Proteolysis and textural properties of low‐fat ultrafiltered Feta cheese as influenced by maltodextrin

Maltodextrin was used as a fat replacer in low‐fat ultrafiltered cheese. Fat was replaced with 25% maltodextrin milk solution (w/w) in cheese at 15 and 50% (w/w). The chemical, rheological and sensory properties as well as the microstructure of the cheese samples were evaluated after storage for 2 months at 8 °C. Maltodextrin affected the chemical (pH, dry matter, fat, water‐soluble nitrogen to total nitrogen, nonprotein nitrogen to total nitrogen, total free amino acid) and rheological (mean relaxation time) properties, as well as the microstructure. In general, based on textural properties, sensory evaluation and economic aspects, the 50%‐fat‐reduced sample was selected as the best treatment.     

Influence of fat replacers on the chemical,textural and sensory properties of low‐fat Beyaz pickled cheese produced from ewe's milk

In this study, low‐fat Beyaz pickled cheeses were produced from ewe's milk using a protein‐based fat replacer (1.0% w/w Simplesse^®), a carbohydrate‐based fat replacer (0.5% w/w Maltrin^®) and a blend of both (0.5% w/w Simplesse^® + 0.25% w/w Maltrin^®). The chemical, textural and sensory properties of cheeses were examined during storage for 60 days. The use of fat replacers affected chemical (except pH and acidity), textural and sensory properties of the cheeses. The cheeses produced with Simplesse^® (Sample B) were similar to full‐fat cheese and had the highest sensory scores.     

Texture,physicochemical and sensory properties of artisanal Adobera cheese from Los Altos de Jalisco,a genuine Mexican cheese

Physicochemical and sensory properties of Adobera, a genuine, understudied Mexican raw‐milk cheese, were explored by analysing commercial samples from different manufacturers and seasons. Composition‐wise, Adobera could be considered a fresh cheese with a high moisture content (42.5%), although its relatively low water activity (0.953) and pH (5.14) and high free amino acid content (0.46 mmol/g, dry basis) could indicate otherwise. Instrumental texture corresponded to that of a semifirm cheese, while its colour was whitish‐to‐ivory. Both texture and composition were significantly affected by sampling season and cheese composition, while some attributes of sensory acceptability significantly varied with brand.     

Effect of sun-drying on microstructure and texture of S. Bartolomeu pears (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pyrus communis</Emphasis> L.)

Histological and mechanical studies were conducted to evaluate the changes that are conferred by a traditional sun-drying process on the texture and microstructure of a Portuguese pear cultivar (Pyrus communis L. var. S. Bartolomeu). Sun-drying processing of the pears results in loss of water, cell flattening and shrinkage, loss of cellular adhesion, and even loss of cell wall integrity. The sun-drying process significantly reduced the hardness and fracturability of the pear tissues, while increasing their cohesiveness, springiness and adhesiveness. The results obtained by texture and microstructure analysis of the fresh pear flesh reflect essentially an unified matrix comprising well-packed cells strongly bonded together whereas those of the sun-dried pear flesh pointed out a soft solid with many individual cells distributed in a soft matrix, explaining its softer and chewy texture.     

Effect of inulin addition on the sensorial properties of reduced‐fat fresh cheese

A reduced‐fat fresh cow's milk cheese with inulin (3%) was compared with both full‐fat and reduced‐fat cheeses without the prebiotic. The pH and microbiological quality of cheeses were not affected by the presence of inulin. Cheeses produced with inulin were less hard, springy, cohesive and chewy than reduced‐fat cheeses, and more similar to cheeses made from whole milk. Cheeses produced with inulin had the lowest lightness and the highest yellowness values, although these colour differences were not detected by the panellists. The sensory panel described the reduced‐fat cheese with inulin as more acceptable than its counterpart without inulin.     

