Abstract
Physicochemical properties and microflora of kimchi stew's sauce were investigated during 6 months at 13oC, 27oC and 37oC to study the changes of its quality. The final pH values in the sauce showed a slight decrease to 4.46, 4.38 and 4.21 during storage at 13oC, 27oC and 37oC, respectively. Color(L, a, b values), salinity, moisture and Aw in the sauce were decreased during storage. However, the values of brix and browning, and the amounts of total sugar, crude protein and crude fat in the sauce were increased during storage. All the reactions occurred more rapidly in the samples stored at 37oC than those stored at 27oC and 13oC. The viable cell counts of aerobic bacteria in the sauce were changed remarkably during storage, but viable cell counts of lactic acid bacteria were decreased. Yeast, mold and E. coli were not found in the above temperatures during storage. Regression analysis between sensory scores and quality characteristics showed that the ΔE value was a major quality index for the deterioration of kimchi stew's sauce. The shelf lives of sauces at 13oC, 27oC, 37oC were estimated to be 24 months, 6 months and 6 months, respectively.