Starter Culture

Spec: Super high viscosity

Starter culture definition:

A preparation of beneficial microorganisms, whose activity has the desired effect in the food being fermented. Starter cultures initiate the fermentation process and quickly takes control. The precise composition of the starter culture will determine how it affects the food being fermented.

Starter cultures can be a pure culture from a commercial laboratory. You can also use part of an earlier batch of fermented food. Starter cultures can be very similar to probiotic supplements.

Probiotics definition:

Probiotics is defined as a live microbial food supplement which beneficially affects the host by improving the intestinal microbial balance. A broader definition: living microorganisms, which upon ingestion in certain numbers exert health effects beyond inherent basic nutrition.

Even though their recommended usage differs, starter cultures and probiotic supplement are very similar. Both starter cultures and probiotic supplements usually contain between 1-14 bacteria strains.

The microorganisms in starter cultures are carefully selected. Many bacteria produce lactic acid which prevents spoilage. Other organisms produce metabolites that give desirable flavors, or produce enzymes that mature a dairy product like cheese. Therefore, starter cultures are composed to produce different flavors and texture depending on how they will be used.

Health benefits:

1.      Promote a stable and predictable fermentation, even if you don’t have perfect conditions

2.      Reduced risks of unwanted mold, yeast, and other bad microorganisms

3.      Higher levels of the very potent exopolysaccharides (EPSs)

4.      Higher levels of lactic acid, diacetyl, acetate and ketones

5.      Contribute to a crunchier texture and more complex taste

6.      Higher levels of natural hydrogen peroxide (H202)

7.      Help preserve the product longer

8.      Ensuring constant high quality

9.      Higher levels of vitamin K2

10.   Fermentation is faster