Doenjang is a major fermented soy-based food in Korea. Recent investigations have shown that fermented soybean foods have immunity-enhancing, anti-cancer, anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects. Several studies also have reported that genistein and daidzein, which are easily absorbed in the body are produced in larger quantities in aged doenjang. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the variations in the anti-cancer effects of commercialized doenjang as it ages. Four groups were formed for this study according to aging periods of doenjang, namely short (under 5 years, S group), mid (under 10 years, M group), long (under 15 years, L group) and very long (over 15 years, E group). The anti-cancer effects of doenjang were determined by cell cytotoxicity assays in A549, YAC-1, and HepG2 cancer cell lines. Also, NK cell activity and splenocyte proliferation were assayed for cancer immunotherapy. The quantities of phenolic compounds in doenjang at different ages were also measured. The results showed that the anti-cancer effects increased in the S and M groups for all three cancer cell lines. Interestingly, similar to this result, splenocyte proliferation and NK activity were also the highest in the S and M groups. In contrast, the E group showed significantly reduced splenocyte proliferation. The quantity of phenolic compounds was similar to that of the anti-cancer results. Collectively, these results suggest that the fermentation period of doenjang plays a very important role in determining its anti-cancer effects.

Ganjang and doenjang are known as major fermented soy-based foods in Koreans. Current investigations have proved that fermented soybean foods impart anti-cancer, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-cancer activities of commercialized soy food, Ganjang, as a function of aging period. The test groups were classified into four time periods-short (under 5 years, S group), mid (under 10 years, M group), long (under 15 years, L group), and eternal (over 15 years, E group). The anti-cancer effects of Ganjang were determined by cell cytotoxicity assay of three types of cancer cell lines and splenocyte proliferation assay. Besides these assays, we also analyzed NK cell activity for cancer immunotherapy. The results show that the anti-cancer effect increased in the S and M period aging groups for all three cancer cell lines. Interestingly, similar to the anti-cancer result, splenocyte proliferation and NK activity showed the highest effect in the S and M groups. In contrast, Japanese ganjang-treated (JG1, JG2) groups and E group showed significantly reduced splenocyte proliferation. Collectively, these results suggest that the short and middle periods of traditional fermented Ganjang might have potential anti-cancer activities.

This research was conducted to evaluate quality changes in traditional Doenjang and manufactured Doenjang during a storage period of 8 weeks. Low-salt Doenjang and commercial Doenjang were purchased from different manufacturers and proximate analysis as well as changes in isoflavone, polyphenol, flavonoid contents of the samples were investigated using a mass spectrophotometer. The salinity of traditional Doenjang, low salt Doenjang, and commercial Doenjang were 13.2±1.15, 7.17±2.74, 10.67±0.35%, respectively and the salt concentrations of the soybean pastes did not change during storage. After 8 weeks at 35℃, chromatic values of all the paste samples decreased somewhat, with traditional Doenjang exhibiting fewer changes as compared to manufactured Doenjang. Amino acid nitrogen, acidity, microbial population all tended to increase with time, although some samples showed fluctuations during the test period. Moreover, the total isoflavone contents of traditional Doenjang increased with storage time while that of manufactured Doenjang tended to decrease. The isoflavone aglycone was shown to be the highest in traditional Doenjang, while isoflavone glycoside was abundant in manufactured Doenjang. Total flavonoid contents showed similar trends regardless of samples; initial contents of total flavonoid was 0.6 mg/g which increased to more than twice to 1.4 mg/g at the end of storage period. Composition profile of Doenjang extracts was analyzed using UPLC-Q-ToF

The purpose of this study was to analyze factors affecting acceptance of four kinds of dak-jjim samples in third year schoolaged children (n=100). Soy sauce, red pepper paste, Vietnam fish sauce, and star anise were applied to samples for their familiar and exotic characteristics. Significant differences among samples were observed in odor, taste, and acceptance (p<0.001). Soy (Soy sauce sample), RPPaste (Red pepper paste sample), and Soy_FishS (Soy sauce and Vietnam fish sauce sample) samples scored higher than Soy_StarA (Soy sauce and star anise sample) sample. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in intensities of saltiness, sweetness, and hot spicy flavor (p>0.05). Liked attributes in samples were saltiness, sweetness, chicken flavor, potato flavor, moistness of chicken, hot spicy flavor, and color. Disliked attributes in samples were hot spicy flavor, saltiness, and ginger flavor. Significant differences among samples were observed in familiar intensity and willing to try again (p<0.001). Soy, RPPaste, and Soy_FishS samples scored higher than Soy_StarA sample. Panels considered taste (46%) and nutrition (45%). Higher familiar intensity of sample was associated with higher acceptance in samples. In other words, familiarity of food affects acceptance of food. Therefore, familiar ingredients such as soy sauce and chicken can be used for development of Korean menu items considering taste and nutrition with enhanced Korean food acceptance in school-aged children

