Increased quality and functionality of kimchi when fermented in Korean earthenware (onggi)

Kimchi was fermented in onggi and other containers at 4 °C for 4 weeks. Two types of onggi were used: glazed and nonglazed onggi. Other containers such as polyethylene plastic containers, polypropylene containers for use in a kimchi refrigerator, stainless steel and glass bottles were used. During the fermentation, kimchi fermented in onggi showed relatively stable acidity change compared with those in the other containers. Also it showed higher lactic acid bacteria multiplication (10⁸–10⁹ cfu g^?1 at 4th week) but slower general aerobic bacteria multiplication than the others. The springiness of kimchi fermented in onggi was more than 50% at 4th week, it is higher than the others. Its carbonic acid taste and overall acceptability were excellent in sensory evaluations. The antioxidative and cancer‐cell antiproliferative activities were also greater in kimchi fermented in onggi than the others. Between the two types of onggi, nonglazed onggi showed better results in both properties and functionalities of kimchi. Onggi showed higher gas permeability than polyethylene plastic containers and glass bottles because of its porous structure, and lactic acid bacteria could have benefited from this condition. It possibly contributes to optimal ripening of kimchi resulting in better properties, especially texture and taste, and health functionalities.     

Comparison of the performances of different fermentation strategies on cell growth and bacteriocin production by Lactobacillus curvatus CWBI‐B28

The dynamics of cell growth and bacteriocin production by Lactobacillus curvatus CWBI‐B28 in modified De Man/Rogosa/Sharp (mMRS) broth with various concentrations of glucose and complex nitrogen source (CNS; peptone, yeast extract and meat extract) was investigated in flask fermentations and in a laboratory fermentor using batch and fed‐batch cultivations. In fed‐batch fermentation the rate of feeding of the reactor with the substrates was either maintained constant (0.12 L h^?1) or varied exponentially as a function of time. The results showed that both cell growth and bacteriocin activity were influenced by changes in the concentrations of glucose and CNS. Optimal growth and bacteriocin activity were obtained in mMRS broth containing 40 g L^?1 glucose and 40 g L^?1 CNS (mMRS_40/40). A bacteriocin titre of 4266 AU mL^?1 and a cell count of 8.7 log colony‐forming units (cfu) mL^?1 were recorded when this medium was used for cultivation. In batch fermentation using the same medium, a higher cell count (9.5 log cfu mL^?1) and twice as much bacteriocin as in flask fermentation were produced. The highest bacteriocin titre (8533 AU mL^?1) was obtained with fed‐batch fermentation at an exponentially varying rate of feeding. Bacteriocin activity and cell dry mass did not always correlate. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Optimisation of lactic acid fermentation of York cabbage for the development of potential probiotic products

In this study, York cabbage was used as the sole substrate for the lactic acid (LA) fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum. York cabbage was blanched at 95 °C for 12 min to inactivate surface microflora prior to fermentation. To achieve an optimal fermentation condition that would result in higher release of phytochemicals and antioxidant (AO) capacity in the broth, Box‐Behnken design integrating a desirability approach was used. A second‐order polynomial equation was developed, indicating the effect of solute/liquid ratio, agitation rate and fermentation time on desired parameters. The optimised factors were used for fermenting York cabbage to obtain maximum bacterial growth, LA, polyphenols and AO capacity. There was ≈5 log cfu mL^?1 increment in bacterial growth after fermentation, whereas LA production reached up to 4.97 mg mL^?1. Results showed that fermentation retains 95–98% and 90–95% of TPC and AO capacity, respectively. During refrigerated storage (4 °C), the cell numbers, bioactive components and acidity were maintained till 15‐day storage.     

