What You Need to Know
During fermentation, Lactobacillus spp. convert the sugars in bamboo shoots into lactic acid, lowering the pH from ~6.5 to ~3.8. The acidic environment inhibits spoilage organisms while promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. Small amounts of ethanol (~1–2 %) are also produced as a secondary metabolite under anaerobic conditions.
The Science
Primary Reaction
lactic acid fermentation (homolactic)