Turkish White Cheese Research Articles

Utilisation of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis (PY91K) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Y48) to control Clostridium sporogenes during Turkish white cheese production and storage

SummaryThis study investigated the inhibition of Clostridium species, isolated from cheeses with late‐blowing defects, by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Four batches of Turkish white cheeses were produced; control cheese, cheese sample containing Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis (PY91K) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Y48) as protective cultures (LAB), a cheese sample containing the protective culture and inoculated with Clostridium sporogenes spores (CL‐LAB) and finally a cheese sample containing only Cl. sporogenes spores (CL). White cheese's microbiological and physicochemical properties were also determined throughout the 90‐day storage period at 4 °C. Approximately 1 log reduction in Cl. sporogenes (ZMP‐1‐4) spores was observed in the LAB co‐inoculated Turkish white cheese samples.

Determination of Thermotolerant Yeast Population in Dairy Products

Thermotolerant yeasts constitute a critical indicator for the effective management of product quality, food safety, and production processes in the dairy industry. This study aims to investigate the presence of thermotolerant yeasts in diverse dairy products within the context of Turkiye. In this study, pH and thermotolerant yeast properties of Turkish white cheese, butter, cream (Kaymak), and Tulum cheese were investigated. Thermotolerant yeast counts in butter samples ranged between 4.30 and 4.82 log CFU/g, with pH values ranging from 4.91 to 6.68. Thermotolerant yeast counts of Tulum cheese, white cheese and cream samples were <2 log CFU/g. The pH values of cream and Tulum cheese were ranged from pH 5.07-6.79 and pH 4.91-6.68, respectively. The mean pH value for white cheeses was 4.98. As a results, thermotolerant yeast counts of Tulum cheese, white cheese and cream samples were below the detectable value; however, a high number of thermotolerant yeasts were determined in butter samples. In conclusions, these findings offer valuable insights for evaluating the microbiological quality of different dairy products, aiding producers in enhancing safety and quality for consumers.

The characterization of the non-starter lactic acid bacteria and yeast microbiota and the chemical and aromatic properties of traditionally produced Turkish White Cheese.

Turkish White Cheese is a brined (or pickled) cheese with a salty, acidic flavor and a soft or semi-hard texture. It is the most produced and consumed type of cheese in Turkey. The purpose of this study was to determine the non-starter lactic acid bacteria and yeast microbiota of traditionally produced Turkish White Cheese and analyze the chemical properties and the aroma profile of the cheese. The results of the study identified 27 distinct strains belonging to 14 the non-starter lactic acid bacteria species and 49 different strains belonging to 11 yeast species. Lactobacillus plantarum was found to be the dominant species among the lactic acid bacteria, while Candida zeylanoides was the dominant yeast species in the White Cheese samples. In addition, Kluyveromyces lactis and Debaryomyces hansenii were prominent yeast species in cheese samples. Turkish White Cheese samples had different aromatic properties. The study is highly significant as it anaylzed both non-starter lactic acid bacteria and yeast microbiota of traditionally produced Turkish White Cheese through molecular methods. It also determined and analyzed a number of chemical and aromatic properties of White Cheese.

Some Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated and Identified from Traditionally Produced Turkish White Cheese

In this study, some pathogens in the microbiota of traditionally produced White Cheese were determined by molecular methods and their phlogenetic similarities were analyzed. Eight different pathogenic species (Citrobacter braakii, Hafnia paralvei, Klebsiella grimontii, Kosakonia sacchari, Raoultella ornithinolytica, Raoultella terrigena, Serratia liquefaciens, Serratia plymuthica) were detected in the White Cheese, and Klebsiella grimontii was the dominant species. No study was found in the present studies in which Klebsiella grimontii was detected in cheese or dairy products. In addition, no study was found in which Kosakonia sacchari, another pathogenic bacterium we detected, was also detected in cheese. This study has revealed some pathogenic microflora in traditionally produced White Cheese.

Monitoring Turkish white cheese ripening by portable FT-IR spectroscopy.

The biochemical metabolism during cheese ripening plays an active role in producing amino acids, organic acids, and fatty acids. Our objective was to evaluate the unique fingerprint-like infrared spectra of the soluble fractions in different solvents (water-based, methanol, and ethanol) of Turkish white cheese for rapid monitoring of cheese composition during ripening. Turkish white cheese samples were produced in a pilot plant scale using a mesophilic culture (Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris), ripened for 100 days and samples were collected at 20-day intervals for analysis. Three extraction solvents (water, methanol, and ethanol) were selected to obtain soluble cheese fractions. Reference methods included gas chromatography (amino acids and fatty acid profiles), and liquid chromatography (organic acids) were used to obtain the reference results. FT-IR spectra were correlated with chromatographic data using pattern recognition analysis to develop regression and classification predictive models. All models showed a good fit (RPre ≥ 0.91) for predicting the target compounds during cheese ripening. Individual free fatty acids were predicted better in ethanol extracts (0.99 ≥ RPre ≥ 0.93, 1.95 ≥ SEP ≥ 0.38), while organic acids (0.98 ≥ RPre ≥ 0.97, 10.51 ≥ SEP ≥ 0.57) and total free amino acids (RPre = 0.99, SEP = 0.0037) were predicted better by using water-based extracts. Moreover, cheese compounds extracted with methanol provided the best SIMCA classification results in discriminating the different stages of cheese ripening. By using a simple methanolic extraction and collecting spectra with a portable FT-IR device provided a fast, simple, and cost-effective technique to monitor the ripening of white cheese and predict the levels of key compounds that play an important role in the biochemical metabolism of Turkish white cheese.

