• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.383-389
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• 2017

This study aimed to select a yeast strain for optimizing the quality of distilled spirits. The brewing and distilling properties of 4 KFRI (Korea Food Research Institute) yeasts (Y88-4, Y98-4, Y172-6, Y192-4) and 2 industry yeasts (C1, C2) were compared. For investigating the possibility of using these strains on an industrial scale, diverse analytical methods were applied to assess parameters associated with distilled spirit quality such as alcohol content, pH, total acidity, and soluble solid content. After 11 days of fermentation, the alcohol strength obtained using six yeast strains reached 13.9-16.4% (v/v), while pH was 3.9-4.0, and total acid was 0.40-0.52%. To compare GC-MSD Volatile flavor components, all the distilled spirit samples were diluted to 20% (v/v) alcohol strength. Seven fusel alcohols, 26 esters, 2 acids, and 3 miscellaneous compounds were detected in the distilled spirits. Y88-4 had the most abundant volatile flavor component and scored the highest overall preference in sensory evaluation. After analyzing the various properties of yeasts, strain Y88-4 was finally selected as the best strain for producing distilled spirits.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.400-406
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• 2018

Takju and yakju are traditional Korean alcoholic beverages that are prepared by fermentation of glutinous rice with nuruk, a cereal starter containing various bacteria, fungi, and yeast. In this study, physicochemical and microbial properties of a total of 12 commercial takju and yakju samples were analyzed; their pH, sweetness, and alcohol content were varied, depending on the type of alcohol, from pH 3.64-4.8, $5.1-24.8^{\circ}Bx$, and 4.6-18.5%, respectively. Microbial communities were analyzed with 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing using MiSeq system. At the phylum level, Firmicutes (86.2%) was the most dominant, followed by Proteobacteria (8.08%), Actinobacteria (2.56%), and Cyanobacteria (3.13%). Lactic acid bacteria, including Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, and Weissella were also frequently detected. Among eukaryotes, Saccharomyces cerevisiae was the most dominant in these samples.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.747-754
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• 2012

The objective of this study was to investigate free amino acid composition, antioxidant activity, alcohol dehydrogenase activity and the sensory quality attributes for the development of functional soy sauce using Hutgae (Hovenia dulcis Thunb) fruit, which is well-known for improving liver function and alleviating various negative physiological effects following heavy consumption of alcoholic beverages. Soy sauces adding six types of extract from Hutgae fruit (HF) were prepared (SSH1: HF 20%, SSH2: HF 10%, SSH3: HF 20%/40 days NaCl extract, SSH4: HF 20%/20 days NaCl extract, SSH5: HF 20% water bath extract, SSH6: freeze-drying powder from HF 20% aqueous extract), compared with soy sauce using the conventional method. These soy sauces were used for determining alcohol dehydrogenase activity by NADH absorbance, the antioxidant effect by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and sensory evaluation by sensory scaling. Total free amino acid contents for most samples were in the range of 327.3 to 375.5 mg%, and then, aspartic acid and glutamic acid content of SSH1 and SSH5 were higher than that of others. DPPH radical scavenging activity was shown to be the highest in SSH4, also SSH1, SSH5 and SSF6 were shown to be higher than the control group. Alcohol dehydrogenase activity was shown to be the highest in SSH5. In sensory evaluation, the highest intensity of roast smell was observed in SSH4 while sweet taste was shown to be the highest in SSH5, and SSH3 and SSH5 revealed higher overall acceptability. From these results, Hutgae fruit soy sauces demonstrated antioxidant activity and alcohol dehydrogenase activity. In conclusion, soy sauces containing the water bath extract of Hutgae fruit may be used as a functional seasoning.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.149-157
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• 2015

We examined taxonomic characteristics and safety of eight Nuruk molds that are widely used for making soybean paste, soy sauce and alcoholic beverages in Korea. HK1 from Hakyeong Fermentation Co., SW101 from Suwon Fermentation Co., CF1001, CF1002, CF1003 from Chungmoo Fermaentation Co. and KACC 93210 are yellow-Nuruk molds, and SW201 from Suwon Fermentation Co. and CF1005 from Chungmoo Fermentation Co. are white-Nuruk molds. Six strains of yellow-Nuruk molds were identified as Aspergillus oryzae. HK1, SW101, CF1001 and CF1003 of yellow-Nuruk molds have middle length of stipes ($711{\sim}1,121{\mu}m$), and CF1003 (for sake) produced less conidia and more hyphae than HK1, SW101 and CF1001 (for soybean paste). CF 1002 used for soy sauce has shorter stipes ($543{\mu}m$) and is clustered into IBLB-group based on omtA gene analysis although the other yellow-Nuruk molds are clustered into ICAo group. KACC 93210 isolated from traditional Korean Meju has very short stipes (average $270{\mu}m$), and showed velvety colonies although the others showed floccose colonies. The strain has different DNA sequences of omtA gene from other strains in NCBI GenBank as well as strains used in Korea, suggesting that it is unique from other strains published. SW201 and CF1005 of white-Nuruk molds were identified as Aspergillus luchuensis or A. luchuensis mut. Kawachii that is known as safe, non-toxigenic fungus. The six strains of yellow-Nuruk molds did not produce mycotoxins including aflatoxin, cyclopiazonic acid, and sterigmatocystin. Therefore, eight strains of Nuruk molds used for making soy sauce, soybean paste and alcoholic beverages in Korea were proved to be safe in this study.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.442-448
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• 2013

