Potential of the Probiotic Lactobacillus Plantarum ATCC 14917 Strain to Produce Functional Fermented Pomegranate Juice

In this research survey the application of probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 14917 in pomegranate juice fermentation is sought. Pomegranate juice was fermented for 24 h and then it was stored 4 for 4 weeks. Cell viability retained in high levels after the 24 h of fermentation and storage for 4 weeks (above 8.8 log cfu/mL), while fermented pomegranate juice was scored better at the 4th week of storage compared to non-fermented pomegranate juice. The probiotic strain was effective regarding lactic acid fermentation as was proved through sugar and organic acids analysis. Concentration of ethanol was maintained at low levels (0.3–1% v/v). Fermented pomegranate juice contained more and in higher percentages desirable volatile compounds (alcohols, ketones and esters) even at the 4th week of cold storage compared to non-fermented juice. Antioxidant activity (150.63 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/100 mL at the 2nd week) and total phenolic content (206.46 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 mL at the 2nd week) were recorded in higher levels for all the storage time compared to non-fermented juice.