Effect of substituting whey cream for sweet cream on the textural and rheological properties of cream cheese

In the manufacture of cream cheese, sweet cream and milk are blended to prepare the cream cheese mix, although other ingredients such as condensed skim milk and skim milk powder may also be included. Whey cream (WC) is an underutilized fat source, which has smaller fat droplets and slightly different chemical composition than sweet cream. This study investigated the rheological and textural properties of cream cheeses manufactured by substituting sweet cream with various levels of WC. Three different cream cheese mixes were prepared: control mix (CC; 0% WC), cream cheese mixes containing 25% WC (25WC; i.e., 75% sweet cream), and cream cheese mixes with 75% WC (75WC; i.e., 25% sweet cream). The CC, 25WC, and 75WC mixes were then used to manufacture cream cheeses. We also studied the effect of WC on the initial step in cream cheese manufacture (i.e., the acid gelation process monitored using dynamic small amplitude rheology). Acid gels were also prepared with added denatured whey proteins or membrane proteins/phospholipids (PL) to evaluate how these components affected gel properties. The rheological, textural, and sensory properties of cream cheeses were also measured. The WC samples had significantly higher levels of PL and insoluble protein compared with sweet cream. An increase in the level of WC reduced the rate of acid gel development, similar to the effect of whey phospholipid concentrate added to mixes. In cream cheese, an increase in the level of added WC resulted in significantly lower storage modulus values at temperatures <20°C. Texture results, obtained from instrumental and sensory analyses, showed that high level of WC resulted in significantly lower firmness or hardness values and higher stickiness compared with cream cheeses made with 25WC or CC cream cheeses. The softer, less elastic gels or cheeses resulting from the use of high levels of WC are likely due to the presence of components such as PL and proteins from the native milk fat globule membrane. The use of low levels of WC in cream cheese did not alter the texture, whereas high levels of WC could be used if manufacturers want to produce more spreadable products.     

不同亲水胶体对再制奶油奶酪品质的影响

通过研究刺槐豆胶、卡拉胶、海藻酸钠、瓜尔豆胶和黄原胶5种不同亲水胶体对以切达奶酪为原料,直接酸化法得到的再制奶油奶酪品质的影响,来选择较佳的亲水胶体方案。实验结果表明,亲水胶体对样品各方面的性质影响显著,对持水性和持油性的影响尤为明显。本体系适用不凝胶的亲水胶体。黄原胶和刺槐豆胶是最佳的选择,并建议2种胶体单独使用。     

谷氨酰胺转移酶提高奶油干酪得率的研究

谷氨酰胺转移酶具有交联蛋白,提高产率的作用,本文通过单因素实验,把TG酶应用到奶油干酪中,分别研究不同添加量(0.004%、0.04%、0.4%)、不同添加方式(发酵剂和TG酶同时加入,再加入凝乳酶;发酵剂加入后,再加入凝乳酶和TG酶,以及添加发酵剂后,再加入TG酶)对奶油干酪的品质及产率的影响。确定TG酶最适的添加量和添加方式为发酵剂和0.04%TG酶同时加入后,再加入凝乳酶,可以提高奶油干酪的品质及产率,化学成分及pH符合标准。      

Effects of processing on rheology and structure of double cream cheese

Double cream cheese curd was industrially made and post-treated in a pilot scale plant. After storage at 5 °C for 7–9 days, rheological properties of the intermediate and final products were measured using penetrometry, flow curves recording and dynamic testing. Results showed that the curds exhibited timedependent hysteresis of the flow properties and polymer-like dynamic viscoelastic behaviour, independently of the manufacturing stage. Curd mixing at 70 °C and 500 r.p.m. with salt and predenatured whey protein concentrate and dynamic cooling at 20 or 13 °C decreased firmness and dynamic viscoelastic parameters G′ and G″, while tan δ (G″/G′) increased. There was a breakdown of the curd with a decrease in elastic deformation, typical of a solid material and a corresponding increase in viscous flow, characteristic of a liquid. On the other hand, evolution of the rheological parameters was the reverse after heat treatment at 85 °C and homogenization at 20 MPa (first stage) + 5 MPa (second stage). The curd structure was developed with a transition of behaviour to that typical of an elastic solid. Curd cooled dynamically to 13 °C became unstable during subsequent storage. This phenomenon was thought to result from an important breakdown of the curd during dynamic cooling and from aggregation of the milk fat globules during storage.     

