Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effect of fresh ginseng on the physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties of Seukbakjee during 45 days of fermentation. Seukbakjee with various levels(0, 2, 4, 6%) of fresh ginseng were fermented at $4^{\circ}$. During fermentation, the pH values were lowered in all Seukbakjee samples, however, those with fresh ginseng were a little higher than control Seukbakjee. Acidity increased continuously during the entire fermentation, in which those of added fresh ginseng increased less than control. As the concentration of fresh ginseng increased, the pH of Seukbakjee were increased. Saltiness was maintained at 1.37~2.62% levels during the whole fermentation. The degree of degradation of reducing sugar and free sugar was much delayed in Seukbakjee added with fresh ginseng. Total vitamin C content of Seukbakjee with fresh ginseng was higher than that of Seukbakjee without fresh ginseng. The number of total bacteria and lactic acid bacteria in Seukbakjee with fresh ginseng was higher than control during the entire fermentation period. In sensory evalution, Seukbakjee with 4% fresh ginseng was the best for taste and flavor. Seukbakjee with 2% fresh ginseng was the best for texture and overall acceptability. Above results suggest that the addition of fresh ginseng improves the quality of Seukbakjee.