Relationship between Representative Trace Components and Health Functions of Chinese Baijiu: A Review

Abstract

Baijiu is a traditional fermented Chinese beverage with a history of hundreds of years. The notable characteristics of Baijiu include diverse raw materials, complex technology, and the co-fermentation of multiple strains. Complex brewing technology has created different aromas and contributes to complex trace component formation in Baijiu. Among the different components, the alcohol, ester, and acid contents are the highest in Baijiu, constituting its aroma skeleton. Nitrogen compounds significantly constitute the aroma compounds of Baijiu and affect human health. Although present in low concentration, sulfur compounds significantly contribute to the taste and positively impact human health. We provide a systematic review of domestic and international reports on the trace components in Bai