The production of low fat Cheddar-type cheese

A technique has been developed for the production of Cheddar-type cheese of intermediate (25%) and low (16%) fat content. The development of flavour and texture in these cheeses was monitored over a six-month maturation period. At the lower level of fat, the cheese did not develop adequate Cheddar flavour, and the cheese was over-firm. At the intermediate level of fat, a mild Cheddar flavour was produced, and the texture improved.     

Sensory properties of Cheddar cheese: changes during maturation

The aroma, flavour and texture of 16 samples of commercial Cheddar cheese have been profiled after ripening at 10 °C for 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 months. Systematic changes in sensory character have been studied and the main changes during maturation identified. Although sensory character changed slowly during ripening, assessment early in the maturation period was an unreliable estimate of ultimate sensory character. Progressive changes in Cheddar aroma and flavour, creamy flavour, acid flavour and mouth-coating character were noted during ripening. Changes in minor components of aroma and flavour were also observed but, on average, were small. Two samples eventually developed marked rancid character and another became excessively bitter. The relation between gross composition of the cheese and sensory properties was investigated. In the early stages of ripening, the ratings for Cheddar flavour and mouth-coating character were associated with the salt content of the cheese and with the concentration of fat in dry matter. However, as the cheese matured these associations weakened.     

Sensory properties of low fat cheddar cheese:effect of salt content and adjunct culture

The influence of salt concentration and of direct-to-vat culture adjuncts (DVCA) on the sensory properties of low fat hard cheese of the cheddar type has been investigated. Salt content has a major influence, and, at a level of 1·8%, low fat cheese with high levels of cheddar flavour and low bitter scores was produced. In addition, further enhancement of flavour was achieved by use of DVCA. Using the methodology described in this report, low fat cheese was manufactured which corresponded in flavour level and balance to that of commercial mature full fat cheese. Nevertheless, textural differences between low fat and full fat product remain to be resolved.     

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.     

Determination of fat,protein, moisture,and salt content of Cheddar cheese using mid-infrared transmittance spectroscopy

The objective of our work was to develop and evaluate the performance of a rapid method for measuring fat, protein, moisture, and salt content of Cheddar cheese using a combination mid-infrared (MIR) transmittance analysis and an in-line conductivity sensor in an MIR milk analyzer. Cheddar cheese was blended with a dissolving solution containing pentasodium triphosphate and disodium metasilicate to achieve a uniform, particle-free dispersion of cheese, which had a fat and protein content similar to milk and could be analyzed using a MIR transmittance milk analyzer. Annatto-colored Cheddar cheese samples (34) from one cheese factory were analyzed using reference chemistry methods for fat (Mojonnier ether extraction), crude protein (Kjeldahl), moisture (oven-drying total solids), and salt (Volhard silver nitrate titration). The same 34 cheese samples were also dissolved using the cheese dissolver solution, and then run through the MIR and used for calibration. The reference testing for fat and crude protein was done on the cheese after dispersion in the dissolver solution. Validation was done using a total of 36 annatto-colored Cheddar cheese samples from 4 cheese factories. The 36 validation cheese samples were also analyzed using near-infrared spectroscopy for fat, moisture, and the coulometric method for salt in each factory where they were produced. The validation cheeses were also tested using the same chemical reference methods that were used for analysis of the calibration samples. Standard error of prediction (SEP) values for moisture and fat on the near-infrared spectroscopy were 0.30 and 0.45, respectively, whereas the MIR produced SEP values of 0.28 and 0.23 for moisture (mean 36.82%) and fat (mean 34.0%), respectively. The MIR also out-performed the coulometric method for salt determination with SEP values of 0.036 and 0.139 at a mean level of salt of 1.8%, respectively. The MIR had an SEP value of 0.19 for estimation at a mean level of 24.0% crude protein, which suggests that MIR could be an easy and effective way for cheese producers to measure protein to determine protein recovery in cheese making.     

