Moromi vinegar is produced from awamori-pressed lees which is generated as a by-product during the manufacturing process of awamori. Since it contains rich essential amino acids and citric acid, it is expected to be used as a functional food material. However, the peculiar flavor of moromi vinegar has prevented its popularization.
Therefore, we fermented moromi vinegar using the Lactobacillus plantarum K-3 strain in this study in order to resolve the issue about its flavor. The results of a sensory analysis for flavor showed that the sour taste decreased in the obtained drink while the sweetness and mellowness significantly increased. Considering the decrease in the amount of furfural, the taste of moromi vinegar was suggested to remarkably improve by fermentation using the L. plantarum K-3 strain.
As the obtained drink indicated a DPPH radical-scavenging activity, an animal experiment was conducted to examine whether it has any physiological activities. As a result, C57BL/6J mice fed a high fat-diet had a decreased weight gain, improved liver function and inflammation, and suppressed cholesterol synthesis by intake of the obtained drink.