The effect of adding enzyme‐modified cheese on sensory and texture properties of low‐ and high‐fat cream cheeses

The influence of enzyme‐modified cheese (EMC) and fat content on sensory and texture properties of cream cheese was investigated. Enzyme‐modified cheese and fat content were set at three levels each, and organoleptic and texture properties for all experimental cheeses were then determined. Data were analysed using response surface methodology. Both design parameters had significant influence on sensory and texture properties. The EMC did not alter hardness significantly, whereas the higher fat formula had the higher hardness. The results indicated that the optimum level of EMC was less than 1% for high‐fat cream cheeses and at least 5% for low‐fat cream cheeses.     

The effect of adding whey protein particles as inert filler on thermophysical properties of fat‐reduced semihard cheese type Gouda

The effect of added microparticulated whey protein (Simplesse^®) on textural and thermophysical properties of fat‐reduced semihard cheese type Gouda was investigated. Full‐fat, reduced‐fat and low‐fat cheeses were manufactured of comparable moisture content, each made of control milk and milk systems containing 1% Simplesse^®, respectively. Whey protein particles improved textural properties of reduced‐fat and low‐fat cheese. Meltability and flowability were significantly enhanced by an increased fat level, Simplesse^® addition and ripening time. The results emphasise the role of microparticulated whey proteins acting as an inert filler within the composite cheese matrix and allow textural and thermophysical properties of fat‐reduced cheeses to be adjusted towards cheese with higher fat content.     

Effect of waxy rice starch on textural and microstructural properties of microwave‐puffed cheese chips

Protein‐based expanded snacks sometimes do not have homogeneous structures. However, starches are widely used in expanded food snacks because of their good puffing characteristics. We aimed to use waxy rice starch to partially substitute for sodium caseinate in caseinate‐based and caseinate plus soya protein (double‐protein) microwave‐puffed imitation cheese snacks to improve their textural, microstructural and sensory properties. The single‐protein chips without waxy rice starch and the double‐protein chips with a low degree of expansion were not well appreciated, whereas the chips with up to 8 g of waxy rice starch per 100 g of product were scored highly by the panellists. Our results demonstrated that waxy rice starch can improve the expansion, homogeneity, hardness, crispness and colour of imitation cheeses.     

Impact of octenyl succinylated pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides) starch addition as fat replacer on the rheological,textural and sensory characteristics of reduced‐fat yoghurt

The current study evaluated the impact of octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA)‐esterified pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides) starch as a fat replacer (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%) on various characteristics of reduced‐fat yoghurt (1.5% fat). Firmness, flow point, storage and loss modulus increased with increasing levels of the OSA starch. The Herschel–Bulkley model was best fit for elucidating their pseudoplastic behaviour. Syneresis decreased considerably, whereas sensory acceptability improved with increasing OSA starch level. Owing to this reduced syneresis, improved structural strength and sensory acceptability, OSA‐esterified pearl millet starch functions as a fat replacer in reduced‐fat yoghurt.     

Effect of enzyme‐modified carboxymethyl starch as a fat replacer on the functional properties of sausages

Enzyme‐modified carboxymethyl starch (ECMS), carboxymethyl starch (CMS), and enzyme‐modified starch (ES) were prepared and used as fat replacers in low‐fat sausages. The effects of fat level (5, 10, and 20%) and three modified starches (ECMS, CMS, and ES) on energy, color, texture, and sensory characteristics of sausages were investigated. The addition of three modified starches in reduced‐fat sausages reduced total energy and redness, and increased the lightness of the products. Except adhesiveness, ECMS had no effect on any of the textural parameters of sausages, but CMS or ES lowered any of the textural parameters at their respective target fat levels. The 10% fat sausage with added ECMS was similar to the 20% fat sausage control for overall acceptability. The results indicated that the new multiplex modified starch‐ECMS could be used as a suitable fat replacer since it offset some of the changes caused by fat reduction.     

Changes in the texture,physicochemical properties and volatile compound profiles of fresh Kashar cheese (<90 days) during ripening

In this study, four different fresh Kashar cheese samples were ripened for 90 days. The physicochemical properties, texture attributes, fatty acid composition and volatile compound profiles of the samples were measured every 30 days of ripening. The texture properties of the cheese samples were significantly affected by the duration of the ripening period. The results of this study highlighted that texture parameters as a function of ripening period should be considered for both fresh and aged Kashar cheeses to determine the ripening period as they are very important for consumer acceptability and consumption of the end product.     

