Abstract
The effect of inoculum level of Lactobacillus curvatus on Nham fermentation was studied. Nham inoculated with L. curvatus at 104 (LC104) and 106 cfu/g (LC106) exhibited a higher rate of fermentation than naturally fermented Nham (control) as indicated by greater rate of pH drop, lactic acid production, and changes in protein compositions. Based on the pH, the fermentation was completed within 72, 48 and 36 h for control, LC104, and LC106, respectively. Higher extent of proteolysis and lipolysis were observed during fermentation of Nham inoculated with starter bacteria (P