Development of fermented instant Chinese noodle using Lactobacillus plantarum

A new-type of instant Chinese noodle was developed with the application of lactic acid fermentation by lactobacilli. Since the pH value of the noodle sheets is alkaline with kansui (around 8.5), alkaline tolerance is required for the lactobacilli to ferment noodle sheets. The screening of the lactobacilli strains suitable for the fermentation was conducted using 46 strains from 12 species (including subspecies) of lactobacilli. Several strains of Lactobacillus pentosus and Lactobacillus plantarum were found to be fermenters. Among these, L. plantarum NRIC 0380, that showed the highest fermentation rate and favorable modification of noodle, was selected as the best strain, and was employed for the pilot scale manufacture of instant Chinese noodle. During fermentation, L. plantarum NRIC 0380 produced lactic acid to about 11 g/kg noodle sheet after 24 h with a concomitant pH decrease from an initial of about 7.9 down to 3.9. Sensory test after rehydration with boiled water revealed that the fermented instant Chinese noodle sheets at pH 7.5 had increased hardness, elasticity and light sour taste.