Crystallization Of Milk Fat Research Articles

Multiscale assessment of the effect of a stearic-palmitic sucrose ester on the crystallization of anhydrous milk fat

Anhydrous milk fat (AMF) is a flavorful, but particularly complex fat containing a wide variety of fatty acids (FAs) and triglycerides (TGs), resulting in an extended melting range of −40 °C to 40 °C. The functionality of this fat can be steered by the addition of sucrose esters (SEs). In this study, the crystallization behavior of AMF in the presence of a stearic-palmitic SE was assessed. Samples were cooled at 1 °C/min (slow cooling) or 20 °C/min (fast cooling) to 0 °C, 20 °C or 25 °C and kept isothermal for one hour. At each of these temperatures, AMF was found to crystallize via different polymorphic pathways and chain length structures, as studied by wide- and small-angle X-ray scattering. The addition of the SE (0.5 wt%) accelerated nucleation and allowed crystallization to start at higher temperatures. Polymorphic transitions were accelerated, but not changed. For fast-cooled samples, ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering provided insights into the mesoscale behavior of the crystal nanoplatelets (CNPs). It was observed that CNPs formed at 20 °C were smaller than those at 25 °C. The addition of the SE did not change the size nor the shape of CNPs. Polarized light microscopy (PLM) and cryo-scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) gave insight into the microstructure of the networks. Addition of the SE resulted in more fine and dense fat crystal networks at 0 °C and 20 °C. At 25 °C, large separate floc structures were encountered, with and without the addition of the SE.

Application of in-line Raman spectroscopy to monitor crystallization and melting processes in milk fat

Anhydrous milk fat (AMF) and its fractions are used as ingredients in a wide range of food applications. Obtaining the appropriate solid fat content (SFC) is essential to achieve the desired product texture. At present, in-line monitoring techniques to control milk fat crystallization and melting are largely unavailable. The thermal behaviour of milk fat (AMF and four of its fractions) was monitored in a temperature-controlled vessel using an in-line Raman analyser and compared with thermograms generated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The major stages of milk fat crystallization and melting were identified using the in-line Raman analyser. Thermal data from DSC showed excellent linear correlations with Raman spectral data (R2 value of 0.97 for the onset of milk fat crystallisation). Partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were developed using Raman spectra to predict SFC with coefficient of determination (R2Cs) from 0.929 to 0.992 and root mean standard error of calibration (RMSECs) ranging from 3.20 to 10.36%. Results demonstrated Raman spectroscopy has significant potential as a way of monitoring milk fat crystallization and melting processes.

The exploration of milk fat crystallization in milk fat globules by confocal Raman microscopy

Crystallization behavior within oil-in-water emulsion is a key factor for the properties and stability of many food products. Confocal Raman microscopy is a promising method to study such complex structures in situ. This study aimed at evaluating the feasibility of confocal Raman microscopy for visualizing milk fat crystallization and establishing a reliable data acquisition and processing methodology. Milk fat globules from raw milk were fixated in an agarose gel and crystallized at different temperatures. Confocal Raman microscopy was applied to collect two-dimensional area scans and supporting images were obtained by polarized light microscopy. The results revealed differences in lipid characteristics, crystal formation, and spatial distribution as a result of crystallization. Specific C-C stretching vibrations at 1063, 1083, and 1125 cm-1 were found to indicate lipid chain mobility and provide quantitative information on crystallinity. Additionally, the study successfully identified the triple-layered milk fat globule membrane. Different approaches for processing spectroscopic data were compared, emphasizing the importance of proper data handling. This novel spectroscopy imaging approach has significant potential in enhancing our understanding of structural heterogeneities of crystallized structures within complex food matrices.

