This invention discloses a fully
solid-state
fermentation process for
Astragalus membranaceus vinegar, specifically relating to the field of
solid-state vinegar
brewing technology. The process uses
sorghum, rice husks, rice
bran, wheat
bran,
Astragalus membranaceus, and Daqu (a type of
starter culture) as raw materials, without adding any
exogenous enzymes or
chemical products. The process includes the following steps: S1.
Astragalus membranaceus slices are diagonally sliced and drained to a
moisture content of 18%-22%; S2.
Sorghum is steamed at normal pressure, with Astragalus membranaceus slices added after 20-25 minutes of
steaming, and
steaming continues for a total time of 40-60 minutes; S3.
Sorghum undergoes variable-temperature alcoholic
fermentation with rice
bran, first-grain rice husks, and a portion of Daqu, without Astragalus membranaceus slices participating in this stage; S4. The mash is mixed with the remaining Daqu, wheat bran, second-grain rice husks, and softened Astragalus membranaceus slices under moist heat, and the
moisture content is adjusted to 60%-65% before
acetic acid fermentation, with the main fermentation temperature at 39℃-41℃; S5. The mash is aged in a sealed container with intermittent
aeration; S6. Vinegar is obtained by gradient temperature leaching. This invention achieves simultaneous fermentation and self-degradation of Astragalus membranaceus
fiber and in-situ conversion of its functional components through process timing control and physical parameter optimization.