Traditional Fermented Foods and Their Physicochemical, Sensory, Flavor, and Microbial Characteristics.

Indonesia as an archipelagic country is rich in ethnicity and culture. This condition causes Indonesia to have a lot of uniqueness, one of which is traditional food. Traditional foods are varied from traditional non-fermented foods to traditional fermented foods. Based on the essential ingredients, traditional fermented foods from Indonesia can be grouped into 2 types, plant-based, and animal-based fermented foods. Information about plant-based fermented foods has been widely discussed, one of which is tempeh. However, a comprehensive discussion of traditional animal-based fermented food products, especially meat and fish, is rarely found. Therefore, the discussion on this topic can be a new thing to provide information to the public about Indonesia's treasures from a culinary perspective. This review discusses several traditional fermented foods from Indonesia, such as shrimp paste (terasi), urutan, budik, bekasam, naniura, buntilan/bontot, and ikan peda. In most cases, these foods utilize lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for their manufacture. This article is expected to be able to complete information about traditional fermented food products from Indonesia, as well as to promote the treasures of culinary origins from Indonesia to the societies.

Indian traditional fermented foods have been part of the society, intertwined with health and religion, since ancient times. Indian traditional foods are highly diverse in terms of sheer number and also within the same product, showing many local and regional variations. Along with the diversity of the foods, the diversity of fermentation flora has also increased. In addition, the Indian population is unique as the traditional foods still constitute the major part of the daily diet. This chapter outlines Indian fermented foods, historical background, the microflora responsible for fermentation, flavour and aroma, advanced biotechnological innovations towards traditional fermented food, such as the use of starter culture/adjunct microbial cultures, packing technologies, functional properties, health benefits and commercialization of traditional fermented food products. Researchers, entrepreneurs and consumers at a global level will benefit from the diversity of traditional Indian fermented foods and their functional aspects.

The eastern part of Hainan, China, has a flat terrain and a suitable climate with abundant sunshine and rain. This unique environment makes the tropical microbial resources of natural fermented food unique and rich. Therefore, we combined Shotgun metagenomic sequencing, 16S rRNA sequencing and pure culture technology to analyze the microbial diversity, microbiota composition, species differences and correlation of 30 traditional fermented food samples collected from Wenchang, Qionghai, Wanning and Lingshui in the eastern part of Hainan province, and isolated, identified and preserved the microorganisms in them. The results showed that the microbial community structure differs significantly between samples from different regions and between different substrates. The alpha diversity of microorganisms in traditional fermented foods in the Wanning area was higher than those of the other three areas. The beta diversity indicated that the microbiota structural difference between Wanning and Qionghai was smaller. This is consistent with the fact that the precipitation in the Wanning area is the highest and similar to that of Qionghai. The alpha diversity of microorganisms was the highest in fermented vegetables, followed by fermented grains, and the lowest in fermented seafood. Beta diversity showed that the microbiota composition of fermented grains and fermented vegetables is very similar, but that of fermented seafood is significantly different. The results of microbiota structural analysis showed that firmicutes and proteobacteria are the dominant bacterial phyla, and Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus fermentum are the dominant species in traditional fermented foods in eastern Hainan. Lactic acid bacteria are the dominant species in traditional fermented foods from the eastern Hainan region of China, regardless of the substrate used in fermentation. According to the microbial functional characteristics, the microbial metabolism and biosynthesis pathways in traditional fermented foods in Hainan tend to be active. In addition, combined with pure culture technology, we isolated, identified and preserved 342 lactic acid bacteria strains from traditional fermented food in eastern Hainan province. This study helped us understand the different characteristics of microbial communities in tropical southern China and supplement the Lactobacillus species resource pool in tropical southern China. Moreover, it provided new insights and directions for the development and utilization of fermented foods.

The popularity of traditional fermented food products is based on their healthiness. The addition of a starter brings consistent, desirable, and predictable food changes with improved nutritive, functional, and sensory qualities. The addition of a mixture of plant residues as a starter or source of microbes is an age-old practice to prepare traditional fermented food and beverages, and most of the reported data on traditional foods were based on the analysis of the final product. The contribution of an individual starter component (plant residue) is not experimentally substantiated for any traditional fermented food, but this data are very essential for the formulation of an effective starter. In this study, Asparagus racemosus, which used as a common ingredient of starter for preparation of rice fermented food in the Indian sub-continent, was used as a starter for the preparation of rice fermented food under laboratory scale, and its microbial and nutrient profile was evaluated. The fermented product was a good source of lactic acid bacteria, Bifidobacterium sp., yeast, etc. The food product was acidic and enriched with lactic acid and acetic acid with titratable acidity of 0.65%. The content of protein, fat, minerals, and vitamins (water-soluble) was considerably improved. Most notably, oligosaccharide (G3-matotriose), unsaturated fatty acids (ω3, ω6, ω7, and ω9), and a pool of essential and non-essential amino acids were enriched in the newly formulated food. Thus, the herbal starter-based rice fermented food would provide important macro- and micronutrients. They could also deliver large numbers of active microorganisms for the sustainability of health. Therefore, the selected plant part conferred its suitability as an effective starter for the preparation of healthier rice-based food products.Graphic abstract

Yoghurt is one of the most popular fermented dairy products widely consumed all over the world. The present study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical, microbial and sensory characteristics of yoghurt produced by added various levels of Gum Arabic and Guar gum (stabilizers). Physicochemical characteristics, microbial characteristics and sensory evaluation of processed yoghurt samples were conducted under laboratory conditions by standard methods. The results showed that yoghurt produced by the addition of Gum Arabic at concentrations (0.2, 0.35, and 0.5%) had less serum separation (1.6, 1.4, and 3.3 ml/l) after 9 days compared with that produced by adding Guar gum (4.5., 3.1., 0.0 ml/lit), respectively, and their mixture (4.3., 6.1. and 3.5 ml/l). Results reported significant differences in pH values (4.9, 4.5, and 3.9) during storage (0, 3, and 9 days), respectively for all types of stabilizers added. The results illustrated significant differences in total solid (7–8%) at different concentrations during the storage period. The study showed no significant difference in stabilizers (Gum Arabic and Guar Gum). The effect of storage on microbial characteristics was determined and the results showed that all microbial characteristics except coliform bacteria showed a significant decrease in the supplemented yoghurt samples compared with those of control yoghurt, while no effect with stabilizer concentration on microbial characteristics. Sensory characteristics (texture, color, and overall acceptability) were significantly improved, while the flavor was not affected with type and concentrations of stabilizers, but affected with storage period. Yoghurt processed with the addition of Gum Arabic had best quality characteristics than yoghurt made with addition Guar gum and a mixture of them. The study recommended doing more researches in rheological, microbial, and sensory characteristics to improve the quality of yoghurt.

Traditional fermented foods are favored by people around the world for their positive health and taste advantages. Many of the fermented foods, including Chinese traditional fermented foods, are produced through mixed-culture fermentation. Apart from reducing the formation of harmful compounds such as ethyl carbamate (EC) and biogenic amines (BAs) during food fermentation, it is also difficult to precisely control and regulate the fermentation process based on the control of environmental conditions alone, due to the complex microbiota and an unclarified fermentation mechanism. In this review, key microorganisms involved in Chinese fermented foods such as baijiu, soy sauce, and vinegar production are elaborated, and relations between microbial composition and the aroma or quality of food are discussed. This review focuses on the interpretation of functions and roles of beneficial (functional) microorganisms that participate in food fermentation and the discussion of the possibilities of the synergistic use of functional microorganisms to improve the safety and quality of Chinese fermented foods. Conducting work toward the isolation of beneficial microorganisms is a challenge for modern food fermentation technology. Thus, methods for the isolation and mutagenesis of functional microbial strains for synergistic food fermentation are summarized. Finally, the limitations and future prospects of the use of functional microorganisms in traditional Chinese fermented foods are reviewed. This review provides an overview of the applications of synergistic fermentation with functional microorganisms in the improvement of the safety or sensory qualities of fermented foods.