Emulsions stabilized by pea protein-rich ingredients as an alternative to dairy proteins for food sustainability: Unveiling the key role of pea endogenous lipids in the surface-induced crystallization of milk fat

In the current context of food transition, the growing demand of consumers for sustainable plant-based protein sources has stimulated interest of food scientists in plant protein ingredients as alternatives to dairy protein ingredients. In this study, we hypothesized that the crystallization properties of dairy emulsions could be affected by the chemical complexity of commercially available pea protein-rich ingredients that contain proteins but also endogenous lipids. Dairy emulsions (30 %wt milk fat) stabilized either by a pea protein isolate or dairy proteins were prepared, their microstructure and interfacial composition were characterized. The crystallization and melting properties of milk fat in anhydrous state and in the emulsions were examined by the combination of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and synchrotron-radiation X-ray diffraction as a function of temperature (SR-XRDT). The results revealed differences in the milk fat crystallization properties in emulsion as a function of the ingredient used and highlighted a specific role played by pea endogenous lipids. The pea protein-rich ingredient contained 12.1 %wt endogenous lipids including 56.2 %wt polar lipids, 40.7 %wt triacylglycerols (TAGs) and 3.1 %wt plant sterols. The partitioning of pea endogenous lipids occurred upon emulsion formation as a function of their polarity: liquid unsaturated fatty acid rich pea TAGs mixed with milk TAGs in the core of the lipid droplets while pea polar lipids migrated at the TAGs/water interface together with pea proteins. Pea polar lipids were composed of saturated high melting temperature (Tm) and unsaturated low Tm molecular species. High Tm pea polar lipids exhibited a phase transition on cooling (from Lα/expansed to Lβ/condensed) and acted as interfacial templates for surface heterogeneous nucleation and crystal growth of high crystallization temperature milk TAGs. The key interfacial and functional roles played by pea endogenous lipids present in the protein isolate were demonstrated. This study highlights the importance to examine the chemical composition and the properties of plant-based ingredients that are increasingly used for sustainable food formulations.

Effects of Dietary Supplements of DHA-enriched Micro Algae Diet on Physical and Technological Properties of Dairy Cow Milk Fat

This study examined the effect of dietary supplementation of DHA-enriched micro algae diet on physical and technological properties of dairy milk fat in terms of the dynamic crystallization and melting behaviour. Two dairy cows were subjected to feeding regime of DHA-enriched micro algae diet and control diet. The experiment was carried out during 21-d to determine the normal (control) and DHA-enriched micro algae diet modified milk fat that were taken for further analysis. The melting and crystallization behaviour of the milk fat from the cows fed control and DHA-enriched micro algae diets was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Q1000 (TA Instruments, New Castle, DE, United States). DHA-enriched micro algae supplementation strongly affected the melting and crystallization properties of milk fat. Generally, the onset temperature (°C) of milk fat crystallization was significantly lower in DHA-enriched milk fat as compared to the control. The quantity of heat released by fat crystallization expressed as J/g (peak area) was significantly lower in enriched milk fat. DHA-enriched milk fat also had a lower peak maximum temperature as compared to control in all samples investigated. All melting curves displayed two peaks (lower melting and higher melting peaks) and for melting peaks, DHA-enriched milk fat melted at significantly lower temperature as compared to the control indicating an increase in the degree of unsaturation of milk fat. Melting offset temperature was significantly lower for DHA-enriched milk fat as compared to the control. It can be concluded that from the results of this study, micro algae supplementation significantly altered the milk fat composition and positively affected melting and crystallization behaviour of milk fat.

Linseed oil supplementation and DGAT1 K232A polymorphism affect the triacylglycerol composition and crystallization of milk fat

We studied the effect of dietary linseed oil (LSO) supplementation and DGAT1 K232A (DGAT1) polymorphism on the triacylglycerol composition and crystallization of bovine milk fat. LSO supplementation increased unsaturated triacylglycerols, notably in the C52–C54 carbon range, while reducing the saturated C29–C49 triacylglycerols. These changes were associated with an increase in the low-melting fraction and the crystal lamellar thickness, as well as a reduction in the medium and high-melting fractions and the formation of the most abundant crystal type at 20 °C (β’-2 polymorph). Furthermore, DGAT1 KK was associated with higher levels of odd-chain saturated triacylglycerols than DGAT1 AA, and it was also associated with an increase in the high-melting fraction and the endset melting temperature. An interaction between diet and DGAT1 for the unsaturated C54 triacylglycerols accentuated the effects of LSO supplementation with DGAT1 AA. These findings show that genetic polymorphism and cows’ diet can have considerable effects on milk fat properties.

Polymorphism of a Highly Asymmetrical Triacylglycerol in Milk Fat: 1-Butyryl 2-Stearoyl 3-Palmitoyl-glycerol.

