NMR-based metabolomics approach on optimization of malolactic fermentation of sea buckthorn juice with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum

•Metabolomics is useful in optimizing the fermentation of sea buckthorn juice.•L. plantarum strains varied in sugar, quinic acid, and heterofermentative metabolism.•l-Malic acid, amino acids, and nucleosides were rapidly consumed by L. plantarum.•Less sugars fermented at lower pH, but higher pH protected ascorbate from oxidation.•Succinic and quinic acids used as electron acceptors to produce acetate.