3-Monochloro-1,2-propandiol (3-MCPD) in soy sauce from the Bulgarian market

The 3-monochloro-1,2-propandiol (3-MCPD) levels in soy sauces which contained hydrolysed vegetable protein were evaluated for the Bulgarian market. For analysis of 3-MCPD, a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was applied with a linear range of 0.03–2.00 μg mL^?1 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.3 μg kg^?1 and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 3.4 μg kg^?1. At these levels, the standard deviation was 5.1%, with recoveries between 81% and 102%. The method was applied to the analysis of 21 samples of soy sauce from the Bulgarian market. Results ranged from 3.7 to 185.6 μg kg^?1. Soy sauces produced from hydrolysed soy protein contained higher levels of 3-MCPD than naturally fermented sauces. In 38.4% of samples of Bulgarian origin, the 3-MCPD content was above the EU limit of 20 μg kg^?1. In all analysed samples, 33.3% had a 3-MCPD content above the EU limit.     

A two‐step inoculation of Candida etchellsii to enhance soy sauce flavour and quality

Effects of novel two‐step inoculation to enhance soy sauce special flavour in Candida etchellsii were investigated at the cell growth phase. The first‐stage consists of a 5% culture inoculum of log phase cells at 30‐day. Subsequently, a 20% culture inoculum of stationary phase cells was added at 60‐day. The resulting amino nitrogen and soluble salt‐free solid yield reached 9.15 ± 0.12 and 269.60 ± 3.15 mg L^?1 in 30 °C incubator experiments, increased by 23.1% and 17.6%, respectively, as compared to the control without culture inoculation. Maximal free amino acid yield of 58.21 ± 1.77 g L^?1 was achieved, and 39 types of volatile flavour compounds content was 17.81 ± 0.45 g L^?1, which were 1.76% and 178.7% higher than the control. A novel two‐step inoculation using the C. etchellsii yeast was developed and optimised. It was proven to be a feasible reproducible process for industrial application for the improvement of the flavour and quality of soy sauce production.     

Effect of co-fermentation and sequential fermentation of Candida versatilis and Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris on unsalted pork hydrolysates components

In this study, the effect of co-fermentation and sequential fermentation with a typical halophilic soy sauce yeast Candida versatilis and a non-halophilic dairy bacterium Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris in pork hydrolysates was explored for the first time with regard to their viability, physicochemical changes and volatile compound production. It was observed that the growth of C. versatilis was suppressed (only 0.6 - 1.5 log CFU mL⁻¹ increase), whilst L. lactis subsp. cremoris was stimulated (total cell counts exceeded 9.0 log CFU mL⁻¹) in mixed-cultures relative to the respective monocultures. There were no significant differences between co-inoculation and sequential inoculation regarding glucose consumption, organic acid production and free amino acids utilisation. Some distinct volatile compounds such as methionol, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one and gamma-nonalactone were found in both co-inoculated and sequentially inoculated samples, with slightly different concentrations. These results suggest that the mixed-inoculation of C. versatilis and L. lactis have a positive impact on the volatile compounds formation in pork hydrolysates.     

Short chain xylooligosaccharides: a potential prebiotic used to improve batter fermentation and its effect on the quality attributes of idli,a cereal–legume‐based Indian traditional food

Xylooligosaccharides (XOS), a potential prebiotic exhibits important technological characteristics and interesting nutritional properties. The major fraction in XOS produced enzymatically from corncob was characterised as β‐d ‐xylopyranosyl‐(1,4)‐d ‐xylanopyranose (xylobiose) using ¹³C and 2D‐HSQC NMR. The use of this XOS as a prebiotic in idli, a cereal/legume‐based fermented cake, and its effect on texture, fermentation and sensory characteristics was investigated. Idli batter was fermented with different concentrations of XOS (0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6% w/v) for 4–18 h conventionally. The addition of XOS markedly increased lactic acid bacteria number (9.88 ± 0.08 log cfu g^?1) which resulted in rapid reduction in pH (4.61 ± 0.03) and specific gravity after 6 h of fermentation when compared to conventional batter fermentation for 18 h without XOS (9.46 ± 0.06 log cfu g^?1). Instrumental (colour and texture) and sensory evaluation indicated that the optimum conditions were 0.4% XOS and 6 h fermentation. Idlis with XOS had higher moisture content and a softer texture. Addition of XOS benefits both fermentation and idli quality.     