Milk fat has more than 200 triacylglycerols (TAGs), which play a pivotal role in its crystallization behavior. Asymmetrical TAGs containing short butyryl chains contribute to a significant portion of milk fat TAGs. This work aims to elucidate the crystallization behavior of asymmetrical milk fat TAGs by employing the pure compound of 1-butyryl 2-stearoyl 3-palmitoyl-glycerol (BuSP). The structural evolution of BuSP after being cooled down to 20 °C from the melt is evaluated by small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The temporal structural observation shows that BuSP crystallizes into the α-form with short and long spacings of 4.10 and 56.9 Å, respectively, during the first hour of isothermal hold at 20 °C. The polymorphic transformation of the α to β′ phase occurred after 4 h of isothermal hold, and the β′- to α-form fraction ratio was about 70:30 at the end of the isothermal experiment (18 h). Pure β′-form X-ray patterns are obtained from the BuSP powder with short spacings of 4.33, 4.14, and 3.80 Å, while the long spacing of 51.2 Å depicts a three-chain-length lamellar structure with a tilt angle of 32°. Corresponding DSC measurements display that BuSP crystallizes from the melt at 29.1 °C, whereas the melting of α- and β′-forms was recorded at 30.3 and 47.8 °C, respectively. In the absence of the β-form, the β′-polymorph is the most stable observed form in BuSP. This work exemplarily explains the crystallization behavior of asymmetrical milk fat TAGs and thus provides new insights into their role in overall milk fat crystallization.

Crystallization of emulsified anhydrous milk fat: The role of confinement and of minor compounds. A DSC study

We examined the crystallization and melting of anhydrous milk fat (AMF)-in-water emulsions stabilized by sodium caseinate. Various additives at low concentrations (<5 wt%), differing in their hydrocarbon chain length (propionic vs. palmitic acid), unsaturation (palmitic vs. oleic acid), and esterification state (palmitic acid vs. tripalmitin) were used to modulate AMF crystallization kinetics. Three emulsions with different average droplet diameters were cooled down from 60 °C to 4 °C. Fat crystallization was followed by DSC under dynamic (cooling) and static (isothermal) conditions. Propionic acid did not have any noticeable effect. Oleic acid favored supercooling and the formation of unstable polymorphs at short times but its impact faded after 48 h of isothermal storage. The impact of palmitic acid was related to its amphiphilic properties and vanished after 48 h. Tripalmitin influenced crystallization via volume effects that were persistent. It formed mixed crystals which extended the melting range of AMF.

Multiple phase transitions and microstructural rearrangements shape milk fat crystal networks

Hypothesis: The rheology of milk fat, which is strongly related to its functionality, reflects multiscale structural transitions in the colloidal network formed by crystallizing triacylglycerols. Experiments: To relate rheology to structure, early stages of milk fat crystallization at 15–22 °C were studied combining different techniques; XRD and microscopy to study structural changes, NMR to quantify the different structures, and rheology to evaluate their effect on macroscopic properties. Findings: Network strength increased with the synchronized formation of micro- and nanostructures. A rheological response was only obtained when these structures became visibly connected on a microscale, and internal transitional changes could be detected with rheology. On the nanoscale, transitions were linked to the formation of specific crystal polymorphs. We quantified the formation of polymorphs commonly found in milk fat (α-2 and β1′-2) and of two less commonly obtained polymorphs: β-2 and β2′-2. For the first time, the formation of these polymorphs was quantified and related to the composition of fat. Besides providing insights into the complex phase behavior of milk fat, this study shows that the structural transitions involved can be characterized and quantified by combining XRD with NMR and be detected at an early stage using rheology and microscopy.

Anhydrous fat crystallization of ultrasonic treated goat milk: DSC and NMR relaxation studies

Methods of NMR relaxation and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to study the crystallization of anhydrous milk fat (AMF) obtained from milk and subjected to ultrasonic (US) processing. Amongst the changes in the crystallization nature under the influence of ultrasound are the decrease in the crystallization temperature and the increase in the melting enthalpy of the anhydrous milk fat samples. The increase is ∼30% at 20 min of isothermal crystallization and is presumably explained by the additional formation of β'-form crystals from the melt. The parameters of the Avrami equation applied to the description of experimental data show an increase in the crystallization rate in samples with ultrasonic treatment and a change in the dimension of crystallization with a change in melting temperature.