Effect of ultra-high pressure homogenisation of milk on the texture and water-typology of a starter-free fresh cheese

Fresh starter-free cheeses were made from ultra-high pressure homogenised (300 MPa and inlet temperature of 30 °C), pasteurised (80 °C for 15 s) or homogenised–pasteurised (15 + 3 MPa at 60 °C, 80 °C for 15 s) milks to compare their textural, microstructural, colour and water-related characteristics by means of uniaxial compression and dynamic oscillatory tests, confocal laser scanning microscopy, spectrocolorimetry, and thermogravimetry, respectively. Sensory analysis was performed by a sensory panel. Major differences among treatments were revealed by both instrumental and sensorial methods. Cheeses from homogenised milks were firmer, less deformable, grainier, pastier, whiter, and had higher water-holding capacity but lower water-mouth feeling than cheeses from pasteurised milk. The effect of ultra-high pressure homogenisation (UHPH) was greater than that of conventional homogenisation. Differences on the composition, i.e. water typology and protein content, and the microstructure could explain the sensory characteristics of the cheeses.

Industrial relevance

UHPH treatment of milk is being studied as an alternative to conventional heat-treatment since it reduces microbial load and inactivates enzymes. Moreover, UHPH has been proven to affect protein interactions resulting in an increase of curd-firming rate and gel firmness during coagulation. Thus structural changes intrinsically related to the arrangement of cheese components, such as texture, syneresis and colour, are expected in fresh cheeses produced from UHPH-treated milk.     

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.     

Effects of three types of modified atmospheric packaging on the physicochemical properties of selected glutinous rice

The effect of modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) on the physicochemical properties of selected glutinous (Thadokkham-8 and Thadokkham-11) rice was studied and compared with a non-glutinous rice (Doongara). The freshly harvested/milled grains were packed in four different MAP conditions viz. control, vacuum, CO₂ and N₂ for 12 months at room temperature (23 ± 1 °C). Gas (N₂ or CO₂) was flushed in aluminum bags at the pressure of 300 kPa for 3 s and subsequently hermetically sealed. Vacuum packaging was done at −100 kPa. Results showed that ageing induced changes in the starch granules were less prominent in vacuum and/or MAP samples using CO₂ or N₂. Surface analysis showed that control storage significantly reduced the percentage of lipids and increased the percentage of proteins on the surface in all selected varieties. N₂ and CO₂ storage of TDK8 and DG slowed down the shift of properties of macromolecules and maintained the surface starch/proteins/lipids ratios during 6 months of storage. Moreover, the grains stored in vacuum maintained the lipids with lower proportion of proteins exposed to the surface after cooking. N₂ and CO₂ induced increase in pasting temperature but significant reduction in final viscosity when compared to control. The findings correlated well with thermal analysis. The in situ Thermal Mechanical Compression Test (TMCT) device cooking and texture analysis revealed that modified storage slightly slowed the ageing induced changes in the cooking quality and stickiness of glutinous rice. Among all storage conditions used vacuum was relatively the best to maintain the quality of the grain.     

The effect of varying fat content on the microstructure of Oaxaca cheese,a typical pasta filata cheese

The effect of varying fat content in Oaxaca cheese, a typical pasta filata, on microstructure was described. Microstructure of cheeses was analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM) in nondehydrated and dehydrated samples. In nondehydrated samples, protein fibres were wide and compact in fat‐free cheese, and big serum channels were approximately 100 μm in width. Width of protein fibres and size of channels decreased as fat content increased. Small channels seemed to be occupied only by fat, while in big channels, water and fat were observed. LM both confirmed and supplemented the observations made by SEM, particularly the presence and distribution of fat in channels.     

