Characterisation of dominant autochthonous strains for nitrite degradation of Chinese traditional fermented fish

In this study, three previously isolated dominant autochthonous strains from Chinese traditional fermented fish products (CTFPs), namely Lactobacillus plantarum 120, Saccharomyces cerevisiae 2018 and Staphylococcus xylosus 135, were used to evaluate their nitrite degradation abilities. The highest nitrite degradation rate (NDR) was observed in L. plantarum 120 (90.70%), followed by S. cerevisiae 2018 (78.75%) and S. xylosus 135 (13.09%). The nitrite reductase activities of L. plantarum 120 and S. cerevisiae 2018 could be promoted by appropriate sodium chloride contents (4%-6%). Meanwhile, nitrite could be degraded in soluble grass carp proteins, and the NDR was positively associated with the protein concentration. Inoculation with L. plantarum 120, S. cerevisiae 2018 and S. xylosus 135 significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the nitrite and nitrate concentrations in CTFPs. Therefore, dominant autochthonous strains, especially L. plantarum 120 and S. cerevisiae 2018, could be used as promising starter cultures to inhibit nitrite accumulation in CTFPs.