IMPLICATIONS OF STABILIZERS USED IN BRINE OF SOFT WHITE CHEESE ON THE AROMA PROFILE OF CHEESES

Abstract

This paper describes the compositional characterization of cheese brine and aroma profile of Soft White cheese which contains different stabilizers such as sodium caseinate, carrageenan and guar gum in the brine solutions. During the 60-day storage period, pH, titration acidity, dry matter, fat, salt and protein amounts of cheese brines were analyzed. The aroma profile of the cheese samples was examined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry using a solid-phase microextraction technique and the proportional distribution of volatile compounds was revealed. The stabilizers in the brine increased the dry matter content in the cheese mass by binding the water and reduced salt penetration into the cheese mass. A total of 23 aromatic compounds were identified including 4 aldehydes, 5 alcohols, 4 esters, 1 ether, 5 hydrocarbons, 2 ketones and 2 organic acids in cheeses. Carrageenan and guar gum were found more effective than sodium caseinate in terms of flavor retention.