Salt In Cheese Research Articles

Microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory changes throughout ripening of an experimental soft smear-ripened cheese in relation to salt concentrations

To evaluate the effect of NaCl content on microbiological, biochemical, physicochemical, and sensorial characteristics, Munster cheeses were prepared from pasteurized milk seeded with 3 yeasts (Kluyveromyces marxianus, Debaryomyces hansenii, and Geotrichum candidum) and 5 ripening bacteria (Arthrobacter arilaitensis, Brevibacterium aurantiacum, Corynebacterium casei, Hafnia alvei, and Staphylococcus equorum). Experiments were performed in triplicate under 1.0%, 1.7%, and 2.4% NaCl levels in cheese. Ripening (d 2-27) was carried out at 12°C and 96% relative humidity. These kinetics were both reproducible and repeatable at a 99% confidence level. For each microbial, biochemical, and physicochemical parameter, 2 kinetic descriptors (the maximal or minimal rate and its occurrence time) were defined. On d 2, the physicochemical variables (water activity, dry matter, and water content) were strongly dependent on the salting level. From d 2 to d 27, K. lactis was insensitive to salt, whereas D. hansenii was stimulated. Geotrichum candidum growth appeared very sensitive to salt in cheese: at 1.0% NaCl, G. candidum exhibited overgrowth, negatively affecting rind appearance, underrind consistency and thickness, and off-flavor flaws. A salt concentration of 2.4% induced death of G. candidum. A total of 4 bacteria (A. arilaitensis, B. aurantiacum, C. casei, and H. alvei) were moderately sensitive to salt, but S. equorum was insensitive to it. Salt level in cheese had a significant effect on carbon substrate consumption rates. The lactate consumption rate in 1.0% salted cheeses was approximately twice higher than under 2.4% NaCl. Data analysis of microorganism, biochemical, and physicochemical kinetics, as well as sensory analysis, showed that 1.7% NaCl was the best salt level in Munster-type cheeses to achieve an optimum balance between cheese characteristics, sensory qualities, and marketability.

CHEESE WITH REDUCED SALT CONTENT

Nowadays, there is growing awareness about reduced fat food as well as free fat products. Low fat milk products, particularly low and salt cheese represent a good choice for the development of new products with functional properties. Consumers are always looking forward to desirable and healthy products. Therefore, consumer's demand for low-fat/calorie products has significantly raised in an attempt to limit health problems, to lose or stabilize their weight and to work within the frame of a healthier diet. Removing all or only part of the fat and salt from cheese can negatively affect its taste, texture, and functionality. Many of the low-fat and salt cheeses have an uncharacteristic taste, greater transparency, less melting, rubbery and resinous texture. To overcome these shortcomings, during the production of low-fat and salt cheese, safe and convenient ingredients have been introduced in the dairy industry that improve its texture and taste, increase its shelf life, improve its appearance, while the product is not inferior to the characteristics of the standard type of cheese. However, despite the efforts made to improve the sensory and functional properties of low-fat and salt cheese, it is ageneral finding that users are still skeptical about its selection and consumption. To that purpose, reducing fat and sodium in cheese and maintaining its safety and quality continues to be a challenge for the dairy industry in highly developed countries.

Utilization of Ras Cheese Salt Whey in the Manufacture of Fatty Dairy Products

Utilization of Ras Cheese Salt Whey in the Manufacture of Fatty Dairy Products

Impact of Salting Techniques on the Physio-Chemical Characteristics, Sensory Properties, and Volatile Organic Compounds of Ras Cheese.

Ras cheese is the main Egyptian hard cheese that is well-known worldwide. Herein, we investigated how different salting techniques affect the physio-chemical properties, sensory properties, and volatile compounds of Ras cheese over a six-month ripening period. Five Ras cheese treatments were made from pasteurized cow's milk using various salting techniques: traditional salting of Ras cheese, salting by applying all of the salt to the curd after the entire whey drainage, salting by applying all of the salt to the curd after half to two-thirds of the whey drainage, salting in a brine solution for 24 h without dry salting, and salting in a brine solution for 12 h and then dry salting. The obtained results by GC-MS recorded that thirty-eight volatile compounds were identified in Ras cheese treatments after six months of ripening, and the development of volatile compounds was affected by the salting technique as well as the ripening period of the cheeses, which played a major role in the type and concentration of volatile compounds. Results revealed that there are six esters, 15 fatty acids, five ketones, two aldehydes, four alcohols, and eight other compounds identified in most treatments. Some physio-chemical characteristics and sensory properties were found to have high correlations with the storage period, while some others have low correlations during the ripening period.

