Application of exopolysaccharide-producing cultures in reduced-fat Cheddar cheese: composition and proteolysis

Proteolysis during ripening of reduced fat Cheddar cheeses made with different exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing and nonproducing cultures was studied. A ropy strain of Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris (JFR1) and capsule-forming nonropy and moderately ropy strains of Streptococcus thermophilus were used in making reduced-fat Cheddar cheese. Commercial Cheddar starter was used in making full-fat cheese. Results showed that the actual yield of cheese made with JFR1 was higher than that of all other reduced-fat cheeses. Cheese made with JFR1 contained higher moisture, moisture in the nonfat substance, and residual coagulant activity than all other reduced-fat cheeses. Proteolysis, as determined by PAGE and the level of water-soluble nitrogen, was also higher in cheese made with JFR1 than in all other cheeses. The HPLC analysis showed a significant increase in hydrophobic peptides (causing bitterness) during storage of cheese made with JFR1. Cheese made with the capsule-forming nonropy adjunct of S. thermophilus, which contained lower moisture and moisture in the nonfat substance levels and lower chymosin activity than did cheese made with JFR1, accumulated less hydrophobic peptides. In conclusion, some EPS-producing cultures produced reduced-fat Cheddar cheese with moisture in the nonfat substance similar to that in its full-fat counterpart without the need for modifying the standard cheese-making protocol. Such cultures might accumulate hydrophobic (bitter) peptides if they do not contain the system able to hydrolyze them. For making high quality reduced-fat Cheddar cheese, EPS-producing cultures should be used in conjunction with debittering strains.     

The effect of some manufacturing conditions on the development of flavour in Cheddar cheese

Organoleptic assessments by the NIRD panel of Cheddar cheeses made with Streptococcus cremoris NCDO 924 or 1986, either in enclosed vats excluding nonstarter flora or in open vats, showed that high viable starter populations in curd did not give stronger-flavoured cheese, but led to the development of bitterness. Cheeses made in open vats developed typical flavour more rapidly than those made in enclosed vats. Maturation temperature was the most important factor in determining the flavour intensity; cheese ripened at 13d?C for six months had stronger flavour than corresponding ones ripened at 6d?C for nine months, irrespective of the starter or vat used.     

Utilisation of a cell‐free extract of lactic acid bacteria entrapped in yeast to enhance flavour development in Cheddar cheese

A lactococcal cell‐free extract (CFE) was successfully entrapped in freeze‐dried attenuated yeast. The entrapment process involved passive diffusion of enzymes from the CFE into the yeast during hydration. The entrapped CFE was subsequently added during Cheddar cheese production and its impact on a range of ripening parameters compared to added attenuated yeast or CFE alone. Statistically significant differences were evident for secondary proteolysis, sensory attributes and volatiles, which were related to enhanced enzymatic and metabolic activity from the attenuated yeast and entrapped CFE. This study highlights the potential of attenuated yeast as a vector to augment flavour development in Cheddar cheese.     

Effect of commercial lipolytic enzymes on flavour development in Cheddar cheese

The addition of commercial lipolytic enzymes to experimental Cheddar cheese accelerated the liberation of free fatty acids during ripening. The substrate specificity of the added enzymes generally governed the chain lengths of the free fatty acids in the cheeses. None of the enzymes accelerated the formation of typical flavour in either the presence or the absence of a flavour-enhancing proteinase, but higher addition levels produced lipolytic rancidity.     

The effect of aging on low-fat, reduced-fat, and full-fat Cheddar cheese texture

This study investigated the effects of aging and fat content on the texture of Cheddar cheese, both mechanical and sensory aspects, over a 9-mo aging period. Cheeses of 6, 16, and 33% fat were tested at 0.5, 3, 6, and 9 mo of aging. Cheeses were evaluated by a trained sensory panel using an established texture lexicon as well as instrumental methods, which were used to probe cheese structure. Sensory analysis showed that low-fat cheeses were differentiated from full-fat cheeses by being more springy and firm and this difference widened as the cheeses aged. In addition, full-fat cheeses broke down more during chewing than the lower fat cheeses and the degree of breakdown increased with aging. Mechanical properties were divided by magnitude of deformation during the test and separated into 3 ranges: the linear viscoelastic region, the nonlinear region, and fracture point. These regions represent a stress/strain response from low to high magnitude, respectively. Strong relationships between sensory terms and rheological properties determined in the linear (maximum compliance) and nonlinear (critical stress and strain and a nonlinear shape factor) regions were revealed. Some correlations were seen with fracture values, but these were not as high as terms related to the nonlinear region of the cheeses. The correlations pointed to strain-weakening behavior being the critical mechanical property. This was associated with higher fat content cheeses breaking down more as strain increased up to fracture. Increased strain weakening associated with an increase in fat content was attributed to fat producing weak points in the protein network, which became initiation sites for fracture within the structure. This suggests that fat replacers need to serve this functional role.     

