Artisanal Cheese Research Articles

Minas artisanal cheese as a reservoir of potentially probiotic Lacticaseibacillus paracasei GV17 and Lactococcus lactis GV103 and their functional properties and kinetic mechanisms

Minas artisanal cheese as a reservoir of potentially probiotic Lacticaseibacillus paracasei GV17 and Lactococcus lactis GV103 and their functional properties and kinetic mechanisms

Isolation and identification of lactic acid bacteria from artisanal Turkish cheeses, and evaluation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production potential

The aim of this study was to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from artisanal Turkish cheeses and to determine the strains potentially capable of producing high levels of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). A total of 507 LAB were isolated from 45 cheese samples. The cheeses exhibited a microbial diversity, consisting of 16 genera and 30 different species belonging to these genera. The most abundant species in all cheeses was Lacticaseibacillus paracasei. Only 40 of 507 isolates had the GAD gene, and all strains were genetically identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. Two strains (134 and 255) produced GABA in high concentrations, in MRS broth (626.36±9.86 mg L-1) and skim milk (5.40±0.47 mg L-1), respectively. The results showed that most of the GABA-producing isolates, especially strains 255 and 134, could be used as starter cultures for the production of functional foods to reduce the risk of disease or improve certain physiological functions.

Bacterial Removal Separation with a Reduced Throughput Adapted for Artisan Cheese Dairies—Effect on Clostridial Spore Counts and Milk Quality

Bacterial Removal Separation with a Reduced Throughput Adapted for Artisan Cheese Dairies—Effect on Clostridial Spore Counts and Milk Quality

Microbiological and physicochemical characterization of Minas artisanal cheese from the Campo das Vertentes region (Brazil) during ripening in rainy and dry seasons

Introduction: Minas artisanal cheese is produced from raw milk. Legislation establishes a minimum 22-day ripening period for the cheese from Campo das Vertentes region. However, the lack of studies does not allow to attest whether this period is adequate to comply with the parameters. Objective: Based on this, the aim of this survey was to evaluate the microbiological and physicochemical quality of these cheeses throughout the ripening period at rainy and dry seasons. Method: Cheese samples throughout ripening were collected at four cheesemaking facilities, and were submitted to microbiological and physicochemical analyses. Results: The quality of cheeses was influenced by the ripening period and counts of coliforms at 45°C and molds and yeasts were affected by the season. Conclusions: The results met the official legislation requirements for cheeses at 60 and 22 days of ripening at rainy and dry seasons, and demonstrate the need for improvements in the control of coliforms and Staphylococcus.

Preserving Tradition and Promoting Innovation: “Quesillo,” Artisanal Cheese from Oaxaca, Mexico

The quesillo is a traditional food originally produced in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, is fresh, spun paste or strands, made with raw milk and has unique sensory attributes due to its extensive native microbiota, mainly lactic acid bacteria, which are fermenting microorganisms, safe, are used in the fermentation and preservation of food helping to improve flavor, aroma, and texture. They are part of the natural microbiota of raw milk and its derivatives, mainly traditional cheeses, where the greatest diversity and heterogeneity is found. The objective of this study was to microbiologically identify lactic acid bacteria (LABs) present in the traditional quesillo of Oaxaca, Mexico. Quesillo samples were collected in three municipalities in Oaxaca, Mexico. Serial dilutions were prepared from 10 g of sample, then seeded in a Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) selective medium. Subsequently, they were incubated at 30 °C for 24 to 48 h. The strains were identified macroscopically and microscopically, catalase and oxidase tests were performed as confirmation tests for LAB. From the three traditional quesillo samples, 86 colonies with BAL macroscopic morphology were identified, strains with yeast morphology, coccobacillary, catalase and oxidase positive were discarded, and finally 56 strains were identified with macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of LAB type, gram positive, bacillary and coccobacillary morphology, catalase and oxidase negative. In conclusion, quesillo is a traditional product that presents lactic acid bacteria as important microorganisms, which, in addition to improving sensory attributes and food preservation, can present probiotic properties that when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit to the host.

