In this study, changes in the quality and headspace O2/CO2 concentrations of cubed radish (Raphanus sativus L.) kimchi (CR-kimchi) packaged using multilayer airtight film (MAF), half-area breathable film (HABF), partial area breathable film (PABF), and one-way degassing valve-mounted film (ODVF) were investigated during storage under altering temperature conditions. The total lactic acid bacteria count in CR-kimchi samples stored for 6 days at 0℃, followed by 8 days at 6oC, increased to 7.8-7.9 log CFU/g, regardless of the packaging. The titratable acidity of the CR-kimchi samples increased to 0.6-0.7% during storage at 0oC for 6 days and then at 6oC for 8 days; it was maintained at 0.6-0.8% for 32 days of storage at 3oC. After 46 days of storage, the reduced sugar content of CR-kimchi packaged using MAF, HABF, PABF, and ODVF decreased to 26.8-30.3 mg/g, indicating no significant (p>0.05) differences. However, during storage, headspace CO2 concentration and film volume were lower in the HABF treatment than in the control, PABF, and ODVF treatments, indicating that HABF packaging combined with supercooled (3oC) storage can extend the optimal ripening period of CR-kimchi without packaging expansion during storage.

The effects of exogenous sodium nitroprusside (SNP, nitric oxide donor) on the growth, yield, photosynthetic characteristics, and antioxidant enzyme activity of kimchi cabbage (Brassica rapa L. subsp. pekinensis (Lour.) Hanelt) was studied under the low temperature conditions. Kimchi cabbages were treated with SNP of three concentrations (7.5, 15, 30 mg·L-1) for three times at four-day intervals and exposed to low temperature (16/7°C) stress for seven days. SNP treatment induced increases of net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), intracellular CO2 concentration (Ci) and transpiration rate (Tr) under the stress condition with the highest level after the third treatment. The contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 were significantly lower in the treatment of SNP compared to the non-treated control. The activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), increased in treated plants by up to 38, 187, 24 and 175%, respectively compared to the non-treated control. SNP-treated and untreated plants had similar growth characteristics. Compared to the control group, SNP-treatment increased fresh weight and leaf area by 5%. Overall, our findings suggest that the application of sodium nitroprusside to the leaves contributes to reducing physiological damage and enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes, thereby improving low temperature stress tolerance in kimchi cabbage.

This study was conducted to develop a model for predicting the growth of kimchi cabbage using image data and environmental data. Kimchi cabbages of the ‘Cheongmyeong Gaual’ variety were planted three times on July 11th, July 19th, and July 27th at a test field located at Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (37°37′ N 128°32′ E, 510 elevation), and data on growth, images, and environmental conditions were collected until September 12th. To select key factors for the kimchi cabbage growth prediction model, a correlation analysis was conducted using the collected growth data and meteorological data. The correlation coefficient between fresh weight and growth degree days (GDD) and between fresh weight and integrated solar radiation showed a high correlation coefficient of 0.88. Additionally, fresh weight had significant correlations with height and leaf area of kimchi cabbages, with correlation coefficients of 0.78 and 0.79, respectively. Canopy coverage was selected from the image data and GDD was selected from the environmental data based on references from previous researches. A prediction model for kimchi cabbage of biomass, leaf count, and leaf area was developed by combining GDD, canopy coverage and growth data. Single-factor models, including quadratic, sigmoid, and logistic models, were created and the sigmoid prediction model showed the best explanatory power according to the evaluation results. Developing a multi-factor growth prediction model by combining GDD and canopy coverage resulted in improved determination coefficients of 0.9, 0.95, and 0.89 for biomass, leaf count, and leaf area, respectively, compared to single-factor prediction models. To validate the developed model, validation was conducted and the determination coefficient between measured and predicted fresh weight was 0.91, with an RMSE of 134.2 g, indicating high prediction accuracy. In the past, kimchi cabbage growth prediction was often based on meteorological or image data, which resulted in low predictive accuracy due to the inability to reflect on-site conditions or the heading up of kimchi cabbage. Combining these two prediction methods is expected to enhance the accuracy of crop yield predictions by compensating for the weaknesses of each observation method.