Esterases of lactic acid bacteria and cheese flavour: Milk fat hydrolysis,alcoholysis and esterification

Free fatty acids (FFAs) and esters derived from FFAs are important flavour compounds in cheese. Evidence is provided that esterases of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) catalyse not only hydrolysis of milk fat glycerides to release FFAs, but also synthesis of esters from glycerides and alcohols via a transferase reaction. The esterases of LAB prefer di- and monoglycerides for both hydrolysis and ester synthesis and are, in fact, alcohol acyltransferases that use both water (hydrolysis) and alcohol (alcoholysis) as acyl acceptors. Therefore, esterases of LAB can impact on both the lipolytic and ester flavours of cheese. The impact of esterases of LAB on cheese flavour can be controlled by manipulating the amount of the esterase, by regulating alcohol availability and/or by increasing the mono- and diglyceride composition of milk fat. In addition, esterification may play a role in ester synthesis in hard cheeses (e.g. Italian type) where water activity is low.     

Reduced-fat cheddar cheese manufactured using a novel fat removal process

Normally, reduced-fat Cheddar cheese is made by removal of fat from milk prior to cheese making. Typical aged flavor may not develop when 50% reduced-fat Cheddar cheese is produced by this approach. Moreover, the texture of the reduced-fat cheeses produced by the current method may often be hard and rubbery. Previous researchers have demonstrated that aged Cheddar cheese flavor intensity resides in the water-soluble fraction. Therefore, we investigated the feasibility of fat removal after the aging of Cheddar cheese. We hypothesized the typical aged cheese flavor would remain with the cheese following fat removal. A physical process for the removal of fat from full-fat aged Cheddar cheese was developed. The efficiency of fat removal at various temperatures, gravitational forces, and for various durations of applied forces was determined. Temperature had the greatest effect on the removal of fat. Gravitational force and the duration of applied force were less important at higher temperatures. A positive linear relationship between temperature and fat removal was observed from 20 to 33 degrees C. Conditions of 30 degrees C and 23,500 x g for 5 min removed 50% of the fat. The removed fat had some aroma but little or no taste. The fatty acid composition, triglyceride molecular weight distribution, and melting profile of the fat retained in the reduced-fat cheeses were all consistent with a slight increase in the proportion of saturated fat relative to the full-fat cheeses. The process of fat removal decreased the grams of saturated fat per serving of cheese from 6.30 to 3.11 g. The flavor intensity of the reduced-fat cheeses were at least as intense as the full-fat cheeses.     

氯化钠添加量对Cheddar干酪品质和介电特性的影响

以不同氯化钠(NaCl)添加量(0%、1%、2%、3%)的切达干酪(Cheddar cheese)为材料,对其90 d成熟期内的理化指标和成熟变化进行质构特性分析和介电特性测试,研究NaCl添加量对切达干酪成熟发育的影响。结果表明,NaCl添加量对干酪的理化指标有显著影响。NaCl添加量增加,干酪水分含量和水分活度下降、脂肪含量增加,并具有显著的相关性。低添加量NaCl对干酪成熟度的促进作用明显高于高添加量,NaCl添加量为1%、2%对干酪蛋白水解为指标的成熟度有显著加速作用;高NaCl添加量(3%)对干酪成熟过程的蛋白质水解有显著的抑制作用;切达干酪相对介电常数与NaCl的添加量无显著的相关性,而干酪介电损耗因子随NaCl添加量的增加而上升。并且,NaCl添加量对切达干酪成熟期内的硬度、咀嚼性有显著影响。     

The effect of fat content on the microbiology and proteolysis in cheddar cheese during ripening dairy foods

We investigated the effect of incremental reduction in fat content, in the range 33 to 6% (wt/wt), on changes in the microbiology and proteolysis of Cheddar cheese, over a 225-d ripening period at 7 degrees C. A reduction of fat content resulted in significant increases in contents of moisture and protein and a decrease in the concentration of moisture in nonfat substance. Reduced fat had little effect on the age-related changes in the population of starter cells. The populations of nonstarter lactic acid bacteria decreased with fat content, and counts in the low fat cheese (6% wt/wt) were significantly lower than those in the full fat cheese (33% wt/wt) at ripening times >1 and <180 d. Proteolysis as measured by the percentage of total N soluble at pH 4.6 or in 70% ethanol decreased significantly as the fat content decreased. However, the content of pH 4.6 soluble N per 100 g of cheese was not significantly influenced by fat content. At ripening times >60 d, the content of 70% ethanol soluble N per 100 g of full fat (33% wt/wt) cheese was significantly lower than that in either the half fat (17% wt/wt) or low fat (6% wt/wt) cheeses. The concentration of AA N, as a percentage of total N, was not significantly affected by fat content. However, when expressed as a percentage of total cheese, amino acid N increased significantly with decreasing fat content. Analysis of pH 4.6 soluble N extracts by reverse phase- and gel permeation HPLC revealed that fat content affected the pattern of proteolysis, as reflected by the differences in peptide profiles.     