Comparative analysis of the microbiome composition of artisanal cheeses produced in the Mediterranean area

In the PRIMA project ArtiSaneFood, the microbiological parameters of several artisanal cheeses produced in the Mediterranean area have been quantified. In this pilot study, we selected four of these artisanal cheese products from Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Morocco to investigate and compare their microbiomes in terms of taxonomy composition, presence of reads of foodborne pathogens, as well as virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes. Lactococcus, Streptococcus and Lactobacillus were the most represented genera in the Portuguese and Spanish cheeses, Streptococcus in the Italian cheese, and Enterococcus, Klebsiella, Escherichia, and Citrobacter in the Moroccan products. The correlation analysis indicated a negative association between the abundance of some lactic acid bacteria (i.e., Lactococcus, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Leuconostoc) and foodborne pathogenic genera, like Escherichia and Salmonella. The analysis of pathogen abundance, virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance genes showed a strong clusterization based on the cheese type, confirming that the presence of potential human health risk determinants was higher in the artisanal products derived from unpasteurized milk that underwent spontaneous fermentation.

Assessment of the impact of pasteurisation on protein denaturation in sheep sweet whey by asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation according to sampling period

Whey recovery is limited in artisanal cheese manufacture. This by-product of cheese manufacture was traditionally considered as waste and is highly polluting. However, interest in the nutritional properties of native whey and its proteins has recently increased. Pretreatment is required to preserve highly perishable whey for processing. Only a few studies have focused on sheep whey, despite its considerable nutritional and technological potential. Here, we investigated the effect of heat treatment on the denaturation and formation of protein aggregates in sweet sheep whey collected in January, April and July. Two pasteurisation protocols were studied (72 °C for 1 min and 80 °C for 15 s). Microbiological quality was assessed by checking for the presence of microbes after five days of storage at 4 °C. Asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled to UV detector, multiangle light scattering (MALS) and refractometer (dRi) is a mild, non-naturing technique for determining the extent of denaturation of whey proteins and the size of whey protein aggregates. Greater whey protein denaturation and larger whey protein aggregates were observed for the 80 °C/15 s protocol than for the 72 °C/1 min protocol, for the January and April samples. A decrease in Immunoglobulin G (IgG) content was observed after heat treatments in the samples from July but not significantly for the other proteins. Moreover, the retention times of the monomeric whey protein peaks on the AF4 fractogram were higher for this period, indicating that the proteins were larger. Microbiological testing showed that both pasteurisation treatments were sufficiently effective to ensure good sanitary quality. The pasteurisation schedule best preserving native proteins was heating at 72 °C for 1 min.

Comparative genomics and phenotypic assessment of lactic acid bacteria isolated from artisanal cheese as potential starter cultures

Novel starter cultures are coveted by the dairy industry for enhancing the sensory, quality, and safety attributes of fermented dairy products. In this study, artisanal cheeses were investigated as a source of novel starter cultures. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from the cheese and underwent an antimicrobial activity screening. Six potential antimicrobial producers were selected for whole genome sequencing and were confirmed to be new LAB strains belonging to the genera Lacticaseibacillus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, and Enterococcus. Genes associated with carbohydrate utilization, proteolytic enzyme production, and exopolysaccharide synthesis were identified. Additionally, in silico analysis revealed safety-related traits including absence of antibiotic resistance genes, intact prophage regions, and biogenic amine production genes. Genome-guided phenotypic confirmation of important identified traits was completed, which included utilization of multiple carbohydrates, hydrolysis of casein, coagulation of milk, and susceptibility to antibiotic. Among these LAB strains, Lactococcus lactis OSY-92 contained and expressed the necessary genes for a dairy starter culture. The strain displayed anti-Gram-positive antimicrobial activity, a strong preference for lactose and galactose, limited casein hydrolysis, and ability to coagulate milk in 7.5 h. When all these findings were considered, L. lactis OSY-92 qualified as a potential novel and safe starter culture for dairy fermentations.

