Onggi’s permeability to carbon dioxide accelerates kimchi fermentation

Abstract

Since ancient times, Korean chefs have fermented foods in an onggi, a traditional earthenware vessel. The porous structure of the onggi mimics the loose soil where lactic acid bacteria is naturally found. This permeability has been purported to facilitate the growth of lactic acid bacteria, but the details of the process remain poorly understood. In this combined experimental and theoretical study, we ferment salted napa cabbage in onggi and hermetic glassware and measure the time course of carbon dioxide concentration, which is a signature of fermentation. We present a mathematical model for carbon dioxide generation rate during fermentation using the onggi’s gas permeability as a free parameter. Our model provides a good fit for the data, and we conclude that porous walls help the onggi to ‘exhale’ carbon dioxide, lowering internal levels to those favoured by lactic acid bacteria. The positive pressure inside the onggi and the constant outflow through its walls act as a safety valve for bacteria growth by blocking the entry of external contaminants without mechanical components. We hope this study draws attention to the work of traditional artisans and inspires energy-efficient methods for fermenting and storing food products.

A 3D printed plastic frame deeply impacts yeast cell growth

“…In fact, the use of inert media such as PUF increases the ratio area/volume favoring air spread and oxygen transfer in SSF (López-Pérez and Viniegra-González, 2016). Moreover, some authors have studied the effect of recipients in gas permeability and their impact on fermentation processes, such as the case of kimchi in onggi vessels, facilitating CO2 dispersion (Kim and Hu, 2023). However, no differences have been found when trying to, manually, change this condition (Figure 2B).…”

A 3D printed plastic frame deeply impacts yeast cell growth

“…In fact, the use of inert media such as PUF increases the ratio area/volume favoring air spread and oxygen transfer in SSF ( López-Pérez and Viniegra-González, 2016 ). Moreover, some authors have studied the effect of recipients in gas permeability and their impact on fermentation processes, such as the case of kimchi in onggi vessels, facilitating CO 2 dispersion ( Kim and Hu, 2023 ). However, no differences have been found when trying to, manually, change this condition ( Figure 2B ).…”