Clove has been shown to extend the shelf life of various foods. This study investigated whether it can prolong the shelf life of kimchi paste. Clove powder at concentrations of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% was added to kimchi paste, which was then sealed and stored at 10°C for 20 days. Changes in microbial counts, gas composition, sugar and organic acid contents, pH, titratable acidity, and reducing sugar content were evaluated. Adding clove powder inhibited the growth of total aerobic and lactic acid bacteria and delayed changes in O2 and CO 2 concentration and sugar and organic acid contents. It also slowed the decrease in pH, increase in titratable acidity, and changes in reducing sugar content. These results indicate that clove powder effectively prolongs the quality attributes and thus extends the shelf life of kimchi paste.
Keywords: clove; fermented food; kimchi paste; quality; shelf life.