The rate of pH decrease during cabbage fermentation and the biogenic amine
content of sauerkraut could be positively influenced by the application of
starter cultures. Fermentation temperature and salt concentration also have
a significant effect on the process. In the selection of starter strain th
e biogenic amine production should be considered for histamine and also tot
al amine production. Lactobacillus curvatus 2775 did not show any histamine
synthesis and resulted in low total amine values on MRS medium. L. plantar
um had a low but detectable histidine-decarboxylase activity but was also a
low amine producer. Starter culture concentration should be in the range o
f 5 x 10(6) to 2 x 10(7)/100 g cabbage; for L. curvatus the lower value is
preferable to avoid increased tyramine concentrations.