Abstract: A method of producing steviol glycoside compositions and the use thereof in foods, beverages and other consumables, is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the microbial production of malate. Fungal cells belonging to a species of the family of Ustilaginaceae were found to be an excellent host for the production of malate from glycerol. The malate production rate of fungal cells belonging to a species of the family of Ustilaginaceae was increased significantly by laboratory evolution. After medium optimization, a cultivation with the evolved strain on minimal medium with glycerol, or mono- or disaccharides, like glucose or sucrose or oligosaccharides yields a high production rate of malate.

Abstract: A method of producing yeast mutants and the use thereof. In order to provide yeasts which, at a given sugar content, produce a low ethanol content and a relatively high glycerol content in ethanolic fermentation and which are simultaneously obtainable rapidly, at least one yeast strain is contacted in a first mutagenesis step with a first mutagen and in a second mutagenesis step with a second mutagen. The first and second mutagens are different from one another and are selected from the following groups: nucleotide-alkylating agent, nucleotide-deaminating agent, and UV radiation. The method further includes a first selection step executed between the first and second mutagenesis steps and a second selection step being executed after the second mutagenesis step, in which the mutants that originate from the prior mutagenesis step in each case are exposed to a selection factor selected from the following groups: (a) hypertonic medium and (b) alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor.