Salt Reduction in a Model High‐Salt Akawi Cheese: Effects on Bacterial Activity,pH, Moisture,Potential Bioactive Peptides,Amino Acids,and Growth of Human Colon Cells

This study evaluated the effects of sodium chloride reduction and its substitution with potassium chloride on Akawi cheese during storage for 30 d at 4 °C. Survival of probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidobacterium longum) and starter bacteria (Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus), angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐inhibitory and antioxidant activities, and concentrations of standard amino acids as affected by storage in different brine solutions (10% NaCl, 7.5% NaCl, 7.5% NaCl+KCl [1:1], 5% NaCl, and 5% NaCl+KCl [1:1]) were investigated. Furthermore, viability of human colon cells and human colon cancer cells as affected by the extract showing improved peptide profiles, highest release of amino acids and antioxidant activity (that is, from cheese brined in 7.5% NaCl+KCl) was evaluated. Significant increase was observed in survival of probiotic bacteria in cheeses with low salt after 30 d. Calcium content decreased slightly during storage in all cheeses brined in various solutions. Further, no significant changes were observed in ACE‐inhibitory activity and antioxidant activity of cheeses during storage. Interestingly, concentrations of 4 essential amino acids (phenylalanine, tryptophan, valine, and leucine) increased significantly during storage in brine solutions containing 7.5% total salt. Low concentration of cheese extract (100 μg/mL) significantly improved the growth of normal human colon cells, and reduced the growth of human colon cancer cells. Overall, the study revealed that cheese extracts from reduced‐NaCl brine improved the growth of human colon cells, and the release of essential amino acids, but did not affect the activities of potential bioactive peptides.     

Changes of organic acids,volatile aroma compounds and sensory characteristics of Halloumi cheese kept in brine

This study examines the changes in organic acids, volatile aroma compounds and sensory characteristics of ovine Halloumi cheese kept in brine (∼10% NaCl) at 4 °C for 45 days. The highest total score of the organoleptic assessment was observed at day 1, before storage in brine. During cheese storage, a large reduction of lactose was observed, especially in the first stages of storage while, concurrently, a significantly progressive increase in lactic and acetic acids was observed. Among the volatile aroma compounds determined were alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, acids, esters, hydrocarbons, sulphur compounds, as well as a variety of other compounds in very small quantities. Ethanol and acetic acid were the dominant volatile aromatic compounds and their concentrations increased during storage. The lipolysis of Halloumi cheese during storage was not excessive. The dominant free fatty acids were palmitic, oleic and acetic.     

Effect of Brining, Modified Atmosphere Packaging, and Superchilling on the Shelf Life of Cod (Gadus morhua) Loins

ABSTRACT:  The aim of these experiments was to evaluate the effect of brining, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and superchilling on the quality changes of cod loins as measured by microbial, sensory, and chemical analysis. Unbrined and brined (2.5 ± 1.0% NaCl) cod loins were kept in styrofoam boxes (air) and under modified atmosphere (MA, CO₂/O₂/N₂: 50/5/45) at 0, −2, and −3.6 °C. Samples were examined over a 4-wk period. Total viable psychrotrophic counts and counts of H₂S-producing bacteria reached higher numbers in the air-packed brined fish at −2 and −3.6 °C than in comparable unbrined groups, being significantly different ( P  < 0.05) at the lower temperature. However, lower counts of these bacteria were obtained in the brined MAP fish than in comparable unbrined fish. Counts of  Photobacterium phosphoreum  increased most rapidly in air- and MA-packed loins kept at 0 °C. Lower counts were found at superchilled temperatures. According to sensory analysis the shelf life of unbrined air-packed loins was about 11 d at 0 °C and 14 to 15 d at −2 °C. The shelf life of MA-packed unbrined loins was about 14 to 15 d at 0 °C but 21 d at −2 °C. Thus, synergism of combined superchilling (−2 °C) and MA led to a considerable shelf life increase for unbrined loins despite the fact that processing and packaging took place 4 to 5 d post-catch. The shelf life of air-packed brined loins at −2 °C was 12 to 15 d but only 13 d under MA. The same synergistic effect did therefore not apply to brined loins as with unbrined ones.     

