Abstract
The application of Dongchimi liquid to Naengmyon broth to improve its eating quality was scientifically explored by reviewing the quality of the product properties. Primarily, the optimum fermentation conditions for Dongchimi from which the liquid portion was extracted were pursued and the optimum mixing ratio sought on the basis of the product physicochemical properties. The liquid portions, periodically extracted from Dongchimi at intervals of two or five days, during fermentation at $10^{\circ}C$, were added to Naengmyon broth. The treatments were prepared at three levels namely, basic broth only ('A') and with ratios of Dongchimi liquid to basic broth of 3:7 (v/v, 'B') and 5:5 (vfv, 'C'). As a typical phenomenon of kimchi fermentation, a gradual decrease in the pH with increasing total acidity was observed as the fermentation of the Dongchimi progressed. At $10^{\circ}C$, the optimum ripening was obtained from day 8, and continued until day 15, when the pH was maintained at about 3.8 to 4.0. The total vitamin C and reducing sugar contents increased until the 13th-day of fermentation, but then decreased thereafter. The turbidity and solid content of the Dongchimi liquid increased with progression of the fermentation. With respect to the color values, the lightness (L) decreased, with increases in the redness (a), yellowness (b) and total color difference $({\Delta}E)$ during fermentation. Most of these observed phenomena for the Naengmyon broth substituted with $30\%$ (Treatment 'A') and $50\%$ (Treatment 'B') Dongchimi liquid, with different storage periods, confirmed the previous fermentation patterns of Dongchimi. A decrease in the pH with increasing total acidity, as well as gradual increases in the total vitamin C and reducing sugars (glucose and fructose) up to the 13th-day of fermentation were accompanied by subsequent declining patterns. The turbidity and solid content of the mixed broth also increased with increasing Dongchimi liquid fermentation period. With respect to the color of the mixed broth, the lightness was decreased, while the redness, yellowness and total color difference increased with increasing Dongchimi liquid fermentation period. It was also proven that the addition of slightly over-ripened Dongchimi liquid to the Naengmyon broth was more preferable.