Molecular Typing of Potentially Pathogenic Escherichia coli Isolated from Fresh Pasta Filata Venezuelan Cheeses

Background. Fresh pasta filata cheese is considered as one of the most important foods in the Venezuelan diet. It is typically produced by small-scale producers using raw milk. The objective of this research was to molecularly characterize the pathogenic potential of Escherichia coli strains isolated from pasta filata cheese manufactured and marketed in Venezuela. Methodology. In the period between January and March of 2019, a total of 36 strains of E. coli were isolated from a variety of pasta filata cheeses including 17 samples of mozzarella, 16 of telita, and 3 of guayanés. These strains were isolated according to the Venezuelan Commission of Industrial Standards (COVENIN) and identified by conventional methods (biochemical and phenotypic tests). Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the disk diffusion technique. Phylogenetic grouping and detection of virulence genes were performed by Polymerase Chain Reaction amplification. Diversity and genetic relationships were determined by Rep-PCR. Results: All strains were susceptible to the tested antibiotics. Phylogroup A (n=19) was the most frequent (52.8%), followed by groups D (n=11; 30.6%), and B1 (n=2; 5.6%). The majority of isolates carried at least two virulence genes, one coding for adhesion mechanisms (fimH) and the other for iron uptake (fyuA). Only one strain of phylogroup A presented a profile consisting of four virulence genes (fimH, fyuA, kpsMT II, and papAH). Four strains that could not be classified according to Clermont's scheme carried resistance genes as well. A heterogeneous population structure was observed by Rep-PCR of the strains. Conclusion: Results support the hypothesis that the E. coli strains isolated from the three types of pasta filata cheeses manufactured and marketed in Venezuela have identical characteristics and virulence factors to Extraintestinal Pathogenic E. coli strains observed in animals and humans, posing a potential health risk. Therefore, it is essential to improve hygienic and sanitary controls at all stages of cheese production and to implement measures for epidemiological surveillance of potentially pathogenic bacterial strains present in Venezuelan, artisanal pasta filata cheeses.

Physicochemical, Rheology, and Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy Techniques for the Characterization of Artisanal and Industrial Maroilles Cheeses.

The investigation of the central and external zones of ten industrial and artisanal Maroilles cheeses showed differences in their physicochemical parameters, namely fat, pH, moisture content, ash, and color. This difference significantly impacted the rheological properties of the investigated cheeses, which depended on the protein network englobing lipid and water and its interaction with the other components. Overall, Maroilles cheeses had an elastic-like behavior, with the central zones exhibiting the greatest viscoelastic modules (G' and G″). The mid-infrared (MIR) spectra highlighted the presence of lipids, proteins, and sugars. A significant difference in α-helix and β-sheet levels in the central zones was noted between artisanal and industrial Maroilles cheeses. It is suggested that the difference between artisanal and industrial Maroilles cheeses observed at the macroscopic level, due to the cheese-making procedure and ripening stage, affects the structure at the molecular level, which can be determined by MIR spectroscopy. This trend was confirmed by the FDA when applied to the MIR spectra, since 96.67% correct classification was noted between artisanal and industrial cheeses. The present study indicates that MIR spectroscopy can be used successfully to study Maroilles cheese samples belonging to different production chains.

Occurrence of pathogenic yeast species in artisanal cheeses from Boyacá, Colombia, including fluconazole resistant isolates

Occurrence of pathogenic yeast species in artisanal cheeses from Boyacá, Colombia, including fluconazole resistant isolates

Yeast diversity in Brazilian artisanal cheeses: Unveiling technologically relevant species to improve traditional cheese production

Although less studied than bacterial biota, the presence of yeast during the artisanal cheese’s production is of fundamental importance. Yeasts can prevent the growth of undesirable species in the cheese’s core and surface and actively participate in the aromatic development of these products. On the other hand, reintroducing the most abundant yeast species can help mitigate potential health risks related to artisanal production. The main objective of this study was to carry out an extensive mapping of the cultivable yeast diversity present in the central Brazilian artisanal cheeses (n = 582 cheese samples). Torulasporadelbrueckii, Candidaparapsilosis, Candidazeylanoides, Yarrowialipolytica, Debaryomycesprosopidis, and Kluyveromyceslactis were amongst the 300 clusters detected, respectively. In Canastra, Cerrado, and Serro-type cheeses, the predominant species was T.delbrueckii, while in Coalho and Manteiga cheeses, Y.lipolytica was the main species detected. The findings of this study reveal the yeast cultivable diversity present in a large set of Brazilian artisanal cheeses. Furthermore, these data can serve as a basis for promoting new Brazilian origin designation policies based on microbiological data.