Physicochemical properties of low-fat and full-fat Cheddar cheeses

Low-fat (6% fat) and full-fat (32% fat) Cheddar cheese was manufactured and aged up to 6–9 months at 5°C. The objective was to study the impact of fat on the physicochemical properties of Cheddar cheese. Total soluble nitrogen (TSN) and protein nitrogen (TPSN) in aqueous extracts were determined by the Kjeldahl method. The peptide content of each cheese was determined with reverse phase chromatography (RPC). Low-fat Cheddar (LFC) had a markedly higher peptide content than full-fat Cheddar (FFC). The overall peptide quantity increased with age with a marked increase in hydrophobic peptide content. Rheological properties were determined using an Instron Universal Testing Machine. LFC had significantly higher stress values, indicating hard and rubbery texture, than FFC. Furthermore, LFC had lower strain values, indicating crumbliness.     

Influence of ripening temperature on the volatiles profile and flavour of Cheddar cheese made from raw or pasteurised milk

Cheddar cheeses were made from raw (R1, R8) or pasteurised (P1, P8) milk and ripened at 1°C (P1, R1) or 8°C (P8, R8). Volatile compounds were extracted from 6 month-old cheeses and analysed, identified and quantified by gas chromatography-mass-spectrometry. A detailed sensory analysis of the cheeses was performed after 4 and 6 months of ripening. The R8 cheeses had the highest and P1 the lowest concentrations of most of the volatile compounds quantified (fatty acids, ketones, aldehydes, esters, alcohols, lactones and methional). The R8 and P8 cheeses contained higher levels of most of the volatiles than R1 and P1 cheeses. Ripening temperature and type of milk influenced most of the flavour and aroma attributes. Principal component analysis (PCA) of aroma and flavour attributes showed that P1 and R1 had similar aroma and flavour profiles, while R8 had the highest aroma and flavour intensities, highest acid aroma and sour flavour. The age of cheeses influenced the perception of creamy/milky and pungent aromas. PCA of the texture attributes separated cheeses on the basis of ripening temperature. The R8 and P8 cheeses received significantly higher scores for perceived maturity than P1 and R1 cheeses. The P1 and R1 cheeses had similar values for perceived maturity. In a related study, it was found that concentrations of amino acids and fatty acids were similar in R1 and P1 during most of the ripening period, and R1 and P1 cheeses had low numbers of non-starter lactic acid bacteria (NSLAB). The panel found that ripening temperature, type of milk and age of cheeses did not influence the acceptability of cheese. It is concluded that NSLAB contribute to the formation of volatile compounds and affect the aroma and flavour profiles and the perceived maturity of Cheddar cheese.     

Effect of added α-ketoglutaric acid,pyruvic acid or pyridoxal phosphate on proteolyis and quality of Cheddar cheese

Cheddar cheese curds were supplemented with 1, 5 or 20 g of α-ketoglutarate or pyruvic acid or 1.2 g pyridoxal-5¹-phosphate/kg cheese curd. The higher levels of keto-acids (5 or 20 g/kg curd) caused undesirable changes in the physico-chemical properties of resultant cheese. All levels of α-ketoglutarate reduced the pH of the cheese and promoted syneresis during pressing, while pyruvic acid increased the pH of the cheese. The numbers of starter and non-starter lactic acid bacteria were not affected by the addition of keto-acids or pyridoxal-5¹-phosphate. α-Ketoglutarate or pyruvic acid, at 1 g/kg, or pyridoxal-5¹-phosphatase, at 1.2 g/kg cheese curd, did not influence primary proteolysis in the cheese. The highest and lowest concentrations of total and individual free amino acids were found in the cheeses treated with pyruvic acid or α-ketoglutarate, respectively. The concentrations of most amino acids were lower in the cheeses treated with pyridoxal-5¹-phosphate than in the control. The results of this study suggest that α-ketoglutarate and pyridoxal-5¹-phosphate enhanced the degradation of most amino acids in Cheddar cheese while pyruvic acid promoted the formation of amino acids. The cheeses treated with α-ketoglutarate were more mature than the control cheese of the same age while pyruvic acid-treated cheese had a better flavour than the control.     

