Optimization of Spontaneous Fermentation Conditions of Kohlrabi by Response Surface Methodology

Kohlrabi is a valuable crop due to its substantial amount of macro- and micronutrients. It is mostly consumed in fresh form, as jam or fermented product. This current work aimed to optimize the spontaneous fermentation conditions of kohlrabi in order to improve its product functionality and diversity. For this purpose, a Box Behnken design was employed to evaluate the effects of boiling time (0–8 min.), vinegar ratio (0–50%), and salt content (2–8%) on chemical and microbiological properties of fermented kohlrabi. Some chemical and microbiological analyses, including total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity, total acidity, pH, salt content, total counts of yeast and molds, and mesophilic and lactic acid bacteria, were determined. The total antioxidant capacity of samples changed between 11.91 and 75.75 µmol Trolox/100 g, respectively. Both ANOVA results (p < 0.05) and PCA model (R2 = 0.99; Q2 = 0.72) confirmed that boiling time is the important factor affecting the fermentation process. The optimal fermentation parameters for kohlrabi were determined to be 44.12% vinegar and 2.07% salt concentrations without the boiling step by response surface methodology