Quantification of ethyl carbamate in soy sauce consumed in Korea and estimated daily intakes by age

To estimate the daily intake of ethyl carbamate (EC, a possible human carcinogen) from soy sauce consumed in Korea, 136 soy sauce samples were collected from various regions and analysed by gas chromatography/selected ion mode mass spectrometry (GC/SIM‐MS). The distribution of EC varied significantly among samples, ranging from not detected to 128.9 µg kg^?1, with the highest level in Japanese‐style soy sauce. Based on individual intakes in the Complementary Report on 1998 National Health and Nutrition Survey and EC contents analysed in the present study, the contribution of soy sauce to EC intake was estimated by multiplying the mean concentration of EC by individual soy sauce intake data. Daily intakes of EC kg^?1 body weight by high consumers were particularly high in age groups 1–2 years (78.59 ng), 3–6 years (86.37 ng), 50–64 years (86.24 ng) and ≥ 65 years (76.86 ng). Based on a benchmark dose confidence limit (BMDL) of 0.3 mg EC kg^?1 body weight day^?1, the margin of exposure (MOE) calculated from the daily intake of EC in soy sauce for high consumers ranged from 3488 to 7317, which is of concern. Daily EC intakes are likely to be exceeded in groups who consume other fermented foods as well as alcoholic beverages. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

PRODUCTION, QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND ACCEPTABILITY OF AFRICAN YAM BEAN SPHENOSTYLIS STENOSCARPA SAUCE

ABSTRACT

Sauces (15 and 20% brine solution) were made from African yam beans (AYBs) using a combination of solid and liquid state fermentations as practiced in Indonesia. They were analyzed to ascertain their nutritive value, microbiological safety and consumer acceptability. Results showed that the protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate contents were 4.85, 3.82, 11.82 and 16.75%, respectively, for 15% brine solution sauce after spicing and concentration. The total microbial load (bacteria) of the sauces was relatively low (20.0 and 18.0 cfu/g × 10⁶) for the two concentrations of sauces, respectively. At 0.05 confidence level, the t‐tabulated value was greater than the t‐calculated value (2.09 > 0.01), showing that there was no significant difference between the general quality characteristics of the AYB sauce and the conventional soy sauce.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The product AYB sauce made from the solid state fermentation of African yam beans (an underutilized Nigerian legume) can be used as condiment in preparation of foods (gravies, soups, stews, jollof and fried rice, pastry fillings, etc.) at homes, restaurants and fast food companies. The commercial production of the sauce will help in the reduction of the pressure on soybeans, which is the major raw material for the production of soy sauce, and increase the utilization of the crop and income of the farmers of AYB.

     

Effect of fermentation by Aspergillus oryzae on the biochemical and sensory properties of anchovy (Engraulis japonicus) fish sauce

This study obtained an anchovy flavourful fish sauce by a bioprocess of aerobic fermentation with Aspergillus oryzae OAY1 in a period of time as short as 3 days. Amino nitrogen of the fish sauce increased to 7.35 mg mL^?1 by optimisation with response surface methodology (RSM). Results of chemical analysis showed that amino nitrogen, hydrolysis degree, reducing sugar and total amino acids all increased, along with the enhanced antioxidant activity. With regard to biogenic amines, most of the tested biogenic amines decreased after fermentation. Electronic nose test revealed that the odour of the fish sauce became more balanced and favourable after fermentation. In addition, volatile odorant analysis and sensory evaluation showed that no particularly unpleasant flavour ingredient was found in the anchovy fish sauce, and the taste was overall satisfactory. Meanwhile, consumer acceptance test showed that the anchovy fish sauce produced in this study using A. orzyae OAY1 had a high consumer acceptance similar to the commercial anchovy fish sauce. This aerobic fast‐fermentation process provided an efficient method for high‐quality fish sauce production.     