Effect of production variations on the composition, textural and microstructural properties, and volatile compounds of Turkish white cheese during ripening

Full-fat (WC1) and half-fat (WC2) Turkish white cheeses were manufactured on an industrial scale and ripened for 180 days. The objective of this study was to evaluate the variation in chemical and volatile compounds as well as the textural and microstructural characteristics during ripening of Turkish white cheese produced by different production methods from full-fat and half-fat milk. There were significant variations in the volatile compounds. For WC1 cheese, the values of hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness values decreased towards 60 days in all cases, and then showed significant increases until the end of ripening. By contrast, the values of the different textural parameters in WC2, overall showed a tendency to decrease throughout ripening. Different effects on cheese microstructure were seen depending on milk fat content, whether or not the starter culture was added and the thermal treatment employed. Regarding volatile compounds, a total of 57 components were identified: alcohols (13), ketones (11), esters (10), acids (8), miscellaneous compounds (9) and aldehydes (6). Acids were the main components of both Turkish white cheeses. At the end of 180 days, esters and miscellaneous compounds were the highest in WC1 cheese, whereas acids, ketones and alcohols were the most abundant in WC2 cheese.

White cheese texture profile at different storage temperatures

The purpose of the study is to analyze the effect of different storage temperatures on textural properties of white cheese, such as cohesion, chewing, tackiness, hardness and elasticity, after storing them at temperatures of 4, 10, and 24 °C for three months. The methodological and information base of the study was compiled by the works of leading foreign and domestic scientists in the field of ripening and storage of brine cheeses. Scientific research methods such as analysis and synthesis, correlation-regression analysis, induction and deduction, as well as comparative and index methods were used. The results of foreign and domestic studies made it possible to establish that there were no studies of Turkish white cheese storage and ripening in brine under various temperature conditions. As part of the task, the authors of the paper conducted studies to determine the effect of storage conditions of white Turkish cheese in three different temperature modes (4, 10 and 24 °C). As a result, it was recognized that in terms of structural and mechanical characteristics (texture) and sensory properties it is most preferred and economically feasible to ensure cheese ripening and storage in the temperature range from 4 to 10 °C.

Cost-effectiveness of animal protein consumption in Turkey

ABSTRACT: The most tangible economic indicator of animal protein consumption is the real price of 1 g protein of a certain quality. The present study aimed to determine and compare the cost-effectiveness of some animal proteins in Turkey. To determine cost-effectiveness, average protein contents (g/100 g), biological values (%), and inflation-adjusted 36-month real prices (TRY/kg) of eight different foods of animal origin were used. The ANOVA test yielded a significant difference between the cost-effectiveness of selected animal proteins (P<0.01 and η2 = 0.973). Multiple comparisons revealed that chicken meat and chicken egg, between which there was no significant difference, were economically superior to other foods (P < 0.05). Cow’s milk and homogenized yogurt, between which there was no significant difference, took second place in terms of cost-effectiveness. These products were followed by fresh kashar cheese, ripened Turkish white cheese, beef meat, and mutton meat. There were also significant relationships between the unit prices of certain animal products. Although the real price of 1 g of animal protein varies according to time and place depending on the factors affecting supply and demand, the global economic advantage of egg and chicken meat coincides with the dimensions of health and religious beliefs. If today’s demographic, climatic, biological, and technological developments can make animal protein production cheaper and more reliable, consumer welfare in underdeveloped and developing countries can increase.

Monitoring the ripening attributes of Turkish white cheese using miniaturized vibrational spectrometers

Monitoring the ripening process by prevalent analytic methods is laborious, expensive, and time consuming. Our objective was to develop a rapid and simple method based on vibrational spectroscopic techniques to understand the biochemical changes occurring during the ripening process of Turkish white cheese and to generate predictive algorithms for the determination of the content of key cheese quality and ripening indicator compounds. Turkish white cheese samples were produced in a pilot plant scale and ripened for 100 d, and samples were analyzed at 20 d intervals during storage. The collected spectra (Fourier-transform infrared, Raman, and near-infrared) correlated with major composition characteristics (fat, protein, and moisture) and primary products of the ripening process and analyzed by pattern recognition to generate prediction (partial least squares regression) and classification (soft independent analysis of class analogy) models. The soft independent analysis of class analogy models classified cheese samples based on the unique biochemical changes taking place during the ripening process. partial least squares regression models showed good correlation (RPre = 0.87 to 0.98) between the predicted values by vibrational spectroscopy and the reference values, giving low standard errors of prediction (0.01 to 0.57). Portable and handheld vibrational spectroscopy units can be used as a rapid, simple, and in situ technique for monitoring the quality of cheese during aging and provide real-time tools for addressing deviations in manufacturing.

Changes in the Chemical Composition of Turkish White Cheese According to Storage TemperatureChanges in the Chemical Composition of Turkish White Cheese According to Storage Temperature

The aim of this study is to highlight changes in the chemical composition, namely pH, total dry matter percentage (DM%), total nitrogen and protein, titratable acidity, salt content and biogenic amines, of Turkish white cheese according to storage temperature. The results confirmed that a decrease was observed in pH values of the samples during storage. Titratable acidity was observed to show a trend of increase (P > 0.05). As per these results, there was an increase in DM% in cheese samples stored at all three temperatures, namely 5, 15, and 25°C, on day 11, but a decrease was observed on day 31. An increased trend was seen in samples after day 31. In addition, an increased trend in the amount of salt in the samples, depending on time, was determined. The concentration of biogenic amines, tryptamine, 2-phenylethylamine, putrescine, cadaverine, tyramine, spermidine and spermine, with dominated biogenic amines relate to shelf life, were putrescine, cadaverine, and tyramine, and were increased based on storage temperatures.

Effect of packing