Characteristics of Red Pepper Paste by Using Germinated Barley with Increased γ-Amino Butyric Acid

Germinated barley, instead of glutinous rice, was used to make health-enhancing fermented red pepper paste. The proximate components of commercial glutinous rice red pepper paste (CGRPP) and germinated barley red pepper paste (GBRPP) were analyzed during fermentation. The sensory characteristics and γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) contents of CGRPP and GBRPP were evaluated. The contents of β-glucan and GABA showed the highest value after 48 hrs of germination. During the fermentation, the contents of GABA in GBRPP increased up to 28 days and then decreased. During sensory evaluation, the consumer liked the GBRPP more than CGRPP. The GABA contents were increased during fermentation and GABA contents of GBRPP were twice as much as that of CGRPP. These results suggest that the GBRPP can have consumer acceptance for its health benefits and taste and can therefore become commercialized.