Monitoring of Yeast Communities and Volatile Flavor Changes During Traditional Korean Soy Sauce Fermentation

Flavor development in soy sauce is significantly related to the diversity of yeast species. Due to its unique fermentation with meju, the process of making Korean soy sauce gives rise to a specific yeast community and, therefore, flavor profile; however, no detailed analysis of the identifying these structure has been performed. Changes in yeast community structure during Korean soy sauce fermentation were examined using both culture‐dependent and culture‐independent methods with simultaneous analysis of the changes in volatile compounds by GC‐MS analysis. During fermentation, Candida, Pichia, and Rhodotorula sp. were the dominant species, whereas Debaryomyces, Torulaspora, and Zygosaccharomyces sp. were detected only at the early stage. In addition, Cryptococcus, Microbotryum, Tetrapisispora, and Wickerhamomyces were detected as minor strains. Among the 62 compounds identified in this study, alcohols, ketones, and pyrazines were present as the major groups during the initial stages, whereas the abundance of acids with aldehydes increased as the fermentation progressed. Finally, the impacts of 10 different yeast strains found to participate in fermentation on the formation of volatile compounds were evaluated under soy‐based conditions. It was revealed that specific species produced different profiles of volatile compounds, some of which were significant flavor contributors, especially volatile alcohols, aldehydes, esters, and ketones.     

Making soy sauce using direct fermentation of defatted soybean meal without the meju (soybean Koji) preparation process

Soy sauce prepared via direct fermentation of defatted soybean meal (DFSM) using halophiles without addition of dried, fermented soybeans or meju was evaluated. DFSM was fermented using single and mixed cultures of Oceanobacillus kimchii and Bacillus pumilus under 18% salinity conditions. Amounts of total organic nitrogen, free amino acids, and organic acids in soy sauce prepared with the mixed culture were slightly higher than sauces prepared with single culture. The ingredient content was higher in soy sauce prepared via direct fermentation of DFSM than soy sauce prepared with meju. Microorganisms detected in DFSM fermentation were not detected in the meju culture, except for the 2 halophiles, based on metagenomic analysis. Direct fermentation of DFSM is better than using meju for preparation of soy sauce.     

Effects of yeast fermentation on transforming the volatile compounds of unsalted pork hydrolysate

This study investigated the possibility of transforming unsalted pork hydrolysate into a liquid seasoning by studying volatile compound production through yeast fermentation. The yeasts used included a typical soya sauce yeast and three wine yeasts. The yeasts inoculated in the glucose supplementary pork hydrolysate increased by approximately 2.0 log of CFU mL⁻¹ within 24 hours at 30°C without adding salt. Yeast fermentation largely depleted the abundant aldehydes (hexenal) present in unfermented pork hydrolysate to trace levels with the formation of ethanol, corresponding alcohols and carboxylic acids. The wine yeasts showed higher production of fruity esters such as ethyl acetate and isoamyl acetate, whereas the soya sauce yeast produced more ketones such as acetone and 2-heptanone. This study revealed a potential method of producing a value-added meat hydrolysate from pork by-product.     

Effects of ultrasound on the fermentation profile and metabolic activity of lactic acid bacteria in buffalo's (Bubalus bubalis) milk

In this study, the ultrasound was applied at the lag phase and logarithmic phase of the growth of Streptococcus thermophilus subsp. Salivarius (6.76 ± 0.15 log cfu/mL) and Lactobacillus bulgaricus (6.36 ± 0.22 log cfu/mL) in buffalo's milk. The results revealed that S. thermophilus entered into the logarithmic phase after 45 min of incubation. Ultrasound application during lag phase (1685 J mL⁻¹) and logarithmic phase (561.6 J mL⁻¹) reduced the fermentation time by 32 min (12.5%) and 40 min (15.7%), respectively. Ultrasound treatment (1684.8 J mL^-1) during the lag phase resulted in fractures (approximately 0.1–0.2 μm) on the cell membrane of S. thermophilus. Application of ultrasound for a 2–6 min period enhanced (P < 0.05) the microbial growth while increasing (P < 0.05) the β-galactosidase activity. The lactose hydrolysis was increased up to 49.2% compared to that of the control. Ultrasound treatment during the lag phase showed higher (P < 0.05) storage modulus, yield point and consistency index compared to the logarithmic phase. It can be concluded that ultrasound has huge potential to improve the fermentation rate of buffalo's milk.Industrial relevanceConventional food fermentation is one of the most time and resources consuming processing steps in the food industry. In this work, it was shown that the appropriate application of ultrasound during different stages of microbial growth reduced the fermentation time of buffalo milk by 13% to 16% by enhancing the metabolic activities of lactic acid bacteria. Therefore, ultrasound has great prospects in the food processing industry to improve process efficiency. Scaling-up of laboratory applications of US in to industrial scale through designing new power transducers with high capacity and greater acoustic filtration is necessary to enhance its potential to be used at large scales.     

