Effect of Kugija (Lycium chinense Miller) Extract on the Physicochemical Properties of Nabak kimchi during Fermentation

Kugija was added to Nabak kimchi to improve the quality and preservation and the optimum addition level was assessed. Kugija extract was prepared by boiling kugija fruits, at different ratios (0, 1, 3, 5, 7%; w/v) in water for 30 minutes. The changes in the physicochemical properties of the Nabak kimchi were measured during storage for 25 days at 10?, and compared to a control (without kugija). The pH was decreased in all treatments. Following the fermentation of Nabak kimchi, the total acidity values were inversely proportional the pH changes according to the nature of mutual dependence. However, in short term, during the initial 7 days of fermentation, the total acidity values decreased with increasing concentrations of kugija extract, whereas the trend was reversed after day 10. Total vitamin C content was directly proportional to the concentration of kugija extract and was decreased with the laps of fermentation. Up to day 25, 7% treatment showed the highest vitamin C content, but at 25 days 1% and 3% treatments ranked the first. The mont of reducing sugar was proportional to the concentration of kugija extract however, the difference of values between all treatments became almost indiscernible after day 25. Turbidity values were generally increased in all samples during fermentation period, although only to a limited extent. The lowest turbidity was shown at 3% treatment up to day 16. Total color difference values were increased up to day 16, but then decreased. The optimum level of kugija extract in Nabak kimchi, as determined through these experiments, was between 1 to 3% per added water content, and was preferably 3% for color and fermentation-retarding effect of the product. Kugija extract could be applied for improving the quality and preservation of traditionally prepared Nabak kimchi.

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