Kimchi, a centuries-old Korean fermented food, has gained global popularity due to increased interest in Korean cuisine. However, little is known about the actual status of kimchi information provided by major foreign online encyclopedias. In this study, we analyzed the content and quality of kimchi information in major foreign online encyclopedias, such as Baidu Baike, Encyclopædia Britannica, Citizendium, and Wikipedia. Our results revealed that the kimchi information provided by these encyclopedias was often inaccurate or inadequate, despite kimchi being a fundamental part of Korean cuisine. The most common inaccuracies were related to the definition and origins of kimchi and its ingredients and preparation methods. Our findings highlight the need for more accurate and reliable information about kimchi in major foreign online encyclopedias. This is particularly important in the context of promoting Korean food culture and increasing international awareness of kimchi. To achieve this, the collaborative efforts of Korean food experts and online encyclopedias are needed to ensure the accurate representation of kimchi in these resources. In conclusion, our study shows that foreign online encyclopedias often contain incomplete, inaccurate information about kimchi. This shortcoming must be addressed to promote a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of kimchi and Korean cuisine.

This study measured the quality characteristics of Yulmu-added kimchi with different manufacturing methods to present primary data for the food development of kimchi and the optimal Yulmu manufacturing method. pH, salinity, and soluble solids tended to decrease during the storage period in all sample groups. The chromaticity differed depending on the mixing ratio of the material, and WYS showed the highest values for all L, a, and b values. Total polyphenol content and ABTS free radical scavenging activity were higher in the Yulmu-added sample groups than in the control group. Citric acid was reduced in range in the control group and all sample groups during the storage period, and lactic acid tended to increase in content in all sample groups. The dietary fiber content was higher in the Yulmu-added sample group than in the control group during storage. As a result, it was found that Yulmu-added kimchi had higher total phenol content, antioxidant properties, and dietary fiber content than the control group. YFF, YF, and WYF were found to be excellent, confirming their nutritional value, and are considered suitable for developing healthy and functional food materials for kimchi.

Dental caries is an infectious disease that is caused by the interaction between the host, the diet, and a diverse microbial community. This study illustrated the anticariogenic effects of THYJ-15 against Streptococcus mutans, a major agent of dental caries. THYJ-15 was identified as Latilactobacillus sakei subsp. sakei through 16S rRNA sequencing, with a similarity of 99.72% to L. sakei subsp. sakei JCM 1157T. The cell-free supernatant of L. sakei subsp. sakei THYJ-15 observed MIC values of 10 mg/mL and MBC values of 20 mg/mL against S. mutans KACC 16833T. The cell-free supernatant of L. sakei subsp. sakei THYJ-15 showed significant inhibitory effects on biofilm formation, acid production and glucosyltransferases(GTFs) production against S. mutans. As a results, it was confirmed that L. sakei subsp. sakei THYJ-15 is a lactic acid bacterium possessing notable anticariogenic effects. Accordingly, L. sakei subsp. sakei THYJ-15 is expected to have great potential to be used as a basic substance for dental caries treatment caused by S. mutans.

Dental caries is an infectious disease accompanied by the destruction of teeth. It is a multifactorial disease caused by the interaction between microbes in dental plaque and food, with cariogenic Streptococcus mutans being one of the primary causes. In this study, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum THK-j112 isolated from Kimchi, a traditional fermented food, against S. mutans were investigated. Furthermore, this paper also showed the possibility of developing this strain. After analyzing the 16S rRNA sequence, strain THK-j112 was named L. plantarum THK-j112 as it shared 99.93% similarity with L. plantarum ATCC 14917T. Both L. plantarum THK-j112 and L. plantarum ATCC 14917T demonstrated MIC values of 5 mg/mL and MBC values of 10 mg/mL against S. mutans KACC 16833T. The study confirmed that L. plantarum THK-j112 exhibited significant concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on biofilm formation, acid production, and glucosyltransferases(GTFs) production. Regarding hemolytic activity, Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579T, used as a positive control, was confirmed to cause hemolysis, whereas L. plantarum THK-j112 did not cause this phenomenon. Additionally, except for gentamicin, the antibiotic resistance test revealed a lower value than the MIC cut-off value for each antibiotic, indicating no resistance. Based on the findings, L. plantarum THK-j112 is expected to be useful in the food industry, such as functional food, as a lactic acid bacterium with antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects.