Marinated beef galbi is a traditional Korean dish cooked with soy sauce, pear juice, onion, sesame oil, and sugar. However, there are many differences in beef galbi, including flavor and physicochemical aspects, depending on cooking conditions. Therefore, the physicochemical characteristics of marinated beef galbi prepared through various recipes was evaluated for its effects on pH, texture, aging, proteolysis, heating conditions, cooking time, and flavor compounds (pyrazines, IMPs, or FAAs). There were significant differences in salt concentration (0.8~3.03%), pH (4.89~6.22), and solid soluble contents (1.34-6.31 Brix) between recipes in this study. In the Pearson assay for sensory evaluation, overall preference correlated well with texture (a well-known sensory attribute in meat evaluation). Controlling the pH of meat through soaking in lemon solution, alkali water, phosphate, and baking powder solution, improved water holding capacity as much as 9 to 15% compared with the control. The myofibril index (MFI) of marinated meat stored at 4℃ increased 32% with 24 hours of aging and reached 39% at 48 hours of aging, and its fragmentation was observed through microscopy. SDS-PAGE showed hydrolysis of acid-soluble collagen by the pear juice, possibly related to meat tenderness. On the basis of surface temperature, the cooking time was estimated to be 8 minutes with pan heating at 170℃, 6 minutes at 270~300℃, and 4 minutes with charcoal at 700~900℃. Different pyrazine compounds, such as 2-methyl-3-phenylpyrrol(2,3-b) pyrazine (the typical product of the browning reaction) was mainly detected, and IMP (one of the main taste compounds in beef) was in higher amounts with the charcoal treatment, potentially related to its flavor preference among treatments. Our results demonstrate an effective case study and cooking system for beef galbi.

Seolleongtang, a traditional broth in Korea, is expected to become a hot global item for its unique flavor and healthiness. In this study, the correlations between sensory attributes and physicochemical characteristics were studied for the popular seolleongtang stock products through descriptive analysis, sensory evaluation and analysis of salt, soluble solid, protein, viscosity and color for the quality control. Our results indicate that color, concentration, viscosity, and freshness are important attributes in evaluating the quality of seolleongtang stock. There were significant differences between preference and sensory attributes among the stock products. Significant correlations were found between flavor and texture and overall acceptability, as well as beany odor and aroma. Preference and physicochemical aspects also correlated, and indicate that a range of salt, solubility, and viscosity are applicable as quality control factors in seollengtang stock.

This study was conducted to provide fundamental data for the Korean food service industry by researching the awareness and consumption tendencies of 180 domestic foreign residents towards Korean meat dishes. The results showed differences in the preferred types of food depending on gender; men tended to like meats, followed by stews, and rice, whereas women tended to like meats, followed by rice, and stew. The foreigners who participated in this research dined at Korean restaurants at least 20 times per month on average, regardless of their place of residence. Dishes with the lowest intake were suyuk (boiled meat, 66.7%) and dakbokkeumtang (sauteed chicken stew, 67.8%) and dishes with the highest intake tended to be roasts, which are relatively easier to prepare. The types of preferred food were in the order of galbi, bulgogi, and dakgalbi, and the least favored foods were yukgaejang, followed by suyuk, and seollengtang. "It is delicious" was the response found most frequently as a reason for preference regardless of the type of meat dish, and the reason for distaste was: "It is not delicious" This demonstrated that taste was the most important factor when visiting a Korean restaurant. Unexpectedly, sirloin roast, beef galbi stew, chicken stew, samgyetang, and dakbokumtang were not favored because of unfamiliar aroma and taste. In the case of galbi, "It is not very sanitary" was the main factor in responses. For areas of improvement, food sanitation, meat smells left on clothes, and smoke generated during roasting were factors with a high degree of importance, whereas the use of gas burners and the blackening of bowls were found to have a lower degree of importance.

