Determination of different spice powder levels for soft cheese based on milk

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate and determine the most optimal level of addition spice powder to soft cheese based on milk. The spice powders used are cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), and turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) with the following treatment; T0: soft cheese without added spices powder; T1: soft cheese + 1% cinnamon powder; T2: soft cheese + 2% cinnamon powder; T3: soft cheese + 3% cinnamon powder; T4: soft cheese + 1% lemongrass powder; T5: soft cheese + 2% lemongrass powder; T6: soft cheese + 3% lemongrass powder; T7: soft cheese + 1% turmeric powder; T8: soft cheese + 2% turmeric powder; T9: soft cheese + 3% turmeric powder. The study design used a completely randomized design with three replications. Variables measured including pH, color (L*, a*, b*), total solids, and antioxidant activities using/via DPPH scavenging activity (2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl). The soft cheese pH ranged from 5.60–6.26, with T0 was the lowest and T3 had the highest value. Total solids ranged from 38.87–66.77%, with T1 was the lowest and T3 had the highest value. Antioxidant activities ranged from 37.96–72.43%, with T0 was the lowest and T9 had the highest value. Soft cheese showed L* value 66.58–80.31, with T9 was the lowest and T0 had the highest value; a* value 3.47–12.44, with T6 was the lowest and T9 had the highest value; b* value 12.35–25.95, with T0 was the lowest and T9 had the highest value. Results were analyzed using analysis of variance and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the level addition of 3% spice powder was the most optimal level for soft cheese, with the highest pH, total solids, antioxidant activity, redness, and yellowness.