Using 1H and 23Na NMR relaxometry as a novel tool to monitor the moisture and salt distribution in commercial low-moisture part skim mozzarella

Zonal variations in 1H or 23Na content in commercial low-moisture part-skim mozzarella with a uniform salt distribution, obtained by dry-salting, or with a salt gradient, obtained by dry-salting and brining, were profiled using a combined 1H and 23Na NMR relaxometry procedure. 1D concentration–distance profiles were constructed in all cheeses from the surface to the core. Rapid, non-invasive, (∼21 min) distinction between dry-salted and brined cheese was enabled. Uptake of salt in cheese brined for 0–24 h was determined, and the derived effective diffusion coefficient of 23Na (3.23 × 10−10 m2 s−1) compared favourably with values reported for other semi-hard cheeses during brining; the 23Na concentration–distance profiles of brined cheese stored for 2–44 d at 4 °C corresponded to an effective diffusion coefficient of about 5.21 × 10−10 m2 s−1. Small variations in moisture content in the cheese could not be distinguished from the random fluctuations in 1H signal intensity.

The production of the innovative craft cheese "Anchan"

The analysis of regional raw materials for producing craft cheese "Anchan" and studies of raw milk for its physical and chemical properties and technological indicators. Milk samples were pasteurized in the laboratory at a temperature of 80 °C for 10 seconds. Anchan was added to the milk for colour. Next, the milk before coagulation was heated in a pasteurization boiler by heating with saturated steam 36 – 38 °C. The enzyme 4 mL per 100 kg of milk and 4 mL of black cornflower extract was added to the prepared milk to improve milk coagulation and the formation of a dense cheese clot. Strains of probiotic cultures were selected for Anchan. The composition of the main complex yeast of mesophilic lactococci acid and aroma-forming cultures, namely Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Lactococcus lactis subsp. Lactococcus lactis subsp. diacetilactis, Leuconostoc lactis. As an additional leaven used thermophilic lactic acid sticks of the species Lactobacillus acidophilus (incoherent race to obtain a new taste of craft cheese. Using these ingredients reduced fermentation time by 8 – 10 minutes. Closing the skin of the cheese by watering the cheese heats with hot water (50 – 55 °C). Marking, packaging, transportation and storage were carried out per the craft product's specifications for the craft producer. The following criteria were used for optimizing the technological process of Anchan cheese production: temperature treatment of milk, amount of added water for whey deoxidation and amount of salt in cheese. as a result of previous research.

Reducing Sodium Content in Cheeses While Increasing Salty Taste and Fat Perception Using Aroma.

Excess salt (NaCl) and fat intake are major causes of chronic diseases, but reducing such components without affecting acceptability is a major challenge. Here, we set out to examine whether added aroma in lower salt cheese can enhance saltiness and fat perception. Low-salt cheese samples were grated through a homogenizer, and then aroma solution, sardine aroma (salt-associated), butter aroma (fat-associated) and a mix of sardine and butter aromas were added. The results confirmed that grating changes cheese texture, leading to induced taste perception. In addition, a significant saltiness enhancement was induced by sardine aroma and to a lesser extent by butter aroma, while significant fat perception enhancement was only induced by blended aroma. These findings show that aroma addition can be a strategy to compensate for sodium reduction in commercial cheese. Concerning fat perception, the addition of aroma can be a good strategy to compensate for low-fat in commercial cheeses. However, the mechanisms involved seem complex and need to be elucidated.

