Biochemical Characterization of Three Vegetable Based Fermented Food Products (Hungrii, Rhujuk and Tsutuocie) of Nagaland, India

Indigenous fermented foods are important constituent of staple diet of the Naga tribes of India. In Nagaland, there are variety of fermented foods and beverages with traditional and cultural value. Agriculture being the main occupation, preservation technique of perishable crops has been passed down from generation to generation. Here we present the biochemical characterization of some vegetable based fermented food products of Nagaland i.e., Hungrii (Brassica leaves), Rhujuk/Bastanga (Bamboo shoot) and Tsutuocie (Cucumber). The comparative account of nutritive values like moisture content, pH, protein content, reducing sugars, crude fibre, total phenol content, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of fermented foods and its constituent raw materials was done. Results indicated high amounts of protein in Hungrii (34.07 g/100g). Most of the fermented foods had low moisture content rendering it to have longer shelf life. Rhujuk/Bastanga was found to have significantly higher levels of phenolic content (1.44 mg GAE/g and 2.44 mg GAE/g), thus having high antioxidant activity in comparison to the other fermented products. This present study thus puts some light on the proximate composition as well as the antioxidant content of some major vegetable based fermented food products of Nagaland so as to popularize these products as nutritional support to the region for health improvement.