Effect of Solute Type on Sorbate Resistance in Zygosaccharomyces rouxii

ABSTRACT The effect of sorbate on the growth of Zygosaccharomyces rouxii was evaluated at reduced aw using sucrose, glucose and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Sorbate‐adapted and unadapted cells were grown aerobically at pH 5.0 in media adjusted to 0.92 aw by addition of the solutes. Sorbate resistance by unadapted cells increased in the order of glucose < PEG < sucrose. Solute type had little effect on sorbate resistance by sorbate‐adapted cells in media containing glucose and sucrose. The combination of PEG and 400 μg/mL sorbate was less inhibitory to sorbate‐adapted cells than PEG with 0 μg/mL and 800 μ‐g/mL of sorbate.