Isothermal crystallization of anhydrous milk fat in presence of free fatty acids and their esters: From nanostructure to textural properties

We performed a multiscale study to understand the impact of pure exogenous compounds at low concentration on the crystallization of triacylglycerols (TAGs) in anhydrous milk fat (AMF). We selected butyric acid, an inhibitor of crystallization, and palmitic acid, a promotor, to investigate the influence of the chain length. Tripalmitin was also used as a promotor to assess the impact of fatty acid esterification. Melted blends containing the additives (1 wt%) were quenched at 25 °C. X-ray scattering data showed that AMF TAGs crystallized directly in the β’-2L form. The presence of additives did not modify the nanostructure of TAG crystals. However, they significantly altered the microstructure of AMF, as revealed by polarized light microscopy and rheology. This study emphasizes the interest of a multiscale approach to gain knowledge about the behavior of complex fat blends and of the use of modulators at low concentration to monitor their textural properties.

The Unique Crystallization Behavior of Buffalo Milk Fat

A full comprehension of milk fat crystallization is important for the structural development of dairy products such as butter, ice cream, and cheese. The influence of triacylglycerol (TAG) composition on the dynamic of milk fat crystallization and the nanostructure of the formed crystals was investigated using two chemically different types of milk fat, namely buffalo and cow milk fats (BMF; CMF). The TAG composition was determined using liquid chromatography and mass spectrophotometry (LCMS), whereas differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS), and polarized light microscopy (PLM) were used to characterize the crystallization behavior of the two milk fats. A total of 37 TAG species were identified in both BMF and CMF, but in different proportions. In particular, BMF was found to have a higher amount of low-molecular-weight TAGs in comparison to CMF. This difference in chemical composition explains the different kinetics of polymorphic transformation in the two samples. Specifically, it clarifies the delay in the nucleation of the β′-polymorph in BMF in comparison to CMF. BMF also showed a higher nucleation rate due to its higher proportion of saturated TAGs and higher melting range. Finally, this work presents a novel interpretation of the mechanism of formation of the β-polymorph (53 A), which has recently become the subject of a vivid debate in milk fat crystallization studies.

Analyses of milk fat crystallization and milk fat fractions

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the possible extent of changes in the composition and physicochemical properties of unmodified milk fat (UMF) and to evaluate the influence of such modifications on the crystallization of solid fractions (SF) and liquid fractions (LF) obtained from UMF by dry fractionation at a temperature of 30°C, 25°C, and 20°C. The evaluation was based on the results of gas chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), firmness/hardness values measured with a texture analyzer, and optical microscopy analysis. The results of the above analyses, in particular the evaluation of fatty acid (FA) composition, revealed that dry fractionation produces fractions with different composition and different ratios of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) to unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). These variations also induced differences in the physicochemical properties of the analyzed samples, mostly changes in melting and solidification curves, as well as differences in the microstructure of milk fat (MF) analyzed under a microscope at a temperature of 10°C. The present findings indicate that FA composition is clearly correlated with firmness/hardness and the microscopically determined crystallization of MF and its fractions.

The stability of aerated emulsions: Effects of emulsifier synergy on partial coalescence and crystallization of milk fat