Effect of type of concentrated sweet cream buttermilk on the manufacture, yield, and functionality of pizza cheese

Sweet cream buttermilk (SCB) is a rich source of phospholipids (PL). Most SCB is sold in a concentrated form. This study was conducted to determine if different concentration processes could affect the behavior of SCB as an ingredient in cheese. Sweet cream buttermilk was concentrated by 3 methods: cold ( < 7°C) UF, cold reverse osmosis (RO), and evaporation (EVAP). A washed, stirred-curd pizza cheese was manufactured using the 3 different types of concentrated SCB as an ingredient in standardized milk. Cheesemilks of casein:fat ratio of 1.0 and final casein content ∼2.7% were obtained by blending ultrafiltered (UF)-SCB retentate (19.9% solids), RO-SCB retentate (21.9% solids), or EVAP-SCB retentate (36.6% solids) with partially skimmed milk (11.2% solids) and cream (34.6% fat). Control milk (11.0% solids) was standardized by blending partially skimmed milk with cream. Cheese functionality was assessed using dynamic low-amplitude oscillatory rheology, UW Meltprofiler (degree of flow after heating to 60°C), and performance of cheese on pizza. Initial trials with SCB-fortified cheeses resulted in ∼4 to 5% higher moisture (51 to 52%) than control cheese (∼47%). In subsequent trials, procedures were altered to obtain similar moisture content in all cheeses. Fat recoveries were significantly lower in RO- and EVAP-SCB cheeses than in control or UF-SCB cheeses. Nitrogen recoveries were not significantly different but tended to be slightly lower in control cheeses than the various SCB cheeses. Total PL recovered in SCB cheeses (∼32 to 36%) were lower than control (∼41%), even though SCB is high in PL. From the rheology test, the loss tangent curves at temperatures > 40°C increased as cheese aged up to a month and were significantly lower in SCB cheeses than the control, indicating lower meltability. Degree of flow in all the cheeses was similar regardless of the treatment used, and as cheese ripened, it increased for all cheeses. Trichloroacetic acid-soluble N levels were similar in the control and SCB-fortified cheese. On baked pizza, cheese made from milk fortified with UF-SCB tended to have the lowest amount of free oil, but flavor attributes of all cheeses were similar. Addition of concentrated SCB to standardize cheesemilk for pizza cheese did not adversely affect functional properties of cheese but increased cheese moisture without changes in manufacturing procedure.     

Survival,growth characteristics and bioactive potential of Lactobacillus acidophilus in a soy‐based cream cheese

BACKGROUND: Soy‐based products have received much attention lately as dairy replacers and carriers for probiotics, without the cholesterol and lactose intolerance factors. We have previously developed a soy cream cheese product and would like to evaluate its suitability as a carrier for probiotic microorganisms. Soy cream cheese is commercially uncommon, while a probiotic soy cream cheese is yet to be available in the market. RESULTS: Five strains of probiotics were screened for their α‐galactosidase activity. Lactobacillus acidophilus FTCC 0291 showed the highest α‐galactosidase‐specific activity and was incorporated into soy cream cheese for a storage study of 20 days at 25 and 4 °C. L. acidophilus FTCC 0291 in soy cream cheese at both storage temperatures maintained a viability exceeding 10⁷ CFU g^?1 over storage. Oligosaccharide and reducing sugar analyses indicated that L. acidophilus FTCC 0291 was capable of utilizing the existing reducing sugars in soymilk and concurrently hydrolyzing the oligosaccharides into simpler sugars for growth. L. acidophilus FTCC 0291 also produced organic acids, leading to decreased pH. Under low pH and high organic acid concentration, the growth of total aerobes and anaerobes was significantly (P < 0.05) suppressed compared to the control. The hydrolysis of protein in soymilk produced essential growth factors such as peptides and amino acids that may have promoted the growth of L. acidophilus FTCC 0291 and the release of bioactive peptides with in vitro angiotensin I‐converting enzyme inhibitory activity. CONCLUSION: This study showed that soy cream cheese could be used as a carrier for probiotic bacteria, with potential antihypertensive property. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Confocal scanning laser microscopy and quantitative image analysis: application to cream cheese microstructure investigation

The naked eye observation of cream cheese confocal scanning laser microscopy images only provides qualitative information about its microstructure. Because those products are dense dairy gels, confocal scanning laser microscopy images of 2 different cream cheeses may appear close. Quantitative image analysis is then necessary to compensate for human eye deficiency (e.g., lack of precision, subjectivity). Two kinds of quantitative image analysis were performed in this study: high-order statistical methods and grayscale mathematical morphology. They were applied to study the microstructure of 3 different cream cheeses (same manufacturing process, same dry matter content, but different fat and protein contents). Advantages and drawbacks of both methods are reviewed. The way they may be used to describe cream cheese microstructure is also presented.     