Reducing salt and fat content: Impact of composition,texture and cognitive interactions on the perception of flavoured model cheeses

To better understand which composition levers are available to reduce salt content in food without altering flavour perception, this paper aimed at quantifying the impact of texture and composition (salt, fat and dry matter) of a model cheese: (i) on salt and flavour perception, and; (ii) on profile texture and flavour release.     

Effect of additives on the quality and microstructure of vermicelli made from<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Triticum aestivum</Emphasis>

The effects of various additives [xylanase (0.06, 0.012, and 0.018%), gluten (1.5 and 3.0%), ascorbic acid (0.01 and 0.02%), glycerol monostearate, sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (SSL) (0.25, 0.50%) and glucose oxidase (0.1%)] on the quality of vermicelli made from Triticum aestivum was studied. The results revealed that xylanase at 0.012% produced an improved quality product in terms of increase in cooked weight, expansion in volume of strands, and firm texture without stickiness. The micrograph of vermicelli exhibited a uniform, continuous protein matrix. The yellow index values improved with addition of gluten (3%) and ascorbic acid (0.01%). The gluten added appeared as a prominent strong network in micrographs, imparting strength to the vermicelli as evidenced by higher shear values. SSL (0.5%) gave a firm, discrete product and the protein fibrils displayed a massive network, owing to the strengthening effect. At the level of glucose oxidase used (0.1%), it exerted an adverse effect on the product quality. In general, the additives lowered the cooking loss and the leaching of solids in vermicelli when compared to the control.     

The effect of direct acidification on the microbiological,physicochemical and sensory properties of probiotic Minas Frescal cheese

Minas Frescal cheeses produced with the addition of the probiotic culture Bifidobacterium Bb‐12 and without (C1) or with (C2) lactic acid were evaluated in relation to the microbiological, physicochemical and sensory properties. After 28 days of storage, the cheeses without lactic acid showed lower moisture and pH, in addition to higher acidity and syneresis. This behaviour influenced the texture profile of the cheeses, making them harder and chewier. The colour attributes L* and b* diminished during the storage. The majority of the consumers classified the cheeses as having good acceptability and they would buy this type of functional food.     

Effect of microbial lipase and transglutaminase on the textural,physicochemical, and microbial parameters of fresh quark cheese

In this study, the addition of microbial transglutaminase (MTG) and lipase in quark cheese samples was studied during storage (21 d). Four types of cheese were made using 3 different levels of MTG (T1, 0.1 g/L; T2, 0.2 g/L; T3, 0.3 g/L) and lipase (T1, 0.02 g/L; T2, 0.04 g/L; T3, 0.06 g/L), and one cheese was made without any treatment as a control sample. The physicochemical, textural, microbial, and sensory properties of cheese samples were monitored at 1, 7, 14, and 21 d of storage period. The results showed that the treated samples had higher proteolysis and lipolysis activities during storage than the control sample. The textural analysis indicated an insignificant increase in the hardness value of the enzyme-treated sample. Also, the sensory analysis exhibited that the treated samples had higher texture acceptability. The higher concentration of enzymes resulted in lower color, odor, taste, and overall acceptability, and higher microbial population. Finally, the addition of microbial MTG and lipase in preparation of quark cheese samples could be recommended for a short storage time.     

Effect of different fibres on texture,rheological and sensory properties of acid casein processed cheese sauces

The objective of this study was the evaluation of different fibres (bamboo, acacia, potato or citrus) addition on texture, rheological and sensory properties of acid casein processed cheese sauces. Fibres used in production of sauces had an impact on the texture, viscosity, viscoelastic and sensory properties. The largest increase in viscosity was observed in products with addition of potato fibre, which have good water holding and adsorption capacity. Processed cheese sauce with the addition of citrus fibre was characterised by the highest values in general, and the increase of this feature in the tested samples was regular. Adhesiveness was the highest in products with 1% addition of every fibre. The lowest values of viscosity single shear, G′ and G″ moduli, among all tested, had sauces with acacia fibre. Moreover, they had the most thin liquid consistency, which was different from preferred one.