Description

Kunu-zaki is a traditional non-alcoholic fermented cereal beverage commonly consumed in northern Nigeria as a refreshing drink.

Fermentation process

  • Cereal grains soaked and wet-milled
  • Portion of slurry cooked and mixed back
  • Short spontaneous fermentation (12–24 h)
  • Often flavored with spices such as ginger or cloves

Reported microbiology (examples)

  • LAB: Lactobacillus spp., Lactococcus spp.

Functional relevance

  • Refreshing and mildly acidic beverage
  • Improved microbial safety through acidification
  • Widely consumed across age groups

References

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