Antimicrobial chitosan-lysozyme (CL) films and coatings for enhancing microbial safety of mozzarella cheese

ABSTRACT:  This study investigated the antimicrobial activities of chitosan-lysozyme (CL) composite films and coatings against tested microorganisms inoculated onto the surface of Mozzarella cheese. CL film-forming solutions (FFS) with a pH of 4.4 to 4.5 were prepared by incorporating 0% or 60% lysozyme (per dry weight of chitosan) into chitosan FFS with or without a pH adjustment to 5.2. Sliced cheese was subjected to 3 CL package applications: film, lamination on a multilayer coextruded film, and coating. Cheese was inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes , Escherichia coli , or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10⁴ CFU/g, or with mold and yeast at 10² CFU/g. Inoculated cheese was individually vacuum packaged and stored at 10 °C for sampling at 1, 7, and 14 d for bacteria, and at 10, 20, and 30 d for fungi. Inoculated bacteria survived but failed to multiply in untreated cheese during storage. Treated cheese received 0.43‐ to 1.25‐, 0.40‐ to 1.40‐, and 0.32- to 1.35-log reductions in E . coli , P. fluorescens , and L . monocytogenes , respectively. Incorporation of 60% lysozyme in chitosan FFS showed greater antimicrobial effect than chitosan alone on P. fluorescens and L . monocytogenes . The pH adjustment only affected the antimicrobial activity on L . monocytogenes , with lower pH (unadjusted) showing greater antimicrobial effect than pH 5.2. Mold and yeast increased to 10⁵ CFU/g in untreated cheese after 30 d storage. Growth of mold was completely inhibited in cheese packaged with CL films, while 0.24‐ to 1.90‐ and 0.06‐ to 0.50-log reductions in mold populations were observed in cheese packaged with CL-laminated films and coatings, respectively. All CL packaging applications resulted in 0.01- to 0.64-log reduction in yeast populations.     

Antagonistic effects of Lactobacillus reuteri against Escherichia coli O157:H7 in white-brined cheese under different storage conditions

This study aimed to investigate the survival of the foodborne pathogen Escherichia coli O157:H7 in white-brined cheeses as influenced by the presence of Lactobacillus reuteri. The white cheeses were made from pasteurized bovine milk inoculated with E. coli O157:H7 (cocktail of 3 strains) to achieve ～5 log₁₀ cfu/g with absence or presence of Lb. reuteri (～6 log₁₀ cfu/g). Cheese samples were brined in 10% or 15% NaCl solution and stored at 10°C and 25°C for 28 d. The white-brined cheeses were assessed for salt content, pH, water activity (A_w), and numbers of E. coli O157:H7, Lb. reuteri, nonstarter lactic acid bacteria (NSLAB), yeasts, and molds. Results showed that E. coli O157:H7 survived in cheese stored in both brine solutions at 10°C and 25°C regardless of the presence of Lb. reuteri. A substantial reduction was observed in cheese stored in 10% NaCl brine at 25°C, followed by cheese stored in 15% NaCl brine at 10°C by 2.64 and 2.16 log₁₀ cfu/g, respectively, in the presence of Lb. reuteri and by 1.02 and 1.87 log₁₀ cfu/g, respectively, in the absence of Lb. reuteri under the same conditions. The pathogen in brine solutions survived but at a lower rate. Furthermore, the growth of Lb. reuteri and NSLAB were enhanced or slightly decreased in cheese and brine by 28 d, respectively. The salt concentrations of cheese ranged from 4 to 6% and 5 to 7% (wt/wt), during 28-d ripening in 10 and 15% brine, respectively. Values of pH and A_w slightly increased at d 1 after exposure to brine and reached 4.69 to 6.08 and 0.91 to 0.95, respectively, in all treatments. Therefore, the addition of Lb. reuteri can be used as a biopreservation method to inhibit the survival of E. coli O157:H7 in white-brined cheese when combined with the appropriate temperature, NaCl level, and storage time.     