Effect of various high-pressure treatments on the properties of reduced-fat Cheddar cheese

A major problem with reduced-fat cheese is the difficulty in attaining the characteristic flavor and texture of typical full-fat versions. Some previous studies have suggested that high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) can accelerate the ripening of full-fat cheeses. Our objective was to investigate the effect of HHP on reduced-fat (~7.3% fat) Cheddar cheese, with the goal of improving its flavor and texture. We used a central composite rotatable design with response surface methodology to study the effect of pressure and holding time on the rheological, physical, chemical, and microbial characteristics of reduced-fat Cheddar cheese. A 2-level factorial experimental design was chosen to study the effects of the independent variables (pressure and holding time). Pressures were varied from around 50 to 400 MPa and holding times ranged from 2.5 to 19.5 min. High pressure was applied 1 wk after cheese manufacture, and analyses were performed at 2 wk, and 1, 3, and 6 mo. The insoluble calcium content as a percentage of total Ca in cheeses were not affected by pressure treatment. Pressure applications ≥225 MPa resulted in softer cheese texture during ripening. Pressures ≥225 MPa increased melt, and resulted in higher maximum loss tangent values at 2 wk. Pressure treatment had a greater effect on cheese microbial and textural properties than holding time. High-pressure-treated cheeses also had higher pH values than the control. We did not observe any significant difference in rates of proteolysis between treatments. In conclusion, holding times of around 5 min and pressures of ≥225 MPa could potentially be used to improve the excessively firm texture of reduced-fat cheese.     

Effect of curd washing on cheese proteolysis,texture, volatile compounds,and sensory grading in full fat Cheddar cheese

Curd was washed to varying degrees during Cheddar cheese manufacture, by partial replacement of whey with water at the early stages of cooking, to give target levels of lactose plus lactic acid in cheese moisture of 5.3 (control), 4.5, 4.3 and 3.9% (w/w). The cheeses were matured at 8 °C for 270 days. While curd washing had little effect on composition or the mean levels of proteolysis (as measured by pH 4.6 soluble nitrogen and levels of free amino acids), it led to cheeses that were, overall, firmer and less brittle. Curd washing resulted in cheeses having lower levels of some volatile compounds, and being less acid, more buttery, sweeter, saltier and creamier than non-washed cheeses that had more 'sweaty', pungent and farmyard-like sensory notes. The results suggest that curd washing during Cheddar manufacture may be used as a means of creating variants with distinctive flavour profiles.     

Effects of exopolysaccharide-producing cultures on the viscoelastic properties of reduced-fat Cheddar cheese

The objective was to study the influence of different exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing and nonproducing lactic cultures on the viscoelastic properties of reduced-fat Cheddar cheese. Changes in the viscoelastic properties were followed over a ripening period of 6 mo. Results showed that the elastic, viscous, and complex moduli were higher in reduced-fat cheeses made with EPS-nonproducing cultures than in full-fat cheese. No differences in the viscoelastic properties were found between young reduced-fat cheese made with a ropy strain of Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris (JFR1) and its full-fat counterpart. Interestingly, the changes in viscoelastic moduli in both full-fat cheese and reduced-fat cheese made with JFR1 during ripening followed the same pattern. Whereas the moduli increased during the first month of ripening in those 2 cheeses, a dramatic decrease was observed in all other cheeses. Slopes of the viscoelastic moduli as a function of frequency were lower in the full-fat than in reduced-fat cheeses. The creep test showed that fresh reduced-fat cheese made with JFR1 was less rigid and more deformable than that made with EPS-nonproducing cultures. The creep and recovery properties of young reduced-fat cheese made with JFR1 and the full-fat type were similar. No differences were found in the viscoelastic properties between reduced-fat cheese made with no EPS and those made with EPS-producing adjunct cultures of Streptococcus thermophilus. After 6 mo of ripening, cheeses made with EPS-producing cultures maintained lower elastic and viscous moduli than did those made with no EPS.     

