a buttery or butterscotch aroma to some wines (such as Chardonnay) and a few styles of beer. Pediococcus species are often used in silage inoculants. Pediococci are used as probiotics, and are commonly added as beneficial microbes in the creation of sausages, cheeses and yogurts.
Species
The genus Pediococcus comprises the following species:[4]
^Claussen NH (1903). "Études sur les bactéries dites sarcines et sur les maladies qu'elles provoquent dans la bière" [Studies on so-called sarcine bacteria and the maladies they cause in beer]. Compte Rendus des Travaux du Laboratoire de Carlsberg. 6: 64–83.