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a representative group of probiotics and used in many fermented foods and beverages. Several recent studies have shown that LAB are present in makgeolli which is a traditional Korean alcoholic beverage. However, most LAB are intolerant of more than 6% (v/v) alcohol concentrations. For this reason, alcohol-tolerant LAB are isolated from kimchi, makgeolli and nuruk using alcohol containing selective media. After being cultured in MRS broth containing 13% (v/v) alcohol, the two strains which showed the highest increasing O.D values, were finally selected. As results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and biochemical characterization using an API kit, the two species were identified as Pediococcus acidilactici K3 and S1. In addition, the identified two strains produced bacteriocins against Staphylococcus aureus. When compared with the P. acidilactici type strain, the two selected strains possessed two to three time higher growth on 12-13% (v/v) alcohol containing MRS broth. The viability of P. acidilactici K3 and S1 when inoculated in makgeolli and stored at $10^{\circ}C$ did not decrease through a period of one month indicating that the selected strains can be used for LAB containing makgeolli.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.63-69
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• 2011

To characterize the polysaccharides which exist as soluble forms in Korean traditional alcoholic beverages, the polysaccharides were isolated from Korean pear wine and their anti-complementary activities were examined. The main polysaccharide, PW-1 was purified to homogeneity from the crude polysaccharide (PW-0) in pear wine by size exclusion chromatography using Sephadex G-75. Molecular mass of PW-1 was estimated to be 150 kDa and it contained significant proportion of mannose (81.8%) and 5 different minor component sugars such as arabinose (1.2%), galactose (2.7%), glucose (8.5%), galacturonic acid (5.3%) and glucuronic acid (0.5%). These analyses indicated that the main polysaccharide in pear wine was mainly present as a mannan which had originated from the cell walls of fermenting yeasts. On the other hand, PW-1 showed potent anti-complementary activity in a dose-dependent fashion. Identification of C3 activation products by the crossed immunoelectrophoresis using anti-human C3 and anti-complementary activity of PW-1 in $Ca^{++}$-free condition suggested complement activations by PW-1 from Korean pear wine occur via both classical and alternative pathways.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.378-384
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• 2015

Nuruk is a fermentation agent, which has been used for the production of traditional Korean alcoholic beverages. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of temperature on nuruk fermentation. One wheat nuruk sample was fermented at $36^{\circ}C$ for 30 days (TN-A) and another at $45^{\circ}C$ for 10 days followed by $36^{\circ}C$ for 20 days (TN-B). The activities of ${\alpha}$-amylase, glucoamylase, and acidic protease, as well as metabolite contents were measured. Initially, the enzymatic activities increased rapidly regardless of the fermentation temperature. After 3 days of fermentation, the enzymatic activities were maintained in TN-A, but gradually decreased in TN-B until the end of fermentation process. Metabolite analysis using $^1H$-NMR showed that the levels of glucose, glycerol, fructose, mannitol, and lactose initially increased quickly and then decreased in TN-A. However, they initially decreased and then were maintained over the fermentation period in TN-B. The contents of glycine, proline, and serine were higher in TN-A than in TN-B. This study suggests that a constant temperature of approximately $36^{\circ}C$ is appropriate for achieving high amylolytic and proteolytic activities in the production of wheat nuruk.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.508-533
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• 2019

