Question

What do you mean by surface fermentation?

(a) Fermentation on semi-solid media

(b) Fermentation on liquid media

(c) Fermentation on liquid surface

(d) Fermentation on solid media

This question was addressed to me in examination.

My question is taken from Aerobic Bioprocesses topic in section Mixed Cultures & Traditional Industrial Bioprocesses of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer 1

Right option is (d) Fermentation on solid media

To elaborate: The oldest and a relatively simple method for production of complex flavour extracts is the fermentation of flavour raw materials by bacteria and moulds (aspergillus, mucor) on solid nutrient media. The media is placed in simple thermostatic boxes on baking-tray like plates to which the micro-organisms are inoculated.