Improvement of texture and structure of reduced-fat Cheddar cheese by exopolysaccharide-producing lactococci

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of capsular and ropy exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing strains of Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris on textural and microstructural attributes during ripening of 50%-reduced-fat Cheddar cheese. Cheeses were manufactured with added capsule- or ropy-forming strains individually or in combination. For comparison, reduced-fat cheese with or without lecithin added at 0.2% (wt/vol) to cheese milk and full-fat cheeses were made using EPS-nonproducing starter, and all cheeses were ripened at 7°C for 6 mo. Exopolysaccharide-producing strains increased cheese moisture retention by 3.6 to 4.8% and cheese yield by 0.28 to 1.19 kg/100 kg compared with control cheese, whereas lecithin-containing cheese retained 1.4% higher moisture and had 0.37 kg/100 kg higher yield over the control cheese. Texture profile analyses for 0-d-old cheeses revealed that cheeses with EPS-producing strains had less firm, springy, and cohesive texture but were more brittle than control cheeses. However, these effects became less pronounced after 6 mo of ripening. Using transmission electron microscopy, fresh and aged cheeses with added EPS-producing strains showed a less compact protein matrix through which larger whey pockets were dispersed compared with control cheese. The numerical analysis of transmission electron microscopy images showed that the area in the cheese matrix occupied by protein was smaller in cheeses with added EPS-producing strains than in control cheese. On the other hand, lecithin had little impact on both cheese texture and microstructure; after 6 mo, cheese containing lecithin showed a texture profile very close to that of control reduced-fat cheese. The protein-occupied area in the cheese matrix did not appear to be significantly affected by lecithin addition. Exopolysaccharide-producing strains could contribute to the modification of cheese texture and microstructure and thus modify the functional properties of reduced-fat Cheddar cheese.     

Comparison of different bacterial culture systems for the production of reduced-fat Cheddar cheese

Six different culture systems, two controls (A and B) containing mesophilic starter lactococci and four experimental systems (C, D, E and F) containing mesophilic lactococci plus adjunct cultures (all of which contained Lactobacillus helveticus ), were compared for their effects on the quality of reduced-fat Cheddar cheese (175 g/kg fat). Adjunct cultures (i.e. C, D and F) resulted in cheeses having significantly higher concentrations of low molecular mass peptides (i.e. < 0.5 kDa) and free amino acids than the control cheeses. The adjunct cultures D and F resulted in cheeses that received higher flavour scores and were more acceptable than the control cheeses at 90 and 180 days.     

乳酸菌自溶对切达干酪成熟中蛋白质分解的影响

选取自溶度不同的乳杆菌作为附属发酵剂混合商业发酵剂制作切达干酪,研究了乳酸菌自溶对干酪成熟的影响.测定成熟期间各干酪中乳酸菌活菌数、pH值、pH4.6可溶氮质量分数和12%TCA可溶氮质量分数.并结合SDS-PAGE分析干酪蛋白质的水解情况.结果表明,各实验组干酪的12%TCA可溶性氮含量随着成熟时间延长逐渐增加.在1个月后不同组别之间差异显著(P<0.05).与对照组干酪相比,加入高自溶度菌株的实验组干酪蛋白分解程度较高,非蛋白氮的质量分数为8.00%.同时,SDS-PAGE结果显示,各干酪的蛋白质都有-定程度的分解.产物略有不同.乳酸菌自溶可以加速蛋白质分解.     

Application of exopolysaccharide-producing cultures in reduced-fat Cheddar cheese: texture and melting properties