Discussion on the origin of kimchi, representative of Korean unique fermented vegetables

Traditional fermented foods have been recognized by various communities to be good for health since ancient times. There is a provincial legacy of traditional fermented foods among the ethnic population of North-East India. Fermented bamboo shoots (local name: Tuaither), soybeans (Bekang), and pork fat (Sa-um) are famous in the Mizoram state and represent a primary portion of the daily diet. These foods are prepared using methods based on cultural traditions inherited from previous generations, and prepared using a relatively uncontrolled fermentation process. Analysis of the bacterial diversity in these foods can provide important information regarding the flavor and texture of the final products of fermentation. Unfortunately, studies on the microbial composition and health benefits of such traditional fermented foods have rarely been documented. Therefore, the present study aims to highlight this bacterial diversity, along with the proximate composition of different traditional fermented foods (Tuaither, Bekang and Sa-um) primarily consumed in Mizoram state, India. Samples were collected on three different days of fermentation (3rd, 5th and 7th day), and bacterial diversity analysis was performed using the V3-V4 variable region of 16S rRNA gene with Illumina sequencing. Results revealed differences in the bacterial composition of dominant group members among all of the three food types. Firmicutes (82.72–94.00%), followed by Proteobacteria (4.67–15.01%), were found to dominate to varying degrees in all three of the fermented foods. However, at genus level high variation was observed in bacterial composition among these three different types of fermented foods. Lactobacillus (91.64–77.16%), Staphylococcus (52.00–17.90%), and Clostridium (72.48–55.40%) exhibited the highest relative abundances in the Tuaither, Bekang and Sa-um foods, respectively, in descending order from the 3rd to 7th day of fermentation. A few of the bacterial genera such as Lactobacilli were positively correlated with fermented bamboo shoot samples, and Staphylococcus was positively correlated with protein, carbohydrate and crude fiber content in soybean samples. In general, Tuaither, Bekang and Sa-um exhibited distinct differences in bacterial composition. This variation may be due to differences in the raw materials and/or methods used in the preparation of the different fermented food products. This is the first study to describe the bacterial composition of these traditional fermented foods using high-throughput sequencing techniques, and could help to drive research attention to comprehensive studies on improving understanding of the role of microbial communities in the preparation of traditional foods and their health benefits.

Differentiation and Characterization by Molecular Techniques of Bacillus cereus Group Isolates from Poto Poto and Dégué, Two Traditional Cereal-Based Fermented Foods of Burkina Faso and Republic of Congo

Succession of microbial community structure in traditional fermented foods is complicated, and the metabolism pathways of flavor compounds are various during fermentation. As the “soul” of fermented foods, microorganisms influence the sensory, nutrition and functional characteristics of the fermented foods through a variety of metabolism pathways, which are closely related to the formation of flavor. Revealing the relationship between microorganism and flavor compounds is advantageous to identify the potential flavor-forming microorganism and regulate flavor characteristics of fermented foods. In this paper, the relationship between microorganism diversity and flavor development in the typical traditional fermented foods, including liquor, fermented vinegar, fermented vegetables and fermented animal products is mainly reviewed, and the flavor metabolism mechanisms of core microorganisms are briefly discussed. This review will provide some references for the quality improvement of traditional fermented foods.

