Abstract
•Probiotic fermentation suspension (PFS) extended shelf life of freshly cut lotus root.•PFS inhibited microorganism and the activity of PAL, PPO and POD.•PFS had a significant inhibitory effect on E.coli O157:H7.
Probiotic fermentation suspension was used to extend the shelf life of freshly cut lotus root for the first time, which played a dual role of biological protection and quality maintenance. Fermentation suspension contained lactic acid bacteria (8–9 log CFU/mL) was prepared from juice of lotus root and used to immerse samples under atmospheric pressure and vacuum. Probiotic fermentation suspension inhibited microorganism and the activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), which slowed down the physiological reaction and was beneficial to maintain the color and hardness of tissues. Lactic acid bacteria antagonized other microorganisms, and metabolic acid production played a continuous role in preservation during storage. The vacuum was helpful for the fermentation suspension to be fully impregnated into samples. The probiotic fermentation suspension had a significant inhibitory effect on E.coli O157:H7, and extended lotus root shelf life from 3 to 9 days.