This study investigated the effects of emulsifiers (mono- and diglycerides, Tween 80, LACTEM, and sodium stearyl lactylate), both individually and in combinations, on the partial coalescence of fat globules and fat crystallization behavior, as well as their influence on the stability of aerated emulsions (36 wt% fat). The extent of partial coalescence, solid fat content (SFC), and melting/crystallization profile of bulk anhydrous milk fat (AMF) blends were examined. Furthermore, the interfacial tension, particle size distribution, apparent viscosity, and creaming rate of the quiescent emulsions were measured, while the aeration properties, rheology, and microstructure of aerated emulsions were analyzed. Lipophilic-emulsifier formulas accelerated fat crystallization and achieved higher foam firmness, whereas mono- and diglycerides had a significant positive effect on the crystallization behavior of bulk AMF blends compared to the minor impact on emulsification. Moreover, the highly viscous emulsions that were obtained by combining more hydrophilic emulsifiers could be attributed to more partial coalescence and smaller globule particle size, especially with the inclusion of Tween 80, which was very efficient at reducing interfacial tension. The four-blend emulsifier formula produced a lower emulsion creaming rate and higher aeration activity (overrun) and its foam displayed regularly-shaped air bubbles enveloped by a fat network consisting of well-distributed fat clusters. Overall, the results showed that the choice of emulsifiers played a crucial role in the physical stability of aerated emulsions. • Lipophilic-emulsifier formulas achieved higher foam firmness. • Mono- and diglycerides (MDG) had a positive effect on the fat crystallization compared to the minor impact on emulsification. • Combining more hydrophilic emulsifiers like Tween 80 promoted partial coalescence. • The four-blend emulsifier formula had lower emulsion creaming rate and higher overrun. • The different emulsifier formulas affected the texture of the final aerated emulsion in different ways.

Retardation of Crystallization through the Addition of Dairy Phospholipids

AbstractThe objective of this work was to identify the effects that milk phospholipids (PL) have on crystallization of anhydrous milk fat (AMF). Three mixtures were prepared by adding 0%, 0.01%, and 0.1% PL to AMF. Each mixture was crystallized for 90 min at 24, 26, and 28 °C. The solid fat content was measured as a function of time and fitted to the Avrami equation. Melting point, thermal behavior, viscoelastic properties, and crystal morphology were all measured at 90 min. All assays were repeated, as well as hardness, after being stored at 5 °C for 48 hours. Samples containing PL showed slower crystallization as concentration increased especially at higher temperatures (26 and 28 °C). The addition of PL caused a difference in crystal morphology resulting in visibly larger crystals at 90 min. The elasticity and hardness at 90 min were influenced by the addition of PL at 24 °C with lower values obtained in samples with PL compared to the AMF alone. No differences in hardness nor in elasticity was observed for samples crystallized at 26 and 28 °C. A decrease in melting enthalpy was observed in samples with PL indicating a reduction in crystallization at all temperatures, which was supported by crystal morphology.

Application of High Intensity Ultrasound to Accelerate Crystallization of Anhydrous Milk Fat and Rapeseed Oil Blends

In this study, the impact of high intensity ultrasound (HIU) treatment on anhydrous milk fat and milk fat/rapeseed oil blends with 10–30 w/w% rapeseed oil is examined. Effects of HIU treatment on crystallization kinetics, thermal behavior, microstructure, texture, and oxidation are evaluated. HIU treatment results in an acceleration of the crystallization process, especially for blends with a high rapeseed oil content. HIU treatment reduces the crystal size, however, HIU treatment does not have any significant effects on the melting behavior or hardness. No significant effects of HIU treatment on secondary oxidation products are observed, indicating that lipid oxidation is not facilitated by the HIU treatment.Practical Application: A great potential exists for the use of use of high intensity ultrasound in the food industry to obtain a shorter and more controllable fat crystallization process. Results from this demonstrate how the impact of ultrasound treatment is affected by diluting a hard fat with liquid oil. Such effects are of great importance in, for instance, the dairy industry, where high intensity ultrasound potentially provides an additional processing tool in the production of spreadable blends based on milk fat and rapeseed oil. Ultrasound treatment is introduced in a circulating flow system, a more realistic representation of an industrial setting compared with commonly used probe based bath systems.High intensity ultrasound accelerates the crystallization kinetics of anhydrous milk fat and rapeseed oil blends, resulting in the formation of smaller crystals but no differences in melting properties or hardness. This is obtained in a circulating flow cell, without detection of increased levels of secondary oxidation products.

Impact of technological processes on buffalo and bovine milk fat crystallization behavior and milk fat globule membrane phospholipids profile

The effects of milk technological processes (pasteurization, homogenization, and freeze-drying) on the crystallization and melting behaviors of buffalo and bovine milk fat were investigated. As well, the profile of milk phospholipids was identified. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to evaluate the variations in the thermal behaviors of milk fat. Milk phospholipids were purified by the solid-phase extraction method, and then identified by using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry. Seven classes of phospholipids (including phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, sphingomyelin, and lysophosphatidylcholine) were identified. Milk processing affected both the thermal characteristics and the profile of phospholipids, since the content of phosphatidylcholine increased after the homogenization of pasteurized milk. The finding of this study could provide a valuable knowledge to dairy industry and the related applications since it highlights the variations in milk fat crystallization and melting behaviors, and the profile of phospholipids throughout a series of technological treatments.