Healthy and safe Korean traditional fermented foods: kimchi and chongkukjang

Traditional fermented foods and beverages play an important role in a range of human diets, and several experimental studies have shown their potential positive effects on human health. Studies from different continents have revealed strong associations between the microorganisms present in certain fermented foods (e.g., agave fructans, kefir, yeats, kombucha, chungkookjang, cheeses and vegetables, among others) and weight maintenance, reductions in the risk of cardiovascular disease, antidiabetic and constipation benefits, improvement of glucose and lipids levels, stimulation of the immunological system, anticarcinogenic effects and, most importantly, reduced mortality. Accordingly, the aim of this review is to corroborate information reported in experimental studies that comprised interventions involving the consumption of traditional fermented foods or beverages and their association with human health. This work focuses on studies that used fermented food from 2014 to the present. In conclusion, traditional fermented foods or beverages could be important in the promotion of human health. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms involved in inflammatory, immune, chronic and gastrointestinal diseases and the roles of fermented traditional foods and beverages in terms of preventing or managing those diseases.

For centuries, Greek traditional foods have been consumed as a part of the Mediterranean diet. As time passed by, traditional fermented foods have evolved with regard to the local culture and artisanal practices of small-scale manufacturers managing in parallel to retain their traditional characteristics. A wide range of raw food stuffs such as milk, meat, and fruit and vegetables have been used for the production Greek traditional fermented foods by back-slopping or spontaneous fermenting processes, using naturally occurring microorganisms. Nowadays, consumers’ concern regarding food safety and quality has enhanced their preference on traditional foods containing less or none chemical preservatives. In addition, fermentation can provide enhanced nutritional and functional properties to the product and therefore provide various health benefits to the consumer. As a result, the production of traditional fermented food with functional characteristics has become an important challenge for the food industry. Therefore, this chapter mainly focuses on the most popular types of Greek fermented foods including Feta cheese, yogurt, kefir, dry fermented sausages, and black fermented olives.

Biotechnology is as old as human civilization and has been an integral part of the human life and is believed to originate more recently to its modern form from an indigenous knowledge of African traditional food and beverage fermentation practices. The application of modern biotechnology methods in the food and agricultural industry is expected to alleviate hunger today and help avoid mass starvation in the future. Nowadays, modern food biotechnology has been transforming our traditional way of food production and preparation far beyond the traditional scope. Currently, at global level, food biotechnological research has focused on; traditional process optimization (starter culture development, enzymology), food safety and quality, nutritional quality improvement and food preservation (improving shelf life). Special emphasis has also been given to the newly growing concept such as functional foods and probiotics. To this regard, the science has gone more beyond our expectation and exemplary achievements are described here. In this review, food biotechnological research on Ethiopian indigenous traditional fermented foods and beverages was assessed in view of this global achievement. Microbiological study on Ethiopian traditional fermented foods and beverages has focused more on Isolation, identification, characterization of fermentative microbes, attempts to develop starter culture, physicochemical, biochemical, nutritional composition change during fermentation, depicting general traditional processing and recently on probiotics. Most of the researches have been concentrated on some very commonly and widely known traditional fermented foods and beverages nearly around the central and southern part of the country. The research was also fragmented and not progressive for a given food and/or beverage. Biotechnological researches on Ethiopian traditional fermented foods and beverages have not gone far beyond some attempts on molecular characterization study of fermentative microorganisms. The reasons for this limitation could be linked to the fact that; biotechnological research is capital intensive, requires the use of sophisticated equipment, reagents, chemicals and needs sufficient trained man power in the field. Lack of funding, little attention from government policy and the endemicity of the traditional fermentation techniques may also have contributed for the less/no advancement of the techniques. In conclusion, to promote Ethiopian indigenous traditional fermented foods and beverages into commercialization/ industrialization, using currently advancing food fermentation biotechnology, we need to: realize the economic benefits of these indigenous traditional knowledge, develop our human, technical and institutional capability, go out to assess the cultural and geographical diversities of the country, broaden our research topics far beyond the current, and keep on continuous and progressive research.

Nutrition, health and microbial ecology of traditional fermented foods in Zambia