超高压处理对奶油奶酪质构、风味及货架期的影响

目的:确定超高压(HHP)处理奶酪的最适条件。方法:以自制奶油奶酪为研究对象,探究超高压处理压力对奶油奶酪质构、风味及货架期的影响。通过质构仪、固相微萃取—气相色谱质谱联用仪及菌落计数法分别对奶酪的质构、风味物质、微生物等进行测定。结果:经HHP处理后,奶油奶酪的硬度、黏性、耐咀性呈降低趋势;当处理压力为300 MPa时,奶酪的弹性达到最高,比未处理奶酪增加了14.0%(P<0.05);当处理压力≥400 MPa时,奶酪挥发性物质的含量和种类明显降低,且200,300 MPa处理奶酪与未处理奶酪均位于第一主成分区域;HHP处理人工染菌后的奶油奶酪,其菌落数显著下降(P<0.05),且处理压力越大,杀菌效果越好;当HHP处理压力≥300 MPa时,奶酪的货架期从7 d延长至21 d。结论:经HHP处理的奶油奶酪有良好的质地和风味,且其货架期有效延长。     

Light-induced formation of free radicals in cream cheese

Radicals were found, by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, to accumulate in cream cheese (26% fat, 7% protein) and more significantly in low fat cream cheese (17% fat, 11% protein) upon light exposure. The decay of radicals following illumination (875 lux, with a strong UV-component for up to 80 min) followed first-order kinetics with a half-life at room temperature of around 0.5 h both for cream cheese and low fat cream cheese. The surprisingly long-lived radicals had a broad structureless ESR-spectrum (g-value of 2.006) which, for partly desiccated cream cheese, changed towards a nitrogen-centred ESR powder spectrum (g-value of 2.0014) typical for immobilised protein-based radicals. The protein oxidation product, dimethyl disulphide, and the lipid oxidation products, hexanal and 2-butanone, were detected by GC-analysis in higher concentrations in the outer 1 mm layer than in the second layer (of 1 mm thickness) of the product, in agreement with absorption of 99% of the UV-light intensity in the outer 1 mm layer. The low fat cream cheese had higher levels of both lipid and protein oxidation products, in agreement with the higher steady state concentration of radicals and confirming the role of proteins in oxidative changes also for lipids in cheese. The low fat cream cheese was initially more oxidised than was the cream cheese, as seen from the peroxide values, and oxidation products in lipid droplets could be visualised in three dimensions by confocal laser scanning microscopy, using the fluorescent probe C₁₁-Bodipy (581/591).     

Effect of seasonal variation on the properties of whipping cream,soft cheese and skim milk powder in the UK

Whipping cream, skim milk powder and soft cheese were produced throughout the year. Whipping cream manufactured in spring and winter produced significantly higher overrun and better serum stability, and whipping time was related to buffering capacity of raw milk. Heat stability of reconstituted skim milk powder (RSMP) at 9% total solids (TS) was greater in summer and autumn, and >25% TS throughout the year. It was positively related to the protein content of raw milk, but negatively with fat. In contrast to other dairy products, no significant effect of season on the properties of soft cheese was found.     

Detection of aflatoxin M1 in milk,cheese and sour cream samples from Costa Rica using enzyme-assisted extraction and HPLC

Aflatoxins are toxic fungal metabolites, which can be found in feed. Aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) is excreted into milk when ruminants ingest aflatoxin B₁ contaminated feedstuffs. Due to its carcinogenic potential, contamination of milk and dairy products with AFM₁ may pose a risk for consumers. Hence, it is considered a public health concern. In this survey, the level of AFM₁ contamination of dairy products marketed in Costa Rica was determined by enzyme-assisted extraction, immunoaffinity clean-up and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a fluorescent detector (HPLC-FLD) in fluid milk (n = 70), fresh cheese (n = 70) and sour cream (n = 70) collected at local convenience stores and supermarkets. AFM₁ concentrations in milk and fresh cheese ranged from 19 to 629 ng/L and from 31 to 276 ng/L, with mean values of 136 ng/L and 74 ng/L, respectively, whereas none of the sour cream samples analysed tested positive for this aflatoxin. In 30 milk samples, and 10 cheese samples, AFM₁ concentrations surpassed threshold concentrations as established by the European Commission. Thus, sour cream and – to a lesser extent – cheese manufacturing seems to reduce the amount of AFM₁ present in milk, possibly due to fraction redistribution or microbiological degradation. The survey results reveal improper quality control procedures in the Costa Rican dairy industry. Therefore, a surveillance programme for dairy products in our country is recommended.     