Investigation of the Effect of Technological Processing on the Quality of Goat's Milk Cheese

In this article, the possibility of using goat's milk in the production of cheeses is investigated and justified. In order to improve the functional and technological properties of cheeses, the influence of technological processes on the quality indicators of cheeses has been studied. Taking into account the conducted research and practical experience, it is advisable to carry out the maturation of thermized goat's milk at 65°C, followed by its pasteurization at 72-75°C. The use of partial salting of cheese in grain in an amount of 0.5-0.7 kg of table salt per 100 kg of milk increases the moisture content of the product by 2.2-2.8%, provides a more uniform salting of cheese heads and reduces the duration of salting by 1-2 days. Reducing the duration of salting, maturation in brine and carrying out brine-free storage of cheeses helps to reduce the content of sodium chloride to 4-5% versus 6-7% in control. Thus, it was found that reducing the duration of salting brine cheeses in brine 20-22% concentration to 4-5 days instead of 20-30 and carrying out without brine maturation increases the moisture content in the finished product by 2.5-3.5% and reduces the salt content by 2.0-2.5%, which intensifies the process of cheese maturation. Production modes have been optimized and the expediency of using bacterial starter culture and a preparation for brine cheeses consisting of salt-resistant strains of mesophilic lactic acid streptococci and L.casei sticks has been proved. This makes it possible to intensify microbiological and biochemical processes and accelerate the maturation of cheeses by 2 times.

Isolation, identification, and application of lactic acid-producing bacteria using salted cheese whey substrate and immobilized cells technology

BackgroundLactic acid bacteria (LAB) could be used for bio-production of lactic acid (LA) from wastes of dairy industries. This study aimed to produce LA using isolated and identified LAB capable of withstanding high salt concentration of salted cheese whey and adopting immobilization technique in repeated batch fermentation process. ResultsSeventy four isolates of LAB were isolated from salted cheese whey and examined for lactic acid production. The superior isolates were biochemically and molecularly identified as Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, and Enterococcus hirae. Then the best of them, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus hirae and dual of them besides Lacticaseibacillus casei were immobilized by sodium alginate 2% in entrapped cells. Repeated batch fermentation was executed for LA production from the mixture of salted whey and whey permeate (1:1) using immobilized strains during static state fermentation under optimum conditions (4% inoculum size in mixture contained 5% sucrose and 0.5% calcium carbonate and incubation at 37 °C). The potent bacterial strain was Enterococcus faecalis which gave the maximum LA production of 36.95 g/l with a yield of 81% after 36 h incubation at 37 °C in presence of 5% sugar. ConclusionImmobilized cells exhibited good mechanical strength during repetitive fermentations and could be used in repetitive batch cultures for more than 126 days.

THE INFLUENCE OF THE FILM FORMED ON THE PRATO CHEESE SURFACE DURING THE NaCl AND KCl SALTING PROCESS: APPLICATION OF THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD AND NEURAL NETWORKS OF THE SELF-ORGANIZING MAP (SOM) AND MULTILAYER PERCEPTRON (MLP) TYPES

Sodium chloride is used in the cheese salting process as it promotes sensory changes and food preservation. However, in excess can cause hypertension problems, and for this reason, it has been partially replaced by potassium chloride. In the present work, Prato cheese was subjected to joint diffusion of NaCl and KCl by immersion in static and stirred brine. The salt concentration values on the cheese surface were determined as a function of time. They were tabulated and presented to the self-organizing map (SOM)-type neural networks and the multilayer perceptron (MLP) for analysis and modeling of the film formed on the surface of the cheese during static and dynamic salting. The SOM network showed that the behavior of the diffusive process, on the surface of the cheese, depends on the analyzed position and that the points in which occupy similar positions, concerning the distance from the edge, have similar behavior. Regression models for NaCl and KCl were significant at the 5% level and can be used for predictive purposes.

ERRATUM: Application of artificial neural networks in the study of Mozzarella cheese salting

ERRATUM: Application of artificial neural networks in the study of Mozzarella cheese salting

Pivotal role of cheese salting method for the production of 3‐methylbutanal by Lactococcus lactis

The aldehyde 3‐methylbutanal is a key aroma compound for many types of cheeses. Intracellular enzymes of cheese starter cultures are predominantly responsible for the conversion of leucine into 3‐methylbutanal. Environmental conditions during cheese manufacturing also play a role in the production of 3‐methylbutanal. Our work shows that salting has a detrimental effect on the capacity of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis DS84445 to produce 3‐methylbutanal. In that respect, a promising way to control the concentration of 3‐methylbutanal is by using a cheese starter culture that produces the aimed level of 3‐methylbutanal before salting starts and preferably when lactose is still available.