Free fatty acids and their esters modulate isothermal crystallization of anhydrous milk fat

The effect of free fatty acids with different chain lengths or unsaturation degree on anhydrous milk fat (AMF) crystallization was evaluated. The impact of esterification was also studied using three triglycerides. Melted blends containing the additives at concentrations lower than 12wt.% were quenched at 25°C and isothermal crystallization was monitored by pulsed low-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance. In parallel, polarized light microscopy was used to observe the microstructure. Compounds based on long chain saturated fatty acids, i.e. palmitic, stearic, eicosanoic acids, tripalmitin and tristearin accelerated crystallization. Conversely, propanoic, hexanoic and oleic acids slowed down the process, while triacetin had no impact. Interestingly, above a critical concentration, the addition of palmitic, stearic or eicosanoic acids caused a transition from a one-step to two-step process. Gompertz model was used to fit the experimental data and to assess the influence of the molecular properties of the additives on the kinetic parameters.

Effect of Phytosterols on the Crystallization Behavior of Oil-in-Water Milk Fat Emulsions.

Milk has been used commercially as a carrier for phytosterols, but there is limited knowledge on the effect of added plant sterols on the properties of the system. In this study, phytosterols dispersed in milk fat at a level of 0.3 or 0.6% were homogenized with an aqueous dispersion of whey protein isolate (WPI). The particle size, morphology, ζ-potential, and stability of the emulsions were investigated. Emulsion crystallization properties were examined through the use of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Synchrotron X-ray scattering at both small and wide angles. Phytosterol enrichment influenced the particle size and physical appearance of the emulsion droplets, but did not affect the stability or charge of the dispersed particles. DSC data demonstrated that, at the higher level of phytosterol addition, crystallization of milk fat was delayed, whereas, at the lower level, phytosterol enrichment induced nucleation and emulsion crystallization. These differences were attributed to the formation of separate phytosterol crystals within the emulsions at the high phytosterol concentration, as characterized by Synchrotron X-ray measurements. X-ray scattering patterns demonstrated the ability of the phytosterol to integrate within the milk fat triacylglycerol matrix, with a concomitant increase in longitudinal packing and system disorder. Understanding the consequences of adding phytosterols, on the physical and crystalline behavior of emulsions may enable the functional food industry to design more physically and chemically stable products.

Crystallization mechanisms in cream during ripening and initial butter churning

The temperature treatment of cream is the time-consuming step in butter production. A better understanding of the mechanisms leading to partial coalescence, such as fat crystallization during ripening and churning of the cream, will contribute to optimization of the production process. In this study, ripening and churning of cream were performed in a rheometer cell and the mechanisms of cream crystallization during churning of the cream, including the effect of ripening time, were investigated to understand how churning time and partial coalescence are affected. Crystallization mechanisms were studied as function of time by differential scanning calorimetry, nuclear magnetic resonance and by X-ray scattering. Microstructure formation was investigated by small deformation rheology and static light scattering. The study demonstrated that viscosity measurements can be used to detect phase inversion of the emulsion during churning of the cream in a rheometer cell. Longer ripening time (e.g., 5h vs. 0h) resulted in larger butter grains (91 vs. 52µm), higher viscosity (5.3 vs. 1.3 Pa·s), and solid fat content (41 vs. 13%). Both ripening and churning time had an effect on the thermal behavior of the cream. Despite the increase in solid fat content, no further changes in crystal polymorphism and in melting behavior were observed after 1h of ripening and after churning. The churning time significantly decreased after 0.5h of ripening, from 22.9min for the cream where no ripening was applied to 16.23min. Therefore, the crystallization state that promotes partial coalescence (i.e., aggregation of butter grains) is obtained within the first hour of cream ripening at 10°C. The present study adds knowledge on the fundamental processes of crystallization and polymorphism of milk fat occurring during ripening and churning of cream. In addition, the dairy industry will benefit from these insights on the optimization of butter manufacturing.