Size,shape, and identity of surface crystals and their relationship to sensory perception of grittiness in soft smear-ripened cheeses

Soft smear-ripened cheeses undergo extensive surface crystallization and radial demineralization of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which likely contributes to radial softening during ripening. Furthermore, anecdotal evidence suggests that grittiness is a common characteristic of smear-ripened cheeses. The primary aims of the present study were to evaluate the intensity of perceived grittiness while assessing other key sensory attributes in US artisanal and European protected designation of origin smear-ripened cheeses, and to relate perceived grittiness to the size, shape, and identity of crystals present in the cheese surface smears. Fully ripened wheels of 24 different varieties of smear-ripened cheeses, 16 produced in the United States and 8 in the European Union, were obtained from retail sources. A trained sensory panel (n = 12) was employed to evaluate intensity of grittiness. Crystals present in the cheese smears were identified by powder X-ray diffractometry and polarized light microscopy, and further evaluated in polarized light microscopy micrographs by image analysis for size and shape characteristics. Mean sensory scores for the 24 cheeses ranged from no perceived grittiness to easily identifiable grittiness. Surface crystals included ikaite, struvite, calcite, and brushite, and mean crystal length and area ranged among cheeses from 27 to 1,096 μm, and 533 to 213,969 μm², respectively. Panel threshold for grittiness occurred at a mean crystal length of about 66 μm and mean crystal area of about 2,913 μm². Cheeses with mean values at or below these thresholds displayed negligible perceived grittiness. In contrast, for cheeses with mean values above these thresholds, the mean sensory scores for grittiness were highly correlated with mean crystal length and crystal area (r = 0.93 and 0.96, respectively). Results suggest that surface crystals in soft smear-ripened cheeses influence sensory perception of texture in complex ways that likely include radial softening and grittiness development. A better understanding of factors that govern surface crystal formation may lead to improved control over crystallization and more consistent cheese texture.     

Characterization of aromatic properties of old-style cheese starters

Old-style cheese starters were evaluated to determine their ability to produce cheese aroma compounds. Detailed analyses of the aroma-producing potential of 13 old-style starter cultures were undertaken. The proteolytic profile of the starters was established by an accelerated ripening study using a model cheese slurry and compared with those of a commercial aromatic starter and commercial Cheddar cheeses. To evaluate the aromatic potential of the starter cultures, quantification of free amino acids liberated and volatile compounds after 15 d of ripening at 30°C as well as sensory analysis were carried out. Results showed that proteolysis patterns of all 13 starter cultures in the curd model were comparable to those of commercial Cheddar cheeses. All tested cultures demonstrated the ability to produce high amounts of amino acids recognized as precursors of aroma compounds. Several differences were observed between the starters and commercial Cheddar cheeses regarding some amino acids such as glutamate, leucine, phenylalanine, proline, and ornithine, reflecting the various enzymatic systems present in the starters. Starters Bt (control) and ULAAC-E exhibited various significant differences regarding their free amino acid profiles, as confirmed by sensory analysis. In addition, identification of volatile compounds confirmed the presence of several key molecules related to aroma, such as 3-methylbutanal and diacetyl. Besides the aroma-producing aspect, 2 starters (ULAAC-A and ULAAC-H) seem to possess an important ability to generate large amounts of γ-aminobutyric acid, which contributed up to 15% of the total amino acids present in the model curd after 15 d ripening. γ-Aminobutyric acid is an amine well-known for its antihypertensive and calming effects.     

Effect of natural cheese characteristics on process cheese properties

Natural cheese is the major ingredient utilized to manufacture process cheese. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of natural cheese characteristics on the chemical and functional properties of process cheese. Three replicates of 8 natural (Cheddar) cheeses with 2 levels of calcium and phosphorus, residual lactose, and salt-to-moisture ratio (S/M) were manufactured. After 2 mo of ripening, each of the 8 natural cheeses was converted to 8 process cheese foods that were balanced for their composition, including moisture, fat, salt, and total protein. In addition to the standard compositional analysis (moisture, fat, salt, and total protein), the chemical properties (pH, total Ca, total P, and intact casein) and the functional properties [texture profile analysis (TPA), modified Schreiber melt test, dynamic stress rheometry, and rapid visco analysis] of the process cheese foods were determined. Natural cheese Ca and P, as well as S/M, significantly increased total Ca and P, pH, and intact casein in the process cheese food. Natural cheese Ca and P and S/M also significantly affected the final functional properties of the process cheese food. With the increase in natural cheese Ca and P and S/M, there was a significant increase in the TPA-hardness and the viscous properties of process cheese food, whereas the meltability of the process cheese food significantly decreased. Consequently, natural cheese characteristics such as Ca and P and S/M have a significant influence on the chemical and the final functional properties of process cheese.     