Effect of Tetragenococcus halophilus,Zygosaccharomyces rouxii,and Torulopsis versatilis addition sequence on soy sauce fermentation

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect that the sequences of ingredient addition had on soy sauce fermentation. Five strategies were assessed for the inoculation of Tetragenococcus halophilus, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, and Torulopsis versatilis. The results of physicochemical analysis and levels of flavor compounds demonstrated that the best strategy for soy sauce fermentation was to inoculate T. halophilus (2 × 10⁵ CFU/mL) on the 15th day, Z. rouxii (1.0 × 10⁶ CFU/mL) on the 30th day, and T. versatilis (1.0 × 10⁶ CFU/mL) on the 45th day; this enhanced its fruity, sauce, alcoholic, and caramel-like flavors by 64.3%, 22.7%, 43.1%, and 36.2%, respectively, and saline taste by 64.3%. Spearman correlation analysis revealed the content of ethanol positively correlated with acetic acid (r = 0.82) and succinic acid (r = 0.80), while the level of formic acid negatively correlated with ethyl phenylacetate (r = −0.88). In summary, these results provided fundamental evidence for strain addition sequence for producing flavor-enhanced soy sauce with potential application in the future.     

Effect of glasswort (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Salicornia herbacea</Emphasis> L.) and rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">oryza sativa</Emphasis> L.) on quality of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ganjang</Emphasis> (Korean Soy Sauce)

Four types of meju were made from 100%(w/w) defatted soybean (DFS), a mixture of 80%(w/w) defatted soybean, and 20%(w/w) glasswort (DFS-G), a mixture of 80%(w/w) defatted soybean and 20%(w/w) rice (DFS-R), and a mixture of 60%(w/w) defatted soybean, 20%(w/w) glasswort, and 20%(w/w) rice (DFS-GR). Four types of Korean traditional soy sauce were prepared from the 4 types of meju. Mineral and antioxidant contents in the soy sauce made of DFS-G and DFS-GR were significantly higher than others. Citric, malic, succinic, lactic, and pyroglutamic acid contents in soy sauce made of DFS-R and DFS-GR were 1.3–1.5 times higher than others. Total nitrogen and free amino acid contents in soy sauce were correlated with DFS concentration in the meju. The bacterial community in the non-fermented meju-making ingredients was replaced largely by Bacillus sp. in the fermented meju. The use of glasswort and rice in the meju-making process did not alter the bacterial community responsible for the fermentation of meju.     

Real-Time PCR Quantification of Protease-Producing Bacteria in Traditional Chinese Fish Sauce

This study aims to isolate, identify, and quantify protease-producing bacteria in traditional Chinese fish sauce. Fifty-five protease-producing bacteria were isolated from 10 fermented fish sauce samples in five growth media based on their morphology and caseinolytic activity. These isolates were identified through their 16S rDNA gene sequences. BLAST analysis of 16S rDNA sequences revealed that 46 and 9 strains belonged to Bacillus sp. and Virgibacillus halodenitrificans, respectively. We used EvaGreen dye in real-time PCR assay to target the partial bacterial 16S rDNA gene sequences of the 55 strains from fish sauce. Two primer pairs (A and B) were designed. Primer pair B was more suitable than primer pair A for real-time PCR assay, in which the optimum annealing temperature was 60 °C. The significance of the developed method was proven by the highly linear characteristic of the standard curve that relates lower threshold cycle (Ct) values and 16S rDNA copy numbers of the standard DNA sample. This method was used to calculate the number of protease-producing bacteria in fish sauce. The minimum level of detection (1.44?×?10³ copies/μL) was also verified. The concentration of protease-producing bacteria in fish sauce was estimated to be (1.47?±?0.73)?×?10³ colony-forming units (cfu)/mL by real-time PCR assay and showed a percentage of positive results correctly assigned of 91.8 % when compared to the plate culture method used as reference. The results may serve as a foundation for future studies on the microbial succession and variation of microorganisms during fish sauce fermentation.     

