The study investigates the relationship between the microbiota and volatile compounds in kusaya gravy, a traditional Japanese fermented fish product found on the Izu Islands.
Analysis revealed significant differences in the microbiota between the islands Niijima and Hachijojima, with minimal changes during fermentation.
Volatile components were found to correlate strongly with the microbiota, with Hachijojima samples showing sulfur compounds and Niijima samples containing short-chain fatty acids, indicating a stable fermentation process influenced by specific microorganisms.