Quality characteristics of yakju added with lactic acid bacteria-fermented ginseng sprouts

This study aimed to improve the physiological activity and processing properties of ginseng sprouts. We first determined the effect of extraction and fermentation conditions on the antioxidant activity of ginseng sprouts. The optimal extraction conditions were 2 h at 80℃, with water as a solvent. The fermentation strains used were Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus KCTC 3635 and Enterococcus faecalis KCTC 3206. We then analyzed the changes in the reducing sugar and alcohol content. In fermented samples, the reducing sugar content was lower and the alcohol content was higher than those in control sample. The cell counts of lactic acid bacteria were higher in the fermented samples than those in the control sample. Fermented samples contained more ginsenoside than the extract samples, and ginsenoside was not detected in the control sample. The total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents were relatively high in the fermented samples, particularly in the sample fermented by E. faecalis. Finally, sensory evaluation revealed that the Yakju prepared using ginseng sprouts fermented by lactic acid bacteria was preferable to other drinks control and ginseng sprouts extracted sample. Overall, it was confirme that the addition of fermented ginseng improved the physiological activity and palatability of yakju, there by improving the quality of yakju.