Development of a Distilled Beverage Using Yacon Root (Smallanthus sonchifolius)

Yacon, known for its fructooligosaccharides, fructans, and inulin content, has shown potential for novel beverage production. This study explores the feasibility of creating a distilled yacon-based beverage. Hydrolysis was utilized to release simple sugars from agave and yacon roots; these were then processed into three distinct batches of distilled beverage. The different methods led to tests varying the sugar content, yeast strains for fermentation, distillation efficiency, aging processes, and sensory evaluations. The distilled beverages demonstrated varying fermentation yields and distillation efficiencies, with one batch aged in Colombian white oak and the others in glass, highlighting differences in flavor profiles. The study concluded that yacon could serve as a versatile base for alcoholic beverage production. The second batch of the distilled beverage, optimized for fermentation and distillation efficiencies, represented promising advancements in yacon-based alcohol production. Future research should focus on process optimization and commercial viability to expand yacon's presence in the alcoholic beverage industry.