This study investigated the Sachanbalgi, which record the royal feasts given by the royal family of the Joseon Dynasty of Korea. These records are contained within the Gungjung Balgi, which recorded the types and quantity of items used in royal court ceremonies. The Eumsikbalgi is the general name for the records of food found within this document. Using these Eumsikbalgi, and in particular the Sachanbalgi, this study investigated the food eaten and bestowed by the Joseon royal family. The Sachanbalgi describes four categories or occasions of feasts: royal birthdays, childbirth, royal weddings, and funerals. These records allow us to reconstruct who the attendees were and what the table settings and food were for instances not directly indicated in oral records, books, or other documents. The food at these Sachan (feasts) was diverse, being related to the specific event, and its contents varied based on the position of the person who was receiving the food. Usually, Bab (rice) was not found at a Sachanbalgi, and only on two occasions were meals with Bab observed. Specifically, it was served with Gwaktang (seaweed soup) at a childbirth feast. There were seven kinds of soups and stews that appeared in the Sachanbalgi: Gwaktang, Yeonpo (octopus soup), Japtang (mixed food stew), Chogyetang (chilled chicken soup), Sinseonro (royal hot pot), and Yukjang (beef and soybean paste). Nureumjeok (grilled brochette) and Saengchijeok (pheasant), and Ganjeonyueo (pan-fried cow liver fillet) and Saengseonjeonyueo (pan-fried fish fillet) were eaten. Yangjeonyueo, Haejeon, Tigakjeon (pan-fried kelp) and other dishes, known and unknown, were also recorded. Boiled meat slices appeared at high frequency (40 times) in the records; likewise, 22 kinds of rice cake and traditional sweets were frequently served at feasts. Five kinds of non-alcoholic beverages were provided. Seasonal fruits and nuts, such as fresh pear or fresh chestnut, are thought to have been served following the event. In addition, a variety of dishes including salted dry fish, boiled dish, kimchi, fruit preserved in honey, seasoned vegetables, mustard seeds, fish, porridge, fillet, steamed dishes, stir-fried dishes, vegetable wraps, fruit preserved in sugar, and jellied foods were given to guests, and noodles appear 16 times in the records. Courtiers were given Banhap, Tanghap, Myeonhap, wooden bowls, or lunchboxes. The types of food provided at royal events tracked the season. In addition, considering that for feasts food of the royal household was set out for receptions of guests, cooking instructions for the food in the lunchbox-type feasts followed the cooking instructions used in the royal kitchen at the given time. Previous studies on royal cuisine have dealt mostly with the Jineosang presented to the king, but in the Sachanbalgi, the food given by the royal family to its relatives, retainers, and attendants is recorded. The study of this document is important because it extends the knowledge regarding the food of the royal families of the Joseon Dynasty. The analysis of Sachanbalgi and the results of empirical research conducted to reconstruct the precise nature of that food will improve modern knowledge of royal cuisine.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.142-147
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• 2008

Nuruk is the Korean traditional Koji that contains various microorganisms and has been used to make the traditional fermented foods including alcoholic beverages. Rhizopus oryzae KSD-815 was isolated from the alcohol-fermenting Nuruk used for manufacturing traditional alcohol. In this study, the authors reported the isolation and identification of four lipids from the Nuruk (Rhizopus oryzae KSD-815) that inoculated wheat with Rhizopus oryzae KSD-815. The dried and powdered Nuruk (Rhizopus oryzae KSD-815) were extracted three times at room temperature with 80% aqueous MeOH. The extracts were partitioned with EtOAc, n-BuOH, and water, successively. The EtOAc extract was suspended in 80% MeOH and partitioned repeatedly with n-hexane. From the n-hexane fraction, four lipids were isolated through the repeated silica gel and ODS column chromatographies. According to the results of physico-chemical data including NMR, GC and MS, the chemical structures of the compounds were determined as linolenic acid methyl ester (1), palmitic acid methyl ester (2), linoleic acid (3), palmitic acid (4). Cytotoxicity was evaluated in huamn breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231 and human hepatocarcinoma, SK-HEP-1 cells using MTT assay. Exposure of compounds 1 and 3 led to a dose-dependent inhibition of cell viability in both cancer cell lines. In addition, treatment of RAW264.7 cells with compound 3 caused inhibition of lipopolysaccharide/interferon-${\gamma}$-induced nitric oxide production.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.920-925
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• 2015

The microbial composition in Nuruk, a Korean cereal fermentation starter, is a critical factor for the quality and organoleptic properties of traditional alcoholic beverages. This study was aimed at monitoring the compositional change and enzyme activity of culturable lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in two types of Nuruk fermented at different temperatures. All culturable LAB were isolated at various time points (0, 3, 6, 10, 20, and 30 days) and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. In traditional Nuruk type A (TN-A), which was fermented at $36^{\circ}C$, the population of total culturable LAB during the fermentation period was between $10^4$ and $10^5$ log CFU/mL. On the other hand, the LAB population in traditional Nuruk type B (TN-B) fermented at $45^{\circ}C$ (primary fermentation for 10 days) and $35^{\circ}C$ (secondary fermentation for 20 days) was $10^2$ log CFU/mL; however, these bacteria could not be detected after 6 days. Major LAB strains were identified in both Nuruk types: (1) from the MRS-culture of TN-A, Pediococcus pentosaceus at 3-30 days; (2) from MRS-culture of TN-B, P. pentosaceus at 3 days and Enterococcus hirae at 6 days. The protease activities of the dominant LAB isolated from the TN-A and TN-B cultures were within the ranges of 0.64~1.03 mg/mL and 0.74~0.81 mg/mL (tyrosine content), respectively, whereas the ${\alpha}$-amylase activities were 0.75~0.98 mg/mL and 0.78~0.79 mg/mL (amylose content), respectively.