Abstract
Physicochemical characteristics of kochujangs prepared with the powders from 4 different red pepper varieties, were investigated during 90 days fermentation to obtain information for the industrial production of traditional kochujang. Water activities and consistencies of all varities slightly decreased during fermentation, but in consistency Jangter kochujang was higher than others. The red values in color of all sample remarkably increased after 15 days. Especially L, a and b values of Hongkwang kochujang were higher than those of others. The acidities of 4 kochujangs linearly increased during fermentation. Reducing sugar contents of kochujang increased until 30 days but thereafter decreased slightly, showing highest value for Hongkwang kochujang. Ethanol contents increased until 75 days and were higher in Kumtop and Jangter kochujang. Amino and ammonia nitrogen contents rapidly increased until 30 days. Ammonia nitrogen content was gradually decreased after 30 days. Amino nitrogen contents were higher in Hongkwang kochujang.
