Effects of Rice Koji on the Fermentation Characteristics of the Sik-hae from Sailfin Sandfish Arctoscopus japonicus

This study was conducted with a view toward enhancing the industrial utilization of a male sailfin sandfish Arctoscopus japonicus based on its application in the preparation of Sik-hae, a Korean traditional fermented fishery product prepared using hard-boiled rice and enzymatic malt sprouts. As an alternative to rice and malt sprouts, we evaluated the utility of rice Koji for Sik-hae fermentation by investigating the physicochemical changes that occur during fermentation. The sailfin sand fish Sik-hae fermented with 10% or 20% rice Koji was found to show similar fermentation characteristics to the control fermentation with 20% hard-boiled rice and 4% malt sprouts, with respect to acid production, texture profile, and the softening of bones during the entire fermentation period. In particular, compared with the control, the addition of 10% rice Koji reduced the dehydration of Sik-hae and increased the content of free amino acids, which contributed to preventing a marked reduction in pH during fermentation. Accordingly, 10% rice Koji is proposed as a viable alternative enzymatic agent for the preparation of Sik-hae, which can contribute enhancing the desired properties of this traditional food product.

쌀코지가 도루묵(Arctoscopus japonicus) 식해의 발효특성에 미치는 영향