Abstract:To investigate the effects of lactic acid bacteria fermentation on the nutritional and flavor quality of gastrodia elat, five strains of lactic acid bacteria were selected to ferment gastrodia elata. Changes in nutritional components, active ingredients, flavor characteristics before and after fermentation were analyzed. The results showed that compared to the control group, the total sugar content in the five LAB fermentation groups decreased (P<0.05), while the lactic acid content increased (P<0.05). After fermentation, the gastrodin content decreased significantly (P<0.05), while the content of p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol increased by 33.30% to 118.31% (P<0.05). The total phenol content in fermented gastrodia elata increased by 31.69% to 59.22% (P<0.05).The number of volatile flavor compounds in gastrodia elata increased after fermentation. Taste analysis indicated no significant changes in bitterness intensity, astringent aftertaste, or bitter aftertaste of the fermented gastrodia elata. However, significant improvements were observed in sourness, saltiness, and richness, along with a reduction in astringency. The ABTS and DPPH free radical scavenging rates increased by 17.86% to 35.72% and 62.61% to 98.42%. The eGI value decreased by 19.97% to 70.66% (P<0.05). After fermentation, the nutritional quality of gastrodia elata was enhanced, volatile flavor compounds became more abundant, and the overall flavor was improved.