Application of artificial neural networks in the study of Mozzarella cheese salting

A highly efficient tool that has stood out in data processing and treatment is Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). Self-organized maps (SOM), which is a type of ANNs, are easy-to-view computational models that simulate information processing and knowledge acquisition. Applying this tool, we analyzed the behavior of the film formed on the mozzarella cheese surface when subjected to salting by immersion. In order to reduce the amount of NaCl in the food, KCl was used as a partial substitute in adequate amounts, without causing sensory changes in the cheese. The diffusion of salts in the brine is caused by the transfer of sodium and potassium ions, induced by concentration gradient of these salts inside and outside the food. The application of artificial neural networks proved to be an effective tool in the evaluation of the influence of the film on the diffusion process of Na+ and K+ ions, in the mozzarella cheese salting.

Devising nanotechnology for vegetable cryofrozen enrichers with biocomponents and the natural protein healthy snacks containing them

This paper reports the development of nanotechnology for processing vegetables (spicy and carotene-containing ones) into frozen cryoadditives – enrichers with biologically active substances (BAS), as well as natural protein health snacks containing them. An innovative method proposed for obtaining vegetable nano additives involves the use of deep processing of raw materials. The method is based on a complex effect exerted on raw materials by cryo-processing and cryomechanodestruction, making it possible not only to preserve the BAS of fresh vegetables but also to transform them into a nanostructured form in order to fully reveal the biological potential of the raw materials. The resulting nano additives made from vegetables have no analogs. The BAS mass fraction in the produced frozen cryoadditives is 3.0...3.2 times larger than that in the starting fresh raw materials. Vegetable-based cryoadditives that are used in the manufacture of snacks are not only the BAS carriers but also perform the functions of structure-forming agents, gel-forming agents, colorants, thereby making it possible to produce high-quality health products and eliminate the need for food additives. Applying the vegetable-based frozen cryoadditives enrichers with biocomponents has made it possible to devise a new generation of natural protein snacks for healthy eating. The protein base used included nano additives made from legumes (peas) and soft salt cheese, which are distinguished by a high content of complete protein and are easily digestible. The new protein-vegetable snacks differ from conventional ones in the high content of β-carotene, phenolic compounds, tannins; 100 g of the product may satisfy about 30 % of the daily protein needs. The devised snacks are a new type of natural wellness products that are made without the use of artificial food additives and are recommended for industrial production.

Application of self-organizing maps to evaluate the influence and behavior of the film formed during salting of Prato cheese

Problems related to high blood pressure have led consumers to choose foods with low levels of sodium chloride, and an alternative to reduce the salt content of this salt is its partial replacement with KCl. In order to not affect the sensory properties of cheese, salting was performed using a solution containing 70% of NaCl and 30% of KCl in a static and dynamic system. During the salting process by immersion, the mass transfer is affected by the formation of a film on the cheese surface. The analysis of the diffusion of salts in the film can be performed using self-organizing map (SOM) combined with the Finite Element Method (FEM). Through these tools, a greater influence of the film was observed when the static system was applied and that the diffusion is different according to the studied position. On the biosolid sides the diffusion was more pronounced than in the center, indicating a decrease in the film thickness towards the edges. The SOM combined with 3D modeling showed to be an efficient tool to investigate the formation, influence and behavior of the film during the diffusion of Na+ and K+ on salting of Prato cheese.

Changes in the Physicochemical Properties of Kashkaval of Pindos Cheese Produced with Different Salting Methods during Ripening

Kashkaval of Pindos cheeses were produced either with sheep (100%) or mixture of sheep (90%) - goat (10%) milk. Sheep milk cheeses were manufactured either by dry salting or by immersion in 18% w/w salt (NaCl) brine. Cheeses made with the mixture of sheep- goat milk were directly immersed in brine of 15% or 18% w/w NaCl concentration. These are common practices of cheese salting used by the traditional cheese-makers. The physicochemical characteristics of all cheeses were monitored during a ripening period of 3-months. The results have shown that the physicochemical characteristics of both cheeses were not affected by the different salting methods. Therefore, Kashkaval of Pindos cheese can be salted either with dry salt or with immersion in brine, without altering their main composition and organoleptic characteristics. Furthermore, some historical data about Kashkaval of Pindos cheese are included.

