Physicochemical and Microbial Analysis of Samples

The pH of the sample was measured using a pH meter (Ohaus ST 2100-F, USA). The salt and moisture content were analyzed using the Mohr and thermogravimetry methods, respectively [56 ]. The enumeration of culturable total bacteria was performed by total viable count on selective media, while Plate count agar was used to enumerate the aerobic bacteria [11 (link)]. For lactic acid and halophilic bacteria, de Man–Rogosa–Sharp agar, supplemented with 5% NaCl [10 (link)] and salt marine agar, were used, respectively [57 (link)]. Plate count agar, salt marine agar, de Man–Rogosa–Sharp agar for cultural bacteria were purchased from Hi-Media (India). All samples were subjected to CIELAB colorimetric L* (light-ness), a* (redness-greenness), and b* (yellowness-blueness) tests, using Konica Minolta (11).