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Research Project: IMPROVED PROCESSES FOR CUCUMBERS, CABBAGE, SWEETPOTATOES, AND PEPPERS TO MAKE HIGH QUALITY, NUTRITIOUS PRODUCTS AND REDUCE POLLUTION

Location: Food Science Research

Title: Microbial interactions associated with secondary cucumber fermentation

Authors
item Perez Diaz, Ilenys
item Franco, Wendy -

Submitted to: Journal of Applied Microbiology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: September 17, 2012
Publication Date: January 1, 2013
Citation: Perez-Diaz, I.M., Franco, W. 2013. Microbial interactions associated with secondary cucumber fermentation. Journal of Applied Microbiology. 114:161-172.

Interpretive Summary: Deterioration of fermented cucumber pickles represents an important economic loss for the pickle industry. In this study, the onset of the spoilage process was correlated with the metabolic activity and interactions of selected yeasts, and Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria naturally present in the fresh fruits. The improved understanding of the initiation of secondary cucumber fermentation aids researchers and processors in the development of monitoring strategies to prevent the establishment of these undesirable microbes in the fermentation tanks and thus reduce incidences of spoilage.

Technical Abstract: Aims: To evaluate the interaction between selected yeasts and bacteria and associate their metabolic activity with secondary cucumber fermentation. Methods and Results: Selected yeast and bacteria, isolated from cucumber secondary fermentations, were inoculated as single and mixed cultures in a cucumber juice model system. Our results confirmed that during storage of fermented cucumbers and in the presence of oxygen, spoilage yeasts are able to grow and utilize the lactic and acetic acids present in the medium, which results in increased brine pH and the chemical reduction in the environment. These conditions favour opportunistic bacteria that continue the degradation of lactic acid. Lactobacillus buchneri, Clostridium bifermentans and Enterobacter cloacae were able to produce acetic, butyric and propionic acids, respectively, when inoculated in the experimental medium at pH 4.6. Yeast and bacteria interactions favoured the survival of Cl. bifermentans and E. cloacae at the acidic pH typical of fermented cucumbers (3.2), but only E. cloacae was able to produce a secondary product. Conclusions: The methodology used in this study confirmed that a complex microbiota is responsible for the changes observed during fermented cucumber secondary fermentation and that certain microbial interactions may be essential for the production of propionic and butyric acids. Significance and Impact of the Study: Understanding the dynamics of the development of secondary cucumber fermentation aids in the identification of strategies to prevent its occurrence and economic losses for the pickling industry.

   

 
Project Team
Truong, Van-Den
Perez Diaz, Ilenys
Johanningsmeier, Suzanne
Breidt, Frederick
 
Publications
   Publications
 
Related National Programs
  Quality and Utilization of Agricultural Products (306)
 
Related Projects
   DEVELOPMENT AND COMMERCIALIZATION OF PURPLE-FLESHED SWEETPOTATOES FOR THE NATURAL COLORANT MARKETS
   A NOVEL APPROACH FOR PREDICTING TRANSLATIONAL EFFICIENCY FOR RECOMBINANT GENE EXPRESSION
   IMPROVED BREEDING AND VARIETY EVALUATION METHODS TO REDUCE ACRYLAMIDE CONTENT AND INCREASE QUALITY IN PROCESSED POTATO PRODUCTS
   PROCESS-READY CUCUMBER PRESERVATION BY ACIDIFICATION WITH LESS THAN 2.4% ACETIC ACID
   PROCESS-READY CUCUMBER PRESERVATION BY ACIDIFICATION WITH LESS THAN 2.4% ACETIC ACID
   Joint research and development of improved types of processed vegetable products by combining U.S. and Korean traditional technology
 
 
Last Modified: 05/22/2013
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