Double emulsions fortified with plant and milk proteins as fat replacers in cheese

The aim of this work is to investigate the possibility of producing low-fat cheddar cheeses using double emulsions, enriched with milk or vegetable proteins. Primary w/o emulsions were produced by dissolving various proteins as aqueous phase. An increase of the protein concentration led emulsions with smaller droplet size (down to 128 nm). Three low fat (LF) cheeses containing double emulsions enriched with proteins were produced. The addition of whey protein in the inner aqueous phase of the double emulsion, led to a decrease of fat, from 17% (LF) to 15.8% (WPI), and salt in cheese. The cheese with the double emulsions showed lower hardness, and oil loss compared to the LF cheddar cheeses. The proposed fat-based emulsions with high encapsulation efficiencies of protein could have potential applications in many dairy and other food products.

Correlation between sensory and instrumental measurements of saltiness in Queso Molido Narinense

A sensory study was conducted at the Universidad Santiago de Cali with Queso Molido Nariñense. To determine the preferred levels of concentration acceptable by consumers, samples were made with different concentrations of NaCl (C1 = 0.62%, C2 = 0.87%, C3 = 1.05%, C4 = 1.74%, C5 = 2.71%, and C6 = 5.34%). The results show that sample C4 had the highest degree of acceptance, followed by C2, C3, and C5, while C1 and C6 had the lowest acceptance. Consumers were able to distinguish salt differences above 0.27%. It was possible to predict consumer reaction regarding their levels of acceptability and perception using the Sensory-Instrumental correlation. This result showed that either an extremely low or a very high level of concentration of salt in cheese could result in a low acceptance by consumers.

Mathematical modeling of NaCl and KCl diffusion in mozzarella cheese using static and stirred brine

Sodium chloride salt is used in the cheese salting because it promotes sensorial changes besides preserving the food, but in excess can cause hypertension. Therefore, it has been partially replaced by potassium chloride to not affect the sensory characteristics. In this work the mozzarella cheese was subjected to the diffusion of Na+ and K+ in brine by static and stirred immersion. The diffusion was modeled using the second law of Fick and simulated by the finite element method through the software COMSOL Multiphysics® version 5.2. The main, cross coefficients and the relation between mass transfer coefficient and the mass conductivity were determined through simplex optimization, minimizing the percentage errors between the experimental and simulated concentrations, obtaining 3.79%(w/v) for NaCl and 5.66%(w/v) of KCl in static brine. In stirring brine, the errors obtained were 5.40%(w/v) for NaCl and 6.01%(w/v) for KCl. The resulting main diffusion coefficients were 1.12 × 10−9 (m2/s) for NaCl and 0.91 × 10−9 (m2/s) for KCl.

Matching starter phenotype to functionality for low salt Cheddar cheese production based on viability, permeability, autolysis, enzyme accessibility and release in model systems

Lactococcal starters were evaluated for suitability in low salt Cheddar cheese manufacture using model systems containing 0%, 3% or 5% (w/v) salt. Strains underwent the Pearce test and storage at 14 days and were monitored for viability, permeabilisation, autolysis, PepX activity and cell envelope proteinase activities. Salt exerted a species and strain-dependent effect on viability throughout storage. Flow cytometry indicated live, permeabilised or dead cells varied in a strain and salt-dependent manner. Salt affected the dynamics of live and permeabilised cells during storage; cooking temperature influenced permeability and accessible intracellular PepX activity. Higher permeabilisation, autolysis, released and accessible intracellular PepX activity with lower cell envelope proteinase activities, indicated AM2, SK11 and Z8 strains may perform better in reduced salt environments. Strains HP, R1 and 303 had low autolysis and permeabilisation but higher cell envelope proteinase activities at reduced salt levels and may not be suitable for low salt cheese production.