Centella asiatica (CA) is a vegetable that has been used for medicinal purposes for a long time, but it is not well known in Korea. In this study, the approximate analysis, physicochemical properties, free sugars, free amino acids and minerals of native and improved CA cultivated in Chungju area were measured. And the antioxidant contents and activities of CA solvent extracts were measured. There was no significant difference between native and improved species. As for the characteristics of CA, it was confirmed that the improved species had a large weight, size and a tough texture. Glucose was detected in native CA, fructose, glucose and sucrose were detected in improved species. A total of 15 free amino acids were detected and the content was slightly higher in improved species than in native species. The mineral content in CA was slightly higher in the improved species, and the detected minerals were Na, P, Ca, K, Mg and Fe. Polyphenols, ascorbic acid and flavonoids in each extraction solvent (water, 70% and 100% ethanol) were all higher in the improved species than in native species. And it was found that the antioxidant activities of ethanol extracts were higher than that of water.
Saengcheonggukjang, known as Natto in Japan, is a soybean fermented food which is made from steamed soybean, Bacillus and water. Demand of Saengcheonggukjang has increased because it does not have much smell compared to Cheonggukjang. Seven varieties of Saengcheonggukjang were investigated and compared in terms of 100 seed weight, quality characteristics, hard seed rate, and water absorption rate in order to determine the suitability of Korean soybeans. In addition, each characteristic of Saengcheonggukjang was compared. ‘Hoseo’ and ‘Haewon’ showed low 100 seed weight with 8.41 g and 8.11 g, respectively. The water absorption rate was higher in ‘Hoseo’ and ‘Pungwon’ than in Japan varieties. The yield of Saengcheonggukjang was significantly different for each variety. No differences were observed in yield and hardness of Saengcheonggukjang with respect to the varieties and sowing date. ‘Haewon’ showed the highest amino nitrogen content with 575.0 mg%. Viscous material content did not appear to differ between varieties. These results suggested that ‘Hoseo’ and ‘Haewon’ can be considered as suitable candidates for yield and quality of Saengcheonggukjang compared to Japan varieties.