Edible Active Coatings Based on Pectin,Pullulan, and Chitosan Increase Quality and Shelf Life of Strawberries (Fragaria ananassa)

Edible active coatings (EACs) based on pectin, pullulan, and chitosan incorporated with sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate were employed to improve the quality and shelf life of strawberries. Fruits were washed, disinfected, coated by dipping, packed, and stored at 4 °C for 15 d. Application of EACs reduced (P < 0.05) weight loss and fruit softening and delayed alteration of color (redness) and total soluble solids content. In contrast, pH and titratable acidity were not affected (P > 0.05) throughout storage, and ascorbic acid content was maintained in pectin‐EAC coated strawberries. Microbiological analyses showed that application of EACs reduced (P < 0.05) microbial growth (total aerobic counts, molds, and yeasts) on strawberries. Chitosan‐EAC coated strawberries presented the best results in microbial growth assays. Sensory quality (color, flavor, texture, and acceptance) improved and decay rate decreased (P < 0.05) in pectin‐EAC, pullulan‐EAC, and chitosan‐EAC coated strawberries. In conclusion, EACs based on polysaccharides improved the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics, increasing the shelf life of strawberries from 6 (control) to 15 d (coated fruits).     

Effect of Partial Substitution of NaCl with KCl on Halloumi Cheese during Storage: Chemical Composition,Lactic Bacterial Count,and Organic Acids Production

Abstract: The effect of partial substitution of NaCl with KCl on chemical composition, lactic bacterial count, and organic acids profile of Halloumi cheese was investigated. Halloumi cheeses were made and kept in 4 different brine solutions at 18% including NaCl only (HA), 3NaCl : 1KCl (HB), 1NaCl : 1KCl (HC), and 1NaCl : 3KCl (HD) and then stored at 4 °C for 56 d. No significant effect was observed between control and experimental cheeses in terms of moisture, fat, protein, lactic bacterial count, and pH values at the same storage period. There was a significant difference in ash, sodium, and potassium contents among experimental cheeses at the same storage period. Ash, sodium, and potassium contents increased significantly during storage at same salt treatment. There was no significant difference in lactic and citric acid contents among experimental cheeses and that of the control. In contrary, there was a significant difference in acetic acid among experimental cheeses. A strong positive correlation was observed between ash, Na, and K contents. An inverse correlation between organic acids and both Na and K contents was also observed.     

Chemical quality and sensory attributes of marinated Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) during vacuum-packaged storage at 4 °C

This study was carried out to evaluate the chemical changes and sensory attributes of Pacific saury (Cololabis saira), brined (12% NaCl brine solution) or marinated (12% NaCl + 2% acetic acid; or 12% NaCl + 3% acetic acid solutions) followed by vacuum-packaging and storage at 4 °C for 90 days. The chemical analysis revealed a significant reduction in the pH value, total volatile bases nitrogen (TVBN), and trimethylamine (TMA) contents in marinated versus brined fillets. Lipid oxidation, as indicated by the 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values, was significantly delayed in marinated fillets in comparison with the brined fillets. The growth rate of psychrotrophic bacteria was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in marinated versus brined fillets. No significant differences were detected for the sensory attributes between the two marinating conditions although the overall acceptability was significantly higher in marinated versus brined fish. Both conditions of the marinating process resulted in an extension of the shelf life of the product to more than 90 days versus only 60 days for the control brined fillets. The study concluded that marination of Pacific saury can delay the undesirable chemical changes, retard lipid oxidation, improve the sensory attributes and extend the shelf life of the product during refrigerated storage.     

Assessment of chitosan and extracts of lemon and sage as natural antimicrobial agents during Fior di latte cheesemaking

The use of antimicrobial active compounds (chitosan, lemon and sage extract) in Fior di latte cheesemaking was assessed. The three agents were added at different concentrations during processing cow’s milk. Control cheese was also made without active compounds. All cheese samples were kept at 4°C for 7 days and investigated for sensory and microbiological properties. Results clearly showed that the addition of lemon extract and chitosan increased cheese shelf life. In particular, the highest increase (129%) was recorded by adding 1000 mg/kg of lemon. In contrast, the addition of sage extract negatively affected the sensory properties, thus making the cheese unacceptable.     

