A strain KL-12 belonging to the L. plantarum group, with high
antibacterial activity and strong tolerance of simulated gastric
juice and bile acids, was isolated from kimchi to use as starter in
fermentation of tofu with kimchi seasoning. During fermentation
for 16 weeks at 20 C, antioxidant activities of four TK groups
increased with fermentation time. After 16 weeks, fermentation
of tofu with kimchi seasoning at a ratio of 1:1 and with a starter
(that is, 1:1 TK-L) showed higher antioxidant activities (in view of
total phenolic content, DPPH and NO scavenging activity) and
free amino acids than other three groups. Among four TK groups,
1:1 TK and 1:1 TK-L groups had a slightly sour taste and pleasant
smell unlike general fermented tofu. These results suggest that
1:1 TK-L product fermented for 16 weeks at 20 C can be used as
a new type of lactic acid fermented food with high
functionalities.