The use of yogurt as starter in rock samphire (Crithmum maritimum L.) fermentation

Aerial parts of rock samphire (Crithmum maritimum L., Umbelliferae) growing along the seaside in Antalya and Mersin (southern Turkey) were randomly collected in June 1998. Flesh leaves and stems in 8% salt and 8% salt + 1% yogurt + 1% sugar (saccharose) were fermented for 25 days. Some chemical and microbiological analyses were made in brines during fermentation. The observed final product colour, flavour, odour, high acidity and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) activity, low pH, decreases fermentation time and lack of growth coliform bacteria after 10 days of fermentation indicated that the 8% salt + 1% yogurt + 1% sugar samples were superior to the 8% salt brines samples. The brine variety affected the final product quality more than the harvest region did. For both sample-types, fermentation time was determined as 15 to 25 days with regard to end-product flavour and odour, brine acidity and pH, and LAB activity.