Dongchimi is one of the most representative types of watery kimchi in Korea. Although the scope of application of dongchimi has been expanded, research on the quality of dongchimi is insufficient compared to that of baechu kimchi. This study aimed to find the optimal manufacturing condition of high-acidity dongchimi and investigate the effects of potassium citrate (P) and sugar (S) on quality. Different dongchimi samples (Control, S, P) were prepared and stored at 15oC for 15 days. Among the various sugars, sucrose made the highest acidity of dongchimi. When potassium citrate was added as a pH buffer, the acidity was 2.2 times higher than the control group. In the PS group, where sucrose and potassium citrate were added, the acidity and organic acid content were 3-fold and 3.7-fold higher, respectively, than those in the control group. As a result of the analysis of the free sugar content, the metabolism of lactic acid bacteria was expected to be relatively more activated in the PS group. Therefore, this study could be utilized in the dongchimi manufacturing industry or as primary data for other dongchimi research.

This study investigated the quality characteristics of the traditional rice cake of Gijeongtteok added with an extract from Cudrania tricuspidate fruit and different amounts of kimchi broth. The pH measurement showed a significant decrease with the increase of the kimchi broth from pH 5.48 (control) to 4.86 (KG180). Hunter color L-values were decreased while redness and yellowness were increased as the amount of kimchi broth increased. Texture profile analysis showed that hardness and adhesiveness significantly increased and decreased as the amount of kimchi broth increased. Gijeongtteok with kimchi broth (KG180) had the lowest specific volume with increased gummy layers in the crumb structure. Sensory evaluation of color, flavor, taste, appearance, and overall acceptance for various levels of kimchi broth showed that the KG140 sample had the highest acceptability. Therefore, this study suggests that Gijeogtteok made with the KG140 mixing ratio has excellent quality and sensory characteristics.

Bacterial phytopathogen Pectobacterium causes soft rot disease in several vegetable crops globally, resulting in heavy agricultural losses at both the pre and postharvest stages. The present work was carried out to screen Kimchi cabbage genetic resources conserved at the National Agrobiodiversity Center, Rural Development Administration, Korea, for resistance against the soft rot pathogen Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum KACC 21701 over a period of three years (from 2020 to 2022). Infection of the phytopathogen was carried out at four-leaf stage and for each accession, twenty-five plants per germplasm were infected with KACC 21701. Kimchi cabbage cultivars Wangmatbaechu, Seoulbaechu, and CR Kiyoshi were used as control. Seven-days post-infection, the Disease Index (DI) values were manually recorded from zero to four, zero matched perfectly heathy plants and four completely dead plants. The 682 accessions of Kimchi cabbage exhibited varying degrees of disease resistance to KACC 21701 and thirty accessions, exhibiting a DI≤2, were considered for replication studies. During the replication studies, four landrace germplasms (IT102883, IT120036, IT120044, and IT120048) and one cultivar (IT187919) were confirmed to be moderately susceptible to KACC 21701. Results of the preliminary screening as well as replication studies were documented for the all the 682 germplasms. Addition of such information to the passport data of stored germplasms might serve as potential bio-resource for future breeders and researchers to develop resistant varieties or study the mechanisms involved in resistance of plants to such phytopathogen.

This study was conducted to provide basic data on the amount of sodium and the setting of permissible error range of actual measurement, which is a problem for cabbage kimchi nutrients subject to labeling. The sample targeted was baechu (Kimchi cabbage) kimchi, which might have a large variation in sodium content by part of kimchi. Kimchi samples were collected twice from eight companies by season (spring, summer, fall, and winter). The average sodium content in kimchi samples was 619±87 mg/100 g (range, 534±63 mg/100 g to 783±40 mg/100 g). The error in average annual sodium content of abandonment kimchi (maximum value difference compared to the minimum value) was 26.8 to 64.3%. Sodium contents in kimchi produced in spring and summer were relatively low. However, deviation between individuals was large. It was found that cases exceeding the permissible error (120%) standard varied depending on the criteria for setting the amount of sodium. In addition, due to seasonal differences, sodium content in kimchi exceeded 120% of the labeling value. Thus, it is necessary to set standards suitable for characteristics of kimchi to prevent unintentional violations of labeling standards by raw materials and manufacturing processes.