Contribution of lactic acid bacteria to flavour compound formation in dairy products

Cheese flavour cannot be produced without starter bacteria. Lactic acid bacteria convert lactose to lactic acid and this together with their production of diacetyl and acetaldehyde are their main contributions to the flavour of cultured milks and fresh cheeses. In matured cheeses, the starter bacteria die out quickly and the rate at which they lyse and release their enzymes into the system has an influence on the rate at which free amino acids are formed. Rennet alone is mainly responsible for the formation of large, medium and small peptides but, without interaction with other enzymes, is capable of producing only methionine, histidine, glycine, serine and glutamic acid at quantifiable levels. Free amino acids in Cheddar cheese are mainly the result of microbial peptidase activity. These amino acids, together with the products of glycolysis, form substrates for secondary flora, the nature of which, in many cases, determines the cheese variety. They also form substrates for enzymes from the milk, e.g. the production of H₂S appears to be dependent on milk enzymes. Methionine, which is released by rennet, is further metabolized by starter enzymes with the production of methanethiol which plays a major role in cheese flavour possibly as a potentiator for other flavours. —Dicarbonyls, particularly methylglyoxal and diacetyl, and bacteria which can produce them, appear to play a crucial role in the formation of cheese flavour, both the desirable flavour of full-fat cheese and the meaty-brothy off-flavour of low-fat cheese. Although, theoretically, there are many compounds in cheese which could react purely chemically to form flavour compounds, these reactions are also mediated by enzymes in the cheese system and it seems unlikely that straight out chemical reactions play a major role in the production of cheese flavour. The role of the secondary flora is likely to be much more important than that of chemical reactions. Particularly in Cheddar and Emmental it has been shown that good quality cheeses have a low oxidation-reduction potential. This is more likely to be an indicator for the establishment of the anaerobic conditions required for the flavour forming reactions to proceed than an active causal agent of flavour formation. The function of glutathione is more likely to be as some sort of facilitator in enzyme reactions than as an agent for the reduction of oxidation-reduction potential. The ability of bacteria to accumulate glutathione from their media is likely to be one of the indicators of flavour generating capacity. Suitable selected strains of adjunct bacteria increase the rate and intensity of formation of Cheddar cheese flavour but unsuitable adjuncts can also cause off-flavours.     

Yeasts as adjunct starters in matured Cheddar cheese

Debaryomyces hansenii and Yarrowia lipolytica are typical foodborne yeast species frequently associated with dairy products and capable of predominating the yeast composition in such systems. The two species fulfil a number of criteria to be regarded as co-starters for cheesemaking. They are known for their proteolytic and lipolytic activity as well as their compatibility and stimulating action with the lactic acid starter cultures when co-inoculated. Recent studies indicated that yeasts could be included as part of starter cultures for the manufacturing of cheese, enhancing flavour development during the maturation. The potential of D. hansenii and Y. lipolytica as agents for accelerated ripening of matured Cheddar cheese has been evaluated during four cheese treatments. The interaction between the two yeast species and the lactic acid bacteria was surveyed incorporating (i) D. hansenii, (ii) Y. lipolytica, (iii) both species as adjuncts to the starter culture and (iv) a control cheese without any additions for the production of matured Cheddar cheese. The physical and chemical properties of the cheeses were monitored in order to evaluate the contribution of the yeasts to cheese maturation. The yeasts grew in association with the lactic acid bacteria without any inhibition. The yeasts species when individually added contributed to the development of bitter flavours despite accelerated development of strong Cheddar flavours. When both species were incorporated as part of the starter culture, the cheese, however, had a good strong flavour after a reduced ripening period. The cheese retained this good flavour and aroma after 9 months of production. The simultaneous application of D. hansenii and Y. lipolytica as part of the starter culture for the production of matured Cheddar cheese is proposed.     

