Quality Characteristics of Baechu Kimchi Prepared with Domestic and Imported Solar Salts during Storage

Quality characteristics of baechu (Kimchi cabbage) kimchi prepared using various kinds of domestic solar salts (KS5Y, KS2Y, KS1Y, KFS, and KSS) and imported solar salts (AS1Y and CS1Y) were compared with Korean processed salt (KRS) and Mexican rock salt (MR1Y) during 60 days of storage. Sodium contents of MR1Y, AS1Y, and domestic KRS with values of 363,653.40, 358,952.40, and 356,799.90 mg/dL, respectively, were significantly higher than that of KFS with a value of 280,249.80 mg/dL (p < 0.001). Thus, the kimchi using KFS was expected to have 22-23% lower sodium content compared to that of the other kimchis. KFS magnesium content was significantly highest at 4,464.10 mg/dL and calcium was significantly the highest in samples of KS1Y with a value of 711.31 mg/dL. Most of the pHs and acidities in the kimchi samples were in the optimum range due to the relatively low storage temperature of $2^{\circ}C$ . The salt concentrations of all kimchis using domestic solar salt during storage was greatly reduced compared to those using the imported salts or KRS. Sensory saltiness of the KS1Y sample group was significantly the lowest value (6.08) at 0 days of storage (p < 0.001) and maintained relatively low saltiness during the entire storage period. The crispness of the KS2Y, KS1Y, and KSS sample groups were significantly higher (10.02, 9.77, and 9.49, respectively), compared to that of KRS (7.64) at 60 days of storage (p < 0.001). The KFS sample group had the higher acceptance values for pickled seafood aroma, sour aroma, saltiness, and overall acceptability compared to those in the other samples.