Quality and Fermentation Characteristics of Kimchi Made with Different Types of Dried Red Pepper (Capsicum annum L.)

The fermentation and quality characteristics of kimchi, made by adding different types of red pepper (semi-dried red pepper, fresh red pepper, dried red pepper) according to drying conditions, were examined for 15 days at 10C fermentation. The initial pH was approximately 5.65~5.72 in all groups, and the pH decreased with increasing fermentation time. The color value of a/b showed the highest in kimchi that made with semi-dried red pepper (SDRP-K). The color value of A remained at the initial level for 9 days, regardless of treatments. The color value had a tendency to decrease after 9 days. The lactic acid bacteria increased rapidly during 6 days of storage, but showed no difference among groups. The initial contents of malic acid and succinic acid were in 3.23~4.52 and 6.12~7.97 mg/mL and decreased during fermentation in all groups. The lactic acid and acetic acid were not contained in the beginning, but increased with increasing fermentation periods. The vitamin C content of SDRP-K was 5.20 mg/g, which was significantly higher compared with kimchi that made with dried red pepper (DRP-K), but which did not show any significant difference to kimchi that made with fresh red pepper (FRP-K). As a result of antioxidant activity in optimally ripened kimchi, both DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities were higher in SDRP-K than any other groups. As a result of the sensory evaluation, overall acceptability was highest in SDRP-K.