A survey on the quality improvement and preference for green onion kimchi by Chinese and Japanese consumers was conducted by 30 Korean specialists in order to develop an improved green onion kimchi product. The long green onion shape, kimchi juice, seasonings, off-odor of fermented sea food, and stimulatory flavor of green onion were the main issues considered for the improvement of green onion product. Usage of the favorite ingredients of the Chinese and Japanese consumers was also suggested. The percentages of Chinese and Japanese who already knew green onion kimchi were 54.1% and 30.3%, respectively, whereas 46.8% of Chinese and 28.1% of Japanese have actually tried green onion kimchi in Korea. There was no significant difference in the preference for green onion kimchi between Chinese (3.25/5.0) and Japanese (3.17/5.0) consumers. For recommendations for improving the quality of green onion, Chinese consumers thought off-flavor, fibrous texture, and fermentation level were more significant while the Japanese considered red color, various taste, MSG content, and length of green onion. Seasoned tofu with green onion and rice were suggested as complementary foods to green onion kimchi by the Chinese and Japanese, respectively.

Sundubu, Pork-Bulgogi, Kimchi-pork, Pork rib, Samgyetang, Stir-fried squid, Stir-fried chicken, Braised potato, Braised tofu and Jabchae were selected as takeout-style Korean food items. Sensory evaluation using a 9-point hedonic scale was conducted with residents in Honolulu, Hawaii during a 2 month market test. Among the respondents in the sensory evaluation, Japanese and Americans constituted 32.8% and 25.3%, respectively, of total respondents, which reflect the residential races in the state of Hawaii. The sensory scores of each attribute were judged as follows : aroma 7.2~8.2, color 7.0~8.2, flavor 7.2~8.2, overall preference; pork rib 8.2, pork Bulgogi=braised potato 8.1, stir-fried chicken 8.0, kimchi pork 7.9, Sundubu 7.6, Jabchae and braised tofu 7.5, stir-fried squid 7.2, Samgyetang 7.0. In a satisfaction survey using a 5 point scale after a 2 month market test, the scores of each satisfaction attribute such as quality, price, convenience, difference, etc. were shown to range from 4.1-4.6, indicating that 10 take out-style Korean food items were very popular with Hawaiian consumers. These results suggest that Korean food items are competitive with other ethnic foods in the Hawaii market.

In this study, Jeonju bibimbap, Bulgogi, Japchae, Whangpomuk, Kimchijeyukbokkeum, and Sangseonjeon were selected as examples of take-out style Korean foods, and sensory evaluations on a 9-point hedonic scale were conducted with dining staff at UCLA. 54.5% of the respondents in this study were male and 62.7% were Hispanic/Latino, with the respondents fairly evenly split across age groups in a range of 25-54 years. In the sensory evaluation, the most acceptable items were judged as follows: Bulgogi (8.1)>Japchae (7.5)>Sangseonjeon (7.4)>Jeonjubibimbap=kimchijeyukbokkeum (7.3)>Whangpomuk (6.9). Among the 6 Korean foods (Jeonjubibimbap, Bulgogi, Japchae, Whangpomuk, Kimchijeyukbokkeum and Sangseonjeon), Bulgogi, and Saengseonjeon were the most acceptable items for the female and male respondents, respectively. All of the items were popular with the majority of the responding age groups, with the exception of the 18-24-year groups; in particular, Kimchijeyukbokkeum and Bulgogi scored relatively high on acceptability (7.0) for all respondents. Jeonjubibimbap, Japchae, Whangpomuk, and Saengseonjeon were also found to be acceptable to all respondents except for the African American respondents. We suggest that the Korean foods listed above are applicable items for quick service restaurants in the U.S. market.