Manufacture of magnesium-fortified Chihuahua cheese

The aim of this study was to manufacture magnesium-fortified Chihuahua cheese and to evaluate the effect of magnesium fortification on quality parameters. Addition of magnesium chloride to milk during pasteurization (5.44, 10.80, 16.40, 22.00, and 25.20 g of MgCl₂·6H₂O/L of milk) resulted in cheese with increased magnesium content, proportional to the amount of magnesium added (up to 2,957.13 mg of Mg/kg of cheese). As magnesium content increased, coagulation time and moisture content also increased, whereas calcium content decreased. Higher levels of magnesium fortification (16.40 g of MgCl₂·6H₂O/L of milk or more) induced the development of bitter-acid flavors and softer texture. Addition of 10.80 g of MgCl₂·6H₂O/L to milk resulted in Chihuahua cheese that meets regulatory standards and possesses physicochemical and sensory characteristics similar to those of nonfortified Chihuahua cheese. Under this milk fortification level, the manufactured cheese is able to provide 148.4 mg of magnesium per day (35% of the recommended daily intake of magnesium for adult males and 46% for adult females) assuming 3 portions (28 g each) are consumed.     

Effect of homogenisation of cheese milk and high‐shear mixing of the curd during cream cheese manufacture

The role of the homogenisation pressure of cheese milk (0, 25, 100 MPa) and high‐shear mixing of cheese curd at different speeds (750, 1500, and 3000 r.p.m.) and times (2 and 4 min) in improving the texture of medium‐fat cream cheese was investigated independently. Homogenisation resulted in small fat globules and firmer texture, while increasing speed and mixing times resulted in a decrease in curd particle size and an increase in the spreadability of the cheese. All curd samples from both the trials exhibited shear‐thinning behaviour. Unhomogenised milk and high‐shear mixing of the curd showed a low coefficient of friction (better lubrication property).     

Influence of condensed sweet cream buttermilk on the manufacture, yield, and functionality of pizza cheese

Compositional changes in raw and pasteurized cream and unconcentrated sweet cream buttermilk (SCB) obtained from a local dairy were investigated over 1 yr. Total phospholipid (PL) composition in SCB ranged from 0.113 to 0.153%. Whey protein denaturation in pasteurized cream over 1 yr ranged from 18 to 59%. Pizza cheese was manufactured from milk standardized with condensed SCB (∼34.0% total solids, 9.0% casein, 17.8% lactose). Effects of using condensed SCB on composition, yield, PL recovery, and functional properties of pizza cheese were investigated. Cheesemilks were prepared by adding 0, 2, 4, and 6% (wt/wt) condensed SCB to part-skim milk, and cream was added to obtain cheesemilks with ∼11.2 to 12.7% total solids and casein:fat ratio of ∼1. Use of condensed SCB resulted in a significant increase in cheese moisture. Cheese-making procedures were modified to obtain similar cheese moisture contents. Fat and nitrogen recoveries in SCB cheeses were slightly lower and higher, respectively, than in control cheeses. Phospholipid recovery in cheeses was below 40%. Values of pH and 12% trichloro-acetic acid-soluble nitrogen were similar among all treatments. Cheeses made from milk standardized with SCB showed less melt and stretch than control cheese, especially at the 4 and 6% SCB levels. Addition of SCB significantly lowered free oil at wk 1 but there were no significant differences at wk 2 and 4. Use of SCB did not result in oxidized flavor in unmelted cheeses. At low levels (e.g., 2% SCB), addition of condensed SCB improved cheese yield without affecting compositional, rheological, and sensory properties of cheese.     

酶改性干酪的生产技术

目前获得有营养的、经济的和持续的干酪风味产品的方法主要是酶改性干酪(Enzyme Modified Cheese,EMC)。生产EMC所需的技术包括水解干酪/凝乳使用的酶(蛋白酶、肽酶、脂肪酶和酯酶),在可控条件下,水解直到得到所需的风味。EMC的风味最高可达天然干酪风味的30倍,使用这种方法可以生产出许多不同种类的干酪风味产品。主要介绍EMC风味产生的概况,以及生产EMC所需的酶及技术等。