4. Conclusions
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.