Biochemical and physicochemical characteristics and volatile profiles of Erzincan Tulum cheese coagulated by herb-fortified artisanal lamb rennet

The characteristics of Erzincan Tulum cheese (ETC), an artisanal ewe-milk cheese and the first cheese with the designation of origin in Türkiye, are closely related to the geographical location of production and the human factors influencing every stage of the production process. This study aims to determine the influence of different coagulants (namely, herb-fortified artisanal lamb rennet (ALR), artisanal calf rennet (ACR), and commercial calf rennet (CCR)) on the biochemical, physicochemical characteristics, and volatile compounds of ETC, produced on the Heybeli plateau of the Erzincan province. Using artisanal rennet increased total solids, fat content, and acidity while decreasing pH and aw values. The highest PTA-SN (soluble nitrogen in 5 % phosphotungstic acid, w/v) and TCA-SN (soluble nitrogen in 12 % trichloroacetic acid w/w) values at the end of the ripening period (day 150 of storage) were observed in the ALR-Cheese (ALR-C). Furthermore, this cheese exhibited the highest rate of lipolysis (P < 0.01). Electrophoretograms revealed that αs-1 and β-casein degradation rates were the most significant in ALR-C. Following the 30th day of storage, the highest counts of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were found in ALR-C. The most rapid reduction of coliforms, E. coli, and yeast-mold was observed in this sample throughout the storage. Eighty-nine volatile compounds were identified in the samples. Particularly noteworthy, ALR-C exhibited the highest ratios of hexanoic, octanoic, and decanoic acids after 90 days of storage. Additionally, steroid compounds were exclusively detected in this sample. The findings of this research make a substantial contribution to the existing literature concerning rennet types and the aromatic profile of ETC. These aspects are crucial for further investigations to enhance the cheese's quality and safety.

Genome sequences of six lactic acid bacteria from artisanal cheese reveal biosynthetic gene clusters encoding antimicrobial compounds.

Lactic acid bacteria are valuable in the production of fermented foods and as sources of antimicrobial peptides (e.g., bacteriocins). The genomes of six lactic acid bacteria, isolated from artisanal cheeses, having biosynthetic gene clusters encoding antimicrobial compounds are reported. The six strains belong to the genera Lacticaseibacillus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, and Enterococcus.

Screening of fermented milks with Lactococcus and Lactobacillus strains isolated from artisanal Mexican cheeses by the evaluation of the in vitro inhibition of enzymes associated to neurodegeneration

Screening of fermented milks with <i>Lactococcus</i> and <i>Lactobacillus</i> strains isolated from artisanal Mexican cheeses by the evaluation of the <i>in vitro</i> inhibition of enzymes associated to neurodegeneration

Impact of Pressing Time on the Microstructure of Two Types of Goat Cheeses and Its Relationship With Sensory Attributes.

The objective of this study was to study the impact of pressing time on the microstructure of goat cheese and its relationship with sensory attributes. The microstructure of the artisanal cheeses was performed by scanning electron microscopy and image analysis. The validation of the microstructural complexity was carried out experimentally with sensory attributes. The pressing time influenced the microstructural parameters Feretmax, Geodiam, and τ and the cheese type influenced the parameters Feretmax, Geodiam, and Geoelong. The correlation values between microstructural complexity and sensory attributes were 0.85 and 0.84 for fresh cheeses and matured cheeses, respectively. The pressure times of 12 and 18 h resulted in cheese microstructures with the highest complexity in terms of Feretmax, Geodiam, Geoelong, and τ parameters. The obtained results are supported by the correlation values between microstructural complexity and sensory attributes.

Microbiological Evaluation of Two Mexican Artisanal Cheeses: Analysis of Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria in Cotija Cheese and Bola de Ocosingo Cheese by qPCR.

