Changes in Microflora and Enzymes Activities of Traditional Kochujang Prepared with Various Raw Materials

In order to reproduce and improve quality of traditional kochujang, various raw materials were added to prepare kochujang by replacing part of the glutinous rice. Chemical composition, microbial characteristics and enzyme activities were investigated during fermentation. Crude protein and salt contents of kochujang did not change significantly during fermentation, but moisture contents increased linearly. The pH and titratable acidity of kochujang changed little in garlic added group. The viable cell counts of aerobic bacteria and yeasts in the kochujang increased until 60 days of fermentation and then decreased slowly except for the garlic added group in which they increased during the last period of fermentation. Aerobic bacterial count did not show any remarkable differences among the samples and slowly decreased after 60 days of fermentation. The activities of liquefying and saccharifying amylases decreased until 45 days, but increased at 60th day. Acidic protease activities of each group were strong during the initial period, but neutral protease showed the highest activity from the 30 to 45 days of fermentation. Protease activities increased by addition of soy sauce, Chinese matrimony vine and purple sweet potato.