Quality Changes of Shrimp (Pandalus borealis) Stored under Different Cooling Conditions

The influence of different cooling techniques and storage temperatures (‐1.5 °C or 1.5 °C) to prolong the shelf life of shrimp was evaluated by sensory analysis, physical methods, chemical analysis, and microbial analysis. Storage in liquid ice was more effective than flake ice or brine mixed with flake ice in delaying spoilage of the shrimp by slowing down microbial growth and formation of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) and trimethylamine (TMA). Total viable counts (TVC) showed that bacteria grew most quickly in shrimp stored in flake ice and in brine mixed with flake ice, followed by those in liquid ice at 1.5 °C and ‐1.5 °C, respectively. Lowest counts were observed in shrimp stored in liquid ice at ‐1.5 °C where the lag phase of growth was apparently extended at the beginning of storage. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed a good correlation between quality indicators related to microbial growth, TVC, pH, TVB‐N, TMA, responses of an electronic nose and sensory evaluation.     

Combined Effect of Polyphenol‐Chitosan Coating and Irradiation on the Microbial and Sensory Quality of Carp Fillets

Irradiation can extend the shelf‐life of fish, but it may cause unacceptable change on quality. Since rose polyphenols have high antioxidant and antibacterial activities, this study evaluated the combined effect of polyphenol‐chitosan coatings and irradiation (3 kGy) on the microbial and sensory qualities of carp fillets during storage at 4 °C. A dose of 3 kGy irradiation reduced the initial total viable counts (TVC) and psychrophiles, and increased the initial b^* and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values. During storage, TBARS, TVC and psychrophiles of nonirradiated samples increased faster and were higher than those irradiated. Regardless of irradiation treatment, samples coated with chitosan containing rose polyphenols had lower TBARS, pH and bacteria than that in no coating or chitosan coating batches. Carp treated with combined treatment could preserve an acceptable sensory quality at the end of storage. The result indicated that polyphenol‐chitosan coating combined with irradiation can maintain fish quality by preventing bacterial growth, oxidation, and changes in color and sensory acceptability.     

Microbial changes and growth of Listeria monocytogenes during chilled storage of brined shrimp (Pandalus borealis)

Thirteen storage trials and ten challenge tests were carried out to examine microbial changes, spoilage and the potential growth of Listeria monocytogenes in brined shrimp (Pandalus borealis). Shrimp in brine as well as brined and drained shrimp in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) were produced and studied. Different recipes were used to study the effect of preserving parameters (organic acids, pH and NaCl) on growth of microorganisms and shelf life at 7-8 degrees C or 12 degrees C. Particularly, brines with different concentrations of (i) benzoic, citric and sorbic acids or (ii) acetic, citric and lactic acids were studied. Furthermore, the effect of adding diacetate to brined shrimp was evaluated. A single batch of cooked and peeled shrimp was used to study both industrially and manually processed brined shrimp with respect to the effect of process hygiene on microbial changes and the shelf life of products. Concentrations of microorganisms on newly produced brined shrimp from an industrial scale processing line were 1.0-2.3 log (CFU g(-1)) higher than comparable concentrations in manually processed samples. This resulted in a substantially shorter shelf life and a more diverse spoilage microflora of the industrially processed brined shrimp. In addition, shelf life of brined shrimp was affected by the types and concentrations of organic acids and by the storage temperature as expected. The effect of MAP was less pronounced. Eighty-two isolates from the spoilage microflora of brined shrimp were identified and they included 53 lactic acid bacteria, 6 coagulase negative Staphylococcus spp., 18 Pseudomonas fluorescens and 5 yeast isolates. After storage at 7 degrees C, P. fluorescens, Enterococcus-like isolates, E. malodoratus, Carnobacterium maltaromaticum, coagulase negative Staphylococcus spp. and Lactobacillus sakei constituted the dominating microflora of shrimp in brines that contained benzoic, citric and sorbic acids as preservatives. L. sakei dominated the spoilage microflora of brined and drained MAP shrimp, and of brined shrimp preserved using acetic, citric and lactic acids, irrespective of packaging conditions. Shrimp in brine with benzoic, citric and sorbic acids prevented growth of L. monocytogenes during more than 40 days at 7 degrees C when the preserving parameters resembled those of commercial products. However, small changes in the preserving parameters and, particularly, reduced concentrations of benzoic acid led to growth of L. monocytogenes in brined shrimp. The present study provides significant new information on microbial changes, shelf life and growth of L. monocytogenes in brined shrimp. This information can facilitate development of new and safe brined shrimp products.     

