Comparison of the characteristics of halloumi cheese made from ovine milk, caprine milk or mixtures of these milks

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study the rheological, physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics of four types of halloumi cheese made from pure ovine milk, pure caprine milk or mixtures containing 15 or 30% caprine milk. All the milks were standardized for casein to fat ratio. Pure ovine milk gave the highest yield of halloumi cheese and caprine the lowest. No significant differences in acidity, pH, moisture, total protein and ash contents of the four types of cheese were found. In contrast, significant differences in soluble proteins, non‐protein nitrogen, acid degree value and calcium contents were noted. Rheological examinations showed the hardness and the force at the point of fracture of caprine halloumi cheese to be lower than those of the other types of cheese. The same cheese presented the highest compression at the point of fracture and cohesiveness, while there were no differences in gumminess or chewiness. Members of the assessment panel showed a preference for halloumi cheese made from 30% caprine milk and 70% ovine milk.