The use of lactic acid bacteria in the process of directed fermentation of a white cabbage

Fermentation is a very complex dynamic process with numerous chemical, physical, and microbiological changes affecting the quality of the finished product. At present, in the industry starter cultures are practically not used, which leads to large losses of finished products (up to 40 %). The use of starter cultures allows not only to obtain high quality products, but also to significantly reduce production losses. The aim of the research was to study the process of directed fermentation of white cabbage variety "Slava“ using strains of lactic acid bacteria and their consortium, taking into account the degree of their mutual influence. The following lactobacilli were used as strains of lactic acid bacteria - Lactobacillus brevis VKM V-1309, Lactobacillus plantarum VKM V-578. Experiments were carried out on model media to obtain comparative data. In the process of directional fermentation using strains of lactic acid microorganisms and their consortium for the first time studied the dynamics of changes in quality indicators. Mathematical models developed in the course of research adequately describe the degree of destruction of glucose and fructose during fermentation. The model medium was made of white cabbage (raw material) for research, for this purpose it was subjected to homogenization and sterilization in order to create optimal conditions for the development of the target microflora and to determine the degree of destruction of glucose and fructose by various strains of lactic acid microorganisms. In the process of research, we found that the use of a consortium of lactic acid bacteria (L. brevis + L. plantarum) for this culture medium is impractical, but the addition of fructose in the amount of 0,5% by weight of the model medium can significantly intensify the process of fermentation of white cabbage.