Effect of brine composition and brining temperature on cheese physical properties in Ragusano cheese

Composition and physical properties of cheeses are influenced by temperature, salt, and calcium concentration of brine. This work aimed to examine conditions of brine under which the cheese matrix contracts or expands in absence of restrictions imposed by surface rind development during overnight block formation. Three experimental 4-kg blocks of Ragusano cheese were produced at 3 different stretching temperatures (70, 80, and 90°C) and cut into pieces weighing approximately 40 to 50 g. One piece from each was chemically analyzed at time 0. All other pieces were measured for weight and volume and placed in plastic bags containing 300 mL of different brine solutions (2% NaCl with 0.1% Ca; 10% NaCl with 0, 0.1, 0.2, or 0.4% Ca; 18% NaCl with 0.1% Ca; and 26% NaCl with 0.1% Ca) at 3 different temperatures (4, 12, and 20°C). After 24h of brining, the cheeses were analyzed for weight, volume, chemical, and microstructural changes. Salt concentration in brine significantly influenced composition, weight, and volume of the cheeses after brining. Salt concentration was inversely related to cheese volume and weight. Changes in weight caused by altering the brining temperature were sufficient to reach statistical significance, and statistically significant volume changes were induced by brining temperature and its interaction with salt content. The highest volume increase (30%) occurred in the cheese stored in the 2% NaCl brine at the coldest temperature, whereas the greatest volume decrease was recorded in cheeses brined in the 26% NaCl brine. Composition was not affected by brining temperature. Calcium concentration did influence weight, volume, and composition, except on a fat-on-dry-basis. When cheeses were brined without added calcium, cheese volume and weight increased at all temperatures. At high calcium levels (0.4%), syneresis occurred and volume decreased, especially at 20°C (-16.5%). Microstructural investigation with porosity measurement confirmed weight and volume changes.     

Lysozyme/EDTA disodium salt and modified-atmosphere packaging to prolong the shelf life of burrata cheese

To prolong the shelf life of burrata cheese, we evaluated the effects of lysozyme and EDTA disodium salt (Na₂-EDTA) with or without modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP) conditions. In particular, 3 concentrations of enzyme were combined with packaging in air and under MAP (95:5 CO₂:N₂). The decline in quality of burrata cheese stored at 8°C was assessed by monitoring microbiological and sensory quality, in addition to pH and headspace composition. The combination of lysozyme/Na₂-EDTA and MAP prolonged cheese shelf life, especially at the highest lysozyme concentration. In particular, the tested strategy was effective against microbial spoilage phenomena that appeared to be the quality factor that determine product unacceptability.     

Effects of chitosan coatings combined with resveratrol and lysozyme on the quality of Sciaenops ocellatus during refrigerated storage

The effects of combined application of lysozyme and resveratrol with chitosan coatings on the quality of Sciaenops ocellatus during refrigerated storage were studied. Physical and chemical indices were periodically analyzed. The chitosan composite coatings were characterized, and the mechanical properties and gas permeability were also measured. The results showed that chitosan coatings could significantly reduce the total viable count (TVC), maintain tissue hardness, chewiness and sensory quality, slow the rate of fat oxidation, and restrain the increases in pH and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N). Compared with chitosan coatings, the addition of resveratrol and lysozyme had increased the tensile strength and reduced the gas permeability. The lysozyme–resveratrol–chitosan coatings had good preservation properties. The study indicated that the 0.1% lysozyme + 0.2% resveratrol + 1% chitosan group of composite coatings could maintain the quality and extend the shelf life for 8 days compared with the control group during refrigerated storage.     

Effect of storage temperature and packaging on quality and shelf‐life of high pressure processed black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon)

The effect of high pressure processing (361 MPa/12 min/46 °C) on the quality and shelf‐life of black tiger shrimp was investigated. Changes in physical, biochemical, microbiological, and sensory attributes of samples packed in low density polyethylene (LDPE), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), and multilayer metalized polyester (MMP) pouches were examined during storage at 4, 15, and 25 °C for 30 days. The estimated shelf‐life of pressure treated samples based on sensory, chemical, and microbiological data was found to be 30 days for EVOH and MMP samples and 18 days for LDPE samples at 4 °C. The control and high pressure samples at 15 °C reach the unacceptable limit by 3rd and 9th day of storage, respectively. However, the samples at 25 °C showed shelf‐life of less than 3 days. Among the packages employed in the study, EVOH film was adjudged to be best in maintaining the quality of shrimp.