본 연구에서는 한식의 해외 현지화를 목표로 take-out형 franchise system 개발을 위한 기초자료를 얻기 위하여 한국적인 특성을 나타내면서 미국인들에게 선호도가 높았던 4 개의 품목을 선정하여 한국식단의 영양적인 우수성을 확인 하고자 실시하였다. 실험기간은 총 9주로서 전반기 5주(실험 1期)는 모두 고지방식을 급여하였고, 후반기 4주(실험 2 期)는 동결건조된 한식(제육볶음, 김치볶음, 두부조림, 나물 무침)을 첨가한 실험식이를 급여하였다. 대조군은 실험 전 기간 동안 고지방식만 급여하였다. 실험종료시 체중은 실험 군간에 유의적인 차이가 없었고, 실험기간 동안 일당 증체 량과 식이효율도 차이가 없었다. 장기무게는 대조군(A)이 한식식이군(B~E)에 비해 낮은 경향이었다. 체지방의 축적 지표로서 내장지방량(RFP, EFP)은 대조군(A)보다 김치볶음군(C)과 두부조림군(D)이 20% 감소하였다. 고지방식을 급여한 후 한식첨가식이를 4주 동안 급여후 혈청 지질 중 TC농도는 나물무침군이 94.13 mg/dL로 실험군중 통계적 으로 유의하게 낮았다(p<0.05). TG농도는 실험군간에 통계 적인 차이가 없었다. 고밀도지단백-콜레스테롤(HDLC) 농 도는 제육볶음군(20.38 mg/dL)이 두부조림군(17.25 mg/ dL) 보다 유의하게 높았고(p<0.05), 김치볶음군과 나물무침군은 차이가 없었다. 저밀도지단백-콜레스테롤(LDLC) 농도는 두부조림군이 가장 높았던 반면 나물무침군이 통계적으로 가장 낮았다(p<0.05). 이상의 결과에서 김치볶음과 두부조림 및 나물무침은 한국적인 특성과 건강기능성을 갖는 한식품목으로서 향후 이들 품목과 제육볶음을 적정하게 응용하여 미국인의 입맛에 맞는 take-out형 음식이 개발된다면 미국인들에게 한식의 영양적인 우수성과 인지도를 높여 널리 보급할 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

The objectives of this study were to develop Korean dishes acceptable for quick-service Korean food restaurant franchising operations in the U.S. and to test consumer preferences of 6 Korean dishes developed. One hundred American consumers evaluated beef(Bulgogi), pork(Jeyuk-bokkeum), chicken(Dagkalbi), noodles with seasoned vegetables(Japchae), braised tofu(Dubujorim), and stir-fried kimchi (Kimchi-bokkeum). Consumer preferences for color and aroma of the three dishes(Bulgogi, Jeyuk-bokkeum and Dagkalbi) were not different with most indicating they liked these attributes. Bulgogi was preferred over Dagkalbi and Jeyuk-bokkeum was least acceptable. Consumers rated the flavor of the Bulgogi from a little too mild to just right while both the Dagkalbi and Jeyuk-bokkeum were rated from just right to too strong. Overall acceptance was inversely related to spiciness. Bulgogi and Dagkalbi were ranked significantly higher than Jeyuk-bokkeum with Bulgogi receiving a slightly higher score. Overall acceptance was higher for the Japchae than the Kimchi-bokkeum. Dubujorim was intermediate and not preferred or disliked more than either of the others. Consumers rated the flavor of the Japchae and the Dubujorim higher than the Kimchi-bokkeum, indicating that the flavor of the Kimchi-bokkeum was too strong. Almost half indicated both the Dubujorim and Kimchi-bokkeum were slightly or much too hot. The Japchae and the Dubujorim were ranked equally high and significantly higher than the Kimchi-bokkeum. We suggest that control of spiciness is a main factor to develop Korean dishes acceptable for quick-service Korean food restaurant franchising operations in the U.S.

To develope a sauce using Gochujang which can give foreigners good overall acceptance such as good flavor, taste, color, viscosity and versatility to many foods, we studied on the rheological properties and color control, recipes with spices, herbs, syrup, salt and flavor ingredients and sensory evaluation by Chinese, American and Japanese including Korean. From the survey, the Americans suggested that the proper fellow food of Gochujang sauce be fried chicken, barbecue, hamburger and pina, and hoped to reflect red color, low viscosity, hot taste, low sweetness, salty and sourness and diet effect. The Chinese suggest pork and fried food as a fellow with Gochujang sauce and showed similar opinion in the sensory attributes like the Americans except sweetness. When 5% of starch and xanthan gum was added to sauce, respectively, the yield stress of Gochujang sauce showed 33.21 Pa similar to tomato ketchup. In fluidity measured by voistic flow meter, Gochujang sauce showed 6.2 cm/30sec more or less faster than tomato ketchup which showed 4.7 cm/30sec. Gochujang sauce tended to show strong red color and lightness as pH decreased. The pH adjustant and Paprica oleoresin(2%) improved a value to 12.11 and L value to 24.24 similar to tomato kechup(a:12.42, L:25.48). The 1st gochujang sauce product show 4.50 to 5.75 pots in the overall acceptance in the consumer test including foreigners and koreans. However, the 2nd Gochujang sauce product showed 5.90 points and 6.30 points in the pina and fried chicken, respectively, in the same consumer test. Therefore, we propose that Gochujang can be used for developing sauce products which is most acceptable for various foreigners.