Defined microbial starter formulation for the production of Poko - a traditional fermented food product of Nepal.

Poko is a traditional fermented food product of Nepal. Defined starter cakes for Poko
fermentation were prepared using a mixed inoculum of Saccharomyces cerevesiae,
RhizopuschinensisandPediococcuspentosaceusanditsperformancewascomparedwith
that of the traditional manapu starter. The increase in the vitamins pyridoxine, thiamine,
vitaminB12andniacin inpokoprepared using traditionalmanapustarter cakesanddefined
starters were 50 and 59%; 16 and 32%; 18 and 53%; 173 and 117% respectively. The
increase in folic acid in poko product was similar, up to 76%. The defined starter gave a
better quality product with hygiene and safety assured in the Poko product.