Changes in Enzyme Acrivities of Salted Chinese cabbage and Kimchi during Salting and Fermentation

배추의 소금절임과 김치숙성 중 효소류의 활성변화

Amylase, protease, polygalacturonase and $\beta$-galactosidase activities were monitored during salting of Chinese cabbage and kimchi fermentation at 1$0^{\circ}C$. A part of enzymes in the tissue of Chinese cabbage were eluted during salting, and other remained enzymes activities were decreased in proportion to the amount of elution. But total enzyme activities were increased during salting. Amylase, protease and polygalacturonase activities decreased at the early fermentation stage but increased at the late fermentation stage. $\beta$-Galactosidase activity was continuously increased during all periods of fermentation. Enzymic actions at the early fermentation stage come from Chinese cabbge and at the late fermentation stage come from major microorganisms in kimchi fermentation. Kimchi fermentation involves the activation of the enzymes by salting; hydrolysis of micromoleculars such as polysaccarides cell wall composed polysaccarides and proteins of cell wall during early fermentation of kimchi; overripening of the kimchi caused by propagation of homofermentative lactic acid bacteria which demand autotroph.