In this study, the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of low-salt Myungran jeotkal (Alaskan pollock roe) were evaluated after fermentation at 4℃ and 20℃ with or without the addition of deep sea water, salt from deep sea water, and vegetable-origin lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus fermentum JS, LBF). When fermented at 20℃, the addition of LBF to Myungran jeotkal resulted in a slow increase in lactic acid content, followed by an abrupt increase after five days of fermentation. However, when fermented at 4℃, the lactic acid content did not change significantly. Further, when Myungran jeotkal fermented at 4℃, the pH decreased as lactic acid production increased. The salinity of Myungran jeotkal fermented at 4℃ and 20℃ was 7% and was not affected by fermentation period. When fermented at 20℃, volatile basic nitrogen and amino nitrogen contents increased with increasing duration of fermentation. Further, volatile acid content decreased, however, the content of amino nitrogen increased after 11 days of fermentation with LBF and no salt effects were observed. When fermented at 20℃ for 13 days, preference (sensory evaluation) was the highest in all experimental groups after 9 days of fermentation, and then decreased as the fermentation period increased. The free amino acid content was highest (1,648.8 mg/100 g) in Myungran jeotkal when sun-dried salt and LBF were added, 2.3 times higher than in the control.

• Deuk-Sik Lee(Dept. of Foodservice & Nutrition, Hanzhong University, Donghae 25800, Korea, Institute of Life Science, Well-being LS Co., Ltd, Marine Bio, Gangneung 25451, Korea) Corresponding author