Cotija and Bola de Ocosingo are artisanal ripened cheeses produced in Mexico. Both are made with raw bovine milk from free-grazing cows and with no starter cultures. Unlike culture-based techniques, molecular methods for pathogen detection in food allow a shorter turnaround time, higher detection specificity, and represent a lower microbiological risk for the analyst. In the present investigation, we analyzed 111 cheese samples (95 Cotija and 16 Bola de Ocosingo) by qPCR (TaqMan®) after an enrichment-culture step specific to each foodborne bacterium. The results showed that 100% of the samples were free of DNA from Listeria monocytogenes, Brucella spp., Escherichia coli enterotoxigenic (ETEC), and O157:H7; 9% amplified Salmonella spp. DNA; and 11.7%, Staphylococcus aureus DNA. However, the threshold cycle (Ct) values of the amplified targets ranged between 23 and 30, indicating DNA from non-viable microorganisms. Plate counts supported this assumption. In conclusion, 100% of the cheeses analyzed were safe to consume, and the enrichment step before DNA extraction proved essential to discern between viable and non-viable microorganisms. Hygienic milking, milk handling, cheese manufacturing, and ripening are crucial to achieve an adequate microbiological quality of cheeses made with raw milk.

Artisanal Cream Cheese Fermented with Kefir Grains

This is the first study that investigates the effect of kefir with an emphasis on the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) during the fermentation process in food products. The products developed and characterized were an artisanal cream cheese without cream and one with added cream, and for the analysis of the fatty acid profile, both cream cheeses were compared with commercial cream cheese. The artisanal cream cheese had a high amount of lactic acid bacteria characterizing the product formed by Lactobacilli and a low concentration of lactose due to the fermentation process. Compared to commercial cream cheese, our products without and with added cream had a higher concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially butyric acid, which is important for the health of the gastrointestinal tract, omega 3, and oleic fatty acid, which has been associated with the prevention and control of some diseases. Overall, the artisanal cream cheese cream with fermented cream with kefir grains is a functional product with an innovative character compared to current products on the market and was well accepted by the younger public. This new product comes as an option for those who need to change their eating habits and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Product differentiation, quality, and milk price stability: The case of the Swiss cheese market

AbstractWe investigate potential linkages between product and quality differentiation in the cheese markets and raw milk producer prices. We analyze the co‐movements of producer prices of milk delivered to cheese processing channels with different differentiation strategies, namely industrial, artisanal, and artisanal cheese with geographical indications (GI) in the Swiss dairy market. We find that overall, product and quality differentiation in cheese markets helps milk producers achieve higher and more stable prices. Additional GI protection does not guarantee further enhancement of producer prices. Rather, its effectiveness may depend largely on the strength of GI protection and the governance of producer organizations.

Temporal dominance of Sensations: Do different concepts of “dominance” affect the results?

The purpose of this study was to understand the role of “dominance” definitions in the results of TDS applied to consumers. This study compared two temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) approaches − TDS-I − that attracts the most attention and TDS-II − most intense/strongest sensation − in the context of evaluating artisanal Minas cheeses from the Serra da Canastra and chocolate with different cocoa concentrations samples. TDS curves were constructed and a trajectory-based principal component analysis (PCA) was performed dominance rates at ten equally spaced time points. Additionally, difference curves, multiple factor analysis (MFA) and regression vector coefficient (RV coefficient) were performed to compare the two approaches. The findings showed that the two approaches produced similar results, suggesting that consumers interpret the terms dominant and intense in a similar way during TDS evaluations, the results were even closer at the chocolate study than at the cheese study. However, in both approaches were observed low dominance rates and differences between the sensation perception time, mainly in the evaluation of cheese flavor. This variability may be attributed to the complexity of the cheese’s flavor and the varied interpretations of dominance among evaluators. Despite these differences, the approaches showed similar characterizations across the same samples, demonstrating high reproducibility and a strong ability to differentiate between samples. This study demonstrates that the choice between the terms dominant (which captures more attention) or intense (stronger) to guide consumers in performing the sensory test does not significantly influence the results. Consequently, it is possible to adopt greater freedom and flexibility in the terminology used to instruct participants in conducting the test.