Practical applications

In global seafood market, shrimp is a commercially traded important commodity. The conducted study detailed about the quality changes occurred due to microbial activity and biochemical reactions in high pressure processed black tiger shrimp under different storage and packaging conditions and their impact on the shelf‐life. The provided data will be useful in the selection of appropriate conditions to preserve the valuable catch, establish high quality and safety requirements to enhance the marketing potential of shrimp.     

The effect of sodium chloride substitution with potassium chloride on texture profile and microstructure of Halloumi cheese

The effect of partial substitution of NaCl with KCl on texture profile and microstructure of Halloumi cheese was investigated. Four batches of Halloumi cheese were made and kept in 4 different brine solutions (18%, wt/wt), including A) NaCl only, B) 3NaCl:1KCl, C) 1NaCl:1KCl, and D) 1NaCl:3KCl and then stored at 4°C for 56 d. The texture profile was analyzed using an Instron universal machine, whereas an environmental scanning electron microscope was used to investigate the effect of NaCl substitution on the microstructure of cheeses. No significant difference was found in hardness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, and gumminess among experimental cheeses at the same storage day. Hardness, cohesiveness, and gumminess decreased significantly during storage period with the same salt treatment, whereas adhesiveness significantly increased. Environmental scanning electron microscope micrographs showed a compact and closed texture for cheeses at the same storage period. The microstructure of all cheeses became more closed and compact with storage period. Calcium content negatively correlated with hardness and Na and K contents during storage with the same salt treatment.     

Effect of Packaging and Basil Essential Oil on the Quality Characteristics of Whey Cheese “Anthotyros”

In this study, we compared the effect of basil essential oil (EO) and various packaging conditions on “Anthotyros,” a Greek whey cheese. This cheese was stored at 4 °C under aerobic (A), vacuum (V), and modified atmosphere (M, 40%/60%; CO₂/N₂,) conditions, without or with (AB, VB, and VM) basil EO added to the cheese samples to a final concentration of 0.4% (v/w). The quality characteristics and the shelf life of both untreated and basil EO-treated cheese were assessed using microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory parameters. Microbiological results revealed that either modified atmosphere/vacuum packaging (MAP/VP) singly or in combination with basil EO delayed microbial growth as compared to the control (A) samples. The sensory and microbiological data showed that the combined use of MAP and VP with added basil EO extended the shelf life of fresh Anthotyros (4 °C) by approximately 10–12 days (treatment MB) and 6 days (treatment VB) as compared to aerobic packaging (A). Under these treatments, whey cheese samples maintained good sensory characteristics. This study has shown that the combined use of either VP or MAP, and basil EO, can extend the shelf life of whey cheese and maintain the freshness and the sensorial characteristics of the product.     

Study of organic acids, volatile fraction and caseins of a new Halloumi-type cheese during ripening in whey brine

Organic acids, fat hydrolysis, volatile compounds and sensory characteristics of a new brine cheese which combines characteristics of Halloumi and Feta cheeses during its ripening in whey brine (100g NaCl L⁻¹) were studied. Thermotolerant protease of Mucor miehei as a coagulant enzyme and a mixture of thermotolerant starter cultures Enterococcus faecium 0165 (0.5% w/w) and Lactobacillus casei 80 10D were used. Good quality new Halloumi-type cheese was produced with higher proteolysis than traditional Halloumi cheese kept in whey brine. The volatile compounds identified comprised alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, acids, esters, hydrocarbons and sulphur compounds. Ethanol was the dominant volatile compound determined. Lactic acid was the dominant acid produced; its concentration increased during ripening, reaching a maximum value of 9929 mg kg⁻¹ at day 30. Acetic acid was also found in high amounts, which increased during cheese ripening. Lipolysis of cheese was not intense. The most abundant acids of the mature cheese were palmitic, oleic and acetic acid. The Halloumi-type cheese scored higher in the sensory analysis when fresh than did the mature cheese.