Effect of a halophilic aromatic yeast together with Aspergillus oryzae in koji making on the volatile compounds and quality of soy sauce moromi

Koji making is an essential step in the production of high‐quality soy sauce. In this study, we inoculated koji with a halophilic aromatic yeast (Zygosaccharomyces rouxii) and Aspergillus oryzae and investigated the effects on the volatile compounds and quality of soy sauce moromi. Our results suggest that the optimal yeast inoculation was approximately 1.5 × 10⁶ yeast per gram of koji, and excessive yeast greatly decreased A. oryzae enzyme activity. In comparison with the control group, there were no significant changes in the concentrations of amino nitrogen, total titratable acids, total soluble nitrogen and reducing sugar by extending the fermentation time during the first fermentation month, whereas the concentration of glutamate in the yeast‐inoculated sample increased by 46.16% and the arginine concentration decreased by 61.07%. After the second fermentation month, 17, 38 and 38 volatile components were identified by GC–MS in C1, C2 and C5, respectively. Moreover, a large number of volatile components, such as 2‐Methoxy‐4‐vinylphenol, ethyl acetate and 1‐Octen‐3‐ol were found in C2 and C5. And the total contents of volatile compounds in C2 were obviously higher than C5. This work furthers our understanding of the traditional multistrain koji making and provides a new method for enhancing the quality and flavour of soy sauce.     

Preparation and optimization of soy protein isolate–high methoxy pectin microcapsules loaded with Lactobacillus delbrueckii

This study was aimed to use soy protein isolate (SPI) and high methoxy pectin (HMP) as encapsulating materials for probiotic bacterial (Lactobacillus delbrueckii) delivery systems. The encapsulation conditions were optimised, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterise the microstructural changes of the microcapsule. The results showed that the optimal conditions for microcapsule preparation were 90 mg mL^?1 SPI and 1 mg mL^?1 HMP, with a SPI/HMP ratio of 7:1 (v/v), and a L. delbrueckii suspension to SPI–HMP complex ratio of 1:1 (v/v). The viability of the probiotics in the microcapsules reaching the small intestine was 3 log CFU mL^?1 higher than that of naked bacteria. SEM showed that the surface of the SPI–HMP compound microcapsules was smooth and that a large number of L. delbrueckii could be seen in cross‐sections of the microcapsules.     

The effect of the Corynebacterium glutamicum on the shortening of fermentation time,physicochemical and sensory properties of soy sauce

This study for the first time explores the possibility of using Corynebacterium glutamicum Ⅲ (C. glutamicum) to shorten the soy sauce fermentation period without compromising product quality. C. glutamicum was added to soy sauce that had been fermented with Aspergillus oryzae for 30 days (SS30) to initiate a further 3-day fermentation (yielding SS33). The 3-day fermentation exerted similar impacts on SS30 as the standard fermentation for further 60 days (yielding SS90): that is, increased the contents of total nitrogen, total free amino acids (FAAs), umami FAAs, acids, esters, ketones, furans and sulphur-containing compounds, whilst decreasing the contents of alcohols and phenols. This explained the similarities in taste, aroma and overall liking between SS33 and SS90. The SS90 was the darkest among the three soy sauces. Compared with SS90, SS33 was less salty and smoky, more umami and kokumi, softer and more mellow, higher overall liking, with more 0.5–1 kDa peptides and fewer peptides <0.5 kDa. Therefore, a 3-day fermentation with C. glutamicum after an initial 30 days of a normal soy sauce fermentation represents a simple and effective way to shorten the soy sauce production time from 90 to 33 days whilst increasing greatly the umami taste and mellow sensation. This approach enhances product competitiveness via lowering manufacturing cost.