Abstract

The "nsamba" (palm wine) and "bikedi" (retted cassava dough) are respectively produced by fermentation from the sap of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jack) and lactic acid fermentation from cassava root (Manihot cassava Crantz). The study is focused on the determination of volatile compounds present in these two traditional fermented foods of Congo at the end of fermentation. The characterization of these volatile compounds at the end of fermentation for “nsamba" and "bikedi" revealed as the main compounds esters, terpenes, fatty acids and long chain alcohols. Indeed, it was noted: for "nsamba" 86% esters (ethyl caprylate, ethyl decenoate, N-ethyl decanoic, ethyl laurate) and decanoic acid; for "bikedi" 43% terpenes and 37% alcohols: estragol, limonene, linalol, myrcene and menthol.

Key words: Palm wine, dough, cassava, aroma, fermentation.