Impact of different lactic acid bacteria on nitrite degradation and quality of fermented carrot

In this study, six groups of carrots were designed and fermented using Weissella paramensenteroides MbWp142 (WP), Levilactobacillus brevis GDMCC 1.773 (LS), Leuconostoc mesenteroides GDMCC 1.774 (SE), mixed fermentation of three lactic acid bacteria (WP + LS + SE), pasteurisation group (BG) and natural fermentation group (CK). GC-MS results indicated that inoculation of WP + LS + SE increased the types and contents of flavour substances such as alcohols, esters and hydrocarbons. Compared with other experimental groups, the peak nitrite value in the LS group was lower due to the production of organic acids by lactic acid bacteria. Sensory evaluation revealed that the quality and flavour of carrot fermented by LS were superior to those fermented by SE, WP and WP + LS + SE. Therefore, Levilactobacillus brevis used as a starter for fermenting carrot can enhance product quality and reduce nitrite accumulation during fermentation.