Textural, melting, and sensory characteristics of reduced-fat Cheddar cheeses made with exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing and nonproducing cultures were monitored during ripening. Hardness, gumminess, springiness, and chewiness significantly increased in the cheeses as fat content decreased. Cheese made with EPS-producing cultures was the least affected by fat reduction. No differences in hardness, springiness, and chewiness were found between young reduced fat cheese made with a ropy Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris [JFR1; the culture that produced reduced-fat cheese with moisture in the nonfat substance (MNFS) similar to that in its full-fat counterpart] and its full-fat counterpart. Whereas hardness of full-fat cheese and reduced-fat cheese made with JFR1 increased during ripening, a significant decrease in its value was observed in all other cheeses. After 6 mo of ripening, reduced fat cheeses made with all EPS-producing cultures maintained lower values of all texture profile analysis parameters than did those made with no EPS. Fat reduction decreased cheese meltability. However, no differences in meltability were found between the young full-fat cheese and the reduced-fat cheese made with the ropy culture JFR1. Both the aged full- and reduced-fat cheeses made with JFR1 had similar melting patterns. When heated, they both became soft and creamy without losing shape, whereas reduced-fat cheese made with no EPS ran and separated into greasy solids and liquid. No differences were detected by panelists between the textures of the full-fat cheese and reduced-fat cheese made with JFR1, both of which were less rubbery or firm, curdy, and crumbly than all other reduced-fat cheeses.     

Effect of anthocyanin-absorbed whey protein microgels on physicochemical and textural properties of reduced-fat Cheddar cheese

Reduced-fat foods have become more popular due to their health benefits; however, reducing the fat content of food affects the sensory experience. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the sensory acceptance of reduced-fat foods to that of full-fat equivalents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding whey protein microgels (WPM) with an average diameter of 4 μm, or WPM with adsorbed anthocyanins [WPM (Ant)] on the textural and sensory properties of reduced-fat Cheddar cheese (RFC). Reduced-fat Cheddar cheese was prepared in 2 ways: (1) by adding WPM, designated as RFC+M, or (2) by adding WPM (Ant), designated as RFC+M (Ant). For comparison, RFC without fat substitutes and full-fat Cheddar cheese were also prepared. We discovered that the addition of WPM and WPM (Ant) increased the moisture content, fluidity, and meltability of RFC, and reduced its hardness, springiness, and chewiness. The textural and sensory characteristics of RFC were markedly inferior to those of full-fat Cheddar cheese, whereas addition of WPM and WPM (Ant) significantly improved the sensory characteristics of RFC. The WPM and WPM (Ant) showed a high potential as fat substitutes and anthocyanin carriers to effectively improve the acceptance of reduced-fat foods.     

Use of smear bacteria and yeasts to modify flavour and appearance of Cheddar cheese

The strains Staphylococcus saprophyticus DPC5671 and Corynebacterium casei DPC5298 were applied in combination with Debaryomyces hansenii DPC6258 to the surface of young Cheddar cheese curd to obtain two different smear-ripened cheeses. A surface microbiota developed over the incubation period, comprising of both yeast and bacteria; pulsed field gel electrophoresis confirmed that the inoculated strains of S. saprophyticus DPC5671 or C. casei DPC5298 were the dominant bacterial strains on the surface of the cheese at the end of the ripening period. The smear cultures changed the appearance and aroma, which were significantly different from the control cheese. The approach presented in this study represents a method for the development of new cheese varieties with novel aromas within a short ripening time.     

Elimination of the development of bitter flavour in Cheddar cheese made from milk containing heat-denatured whey protein

A method has been developed for increasing the yield of Cheddar cheese by as much as 7.5% by the incorporation of denatured whey protein in curd. The process effectively eliminates the development of intense bitter off-flavours which are generally associated with the production of cheese from acidified milk. Although the manufacturing procedure produces cheese with acceptable Cheddar flavour, the development of high quality Cheddar flavour is impaired     

Ca~(2+)质量分数和切割大小对Cheddar干酪质构及蛋白质水解的影响

研究了Ca2+质量分数和切割大小对cheddar干酪质构及蛋白质水解的影响.通过对产品质构的物性分析及对蛋白分解情况的测定,最终确定了最佳的Cheddar干酪的工艺参数.结果表明,CaC12的用量为0.015%(质量分数),切割大小6～8mm3其干酪的品质最佳.     

A new instrument to measure cheese curd rigidity, and preliminary trials in cheesemaking

A new instrument for the measurement of cheese curd rigidity is described. The instrument assesses rigidity by measuring the ability of the curd to transmit a compression wave. A diaphragm moves through a displacement of 0.5 mm at a frequency of 0.02 Hz, and the transmitted wave is received through a curd thickness of 8 mm by a sensitive pressure transducer. A continuous record of curd development is displayed on a recorder chart. Preliminary trials in commercial cheesemaking are described which show that the instrument is capable of monitoring the progress of curd development and allows the effect of cheesemaking variables on the maximum rate of firming and firmness at cutting time to be measured.