Quality Characteristics of Low-Salt Gochujang Added with Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Brassica juncea

The effects of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Brassica juncea on the quality and palatability of low-salt gochujang were investigated in terms of the microbial characteristics, enzyme activities, pH, acidity, amino nitrogen and sensory evaluation during 40 days of fermentation. The proliferation of fungi in low-salt gochujang with added G. uralensis and B. juncea were inhibited, while the numbers of total viable bacteria and lactic acid bacteria were not affected. In terms of α-amylase and β-amylase activity, no significant difference was observed by the salt concentration or additives. However, lowering the salt concentration increased protease activity. The amount of amino-nitrogen in low-salt gochujang at 20 days was similar to that in the control gochujang at 40 days. In the sensory test, low-salt gochujang was preferred compared to control gochujang (8.5% salt). Particularly, the 4.3% salt gochujang with additives was the most preferred.