The impact of reduced sodium chloride content on Cheddar cheese quality

The effect of varying salt (sodium chloride) addition levels of 0.50%, 1.25%, 1.80%, 2.25%, 2.50% and 3.00% (w/w) on the quality of Cheddar cheese was assessed. Reducing the salt adversely impacted Cheddar flavour and texture. The key compositional parameters of moisture-in-non-fat-substances and salt-in-moisture were most affected. Decreasing salt resulted in a concomitant reduction of pH, a slight reduction in buffering capacity and an increase in water activity and growth of starter and non-starter lactic acid bacteria that resulted in enhanced proteolysis. Lipolysis was not impacted by salt reduction. To produce quality reduced salt Cheddar cheese cognisance must be taken on how to reduce proteolysis, limit growth of NSLAB, reduce water activity, achieve pH 5.0–5.4 by modifications to the cheese making procedure to create a more appropriate environment for selected starter and/or adjunct cultures to generate acceptable Cheddar flavour and texture.     

Production of reduced‐fat Labneh cheese with inulin and β‐glucan fibre‐based fat replacer

The beneficial role of dietary fibre in human nutrition and effects of properties on fermented dairy products have led to a growing demand for the incorporation of novel fibre‐based fat replacers. The aim of the present work was to investigate the possibility of using inulin and oat‐based β‐glucan in Labneh cheese and to analyse the physico‐chemical, textural and sensory properties of the resulting product. The results showed that the textural and sensory properties of the cheese with addition of inulin increased at a 12% fat ratio. Overall, full‐fat and reduced‐fat Labneh cheeses were firmer and had better flavour than all the low‐fat cheeses. However, inulin and oat β‐glucan, as fermentable fibres, were also degraded as fermentable fibres to produce organic acids and had the potential for use as fat replacers in low‐fat dairy systems.     

Reduced fat process cheese made from young reduced fat Cheddar cheese manufactured with exopolysaccharide-producing cultures

In a previous study, exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing cultures improved textural and functional properties of reduced fat Cheddar cheese. Because base cheese has an impact on the characteristics of process cheese, we hypothesized that the use of EPS-producing cultures in making base reduced fat Cheddar cheese (BRFCC) would allow utilization of more young cheeses in making reduced fat process cheese. The objective of this study was to evaluate characteristics of reduced fat process cheese made from young BRFCC containing EPS as compared with those in cheese made from a 50/50 blend of young and aged EPS-negative cheeses. Reduced fat process cheeses were manufactured using young (2 d) or 1-mo-old EPS-positive or negative BRFCC. Moisture and fat of reduced fat process cheese were standardized to 49 and 21%, respectively. Enzyme modified cheese was incorporated to provide flavor of aged cheese. Exopolysaccharide-positive reduced fat process cheese was softer, less chewy and gummy, and exhibited lower viscoelastic moduli than the EPS-negative cheeses. The hardness, chewiness, and viscoelastic moduli were lower in reduced fat process cheeses made from 1-mo-old BRFCC than in the corresponding cheeses made from 2-d-old BRFCC. This could be because of more extensive proteolysis and lower pH in the former cheeses. Sensory scores for texture of EPS-positive reduced fat process cheeses were higher than those of the EPS-negative cheeses. Panelists did not detect differences in flavor between cheeses made with enzyme modified cheese and aged cheese. No correlations were found between the physical and melting properties of base cheese and process cheese.     

Effect of incorporation of denatured whey protein on the yield and quality of Cheddar cheese

Concentrated suspensions of a denatured protein-fat complex were prepared by centrifugation of whey which had been heated in acid conditions. Significant improvements in cheese yield were obtained on adding the concentrate to milk for cheesemaking before renneting. A maximum increase in yield of 7% was attained in manufacturing Cheddar cheese which satisfied the legal requirements for moisture content. No consistent texture or flavour defects were evident in the cheese during the first jive months of maturation.