Concentrations of seven biogenic amines in sauerkraut

Biogenic amines were determined in 121 sauerkraut samples as N-benzamides b y micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography. The samples were divide d into four groups: from Czech manufacturers, Austrian manufacturers, house hold-prepared and sterilized with:brine in jars. Mean concentrations were 1 74, 146 and 50 mg kg(-1) for tyramine, putrescine and cadaverine, respectiv ely. However, very wide variations occurred. The lowest concentrations were found in household-prepared sauerkraut. Histamine levels were below 2 mg k g(-1) in 44% of samples and above 10 mg kg(-1) in only 19% of samples. The concentrations of tryptamine. spermidine and especially of spermine were lo w. No significant correlations were observed between sauerkraut quality par ameters and amine concentrations. From the nutritional point of view, high tyramine levels should be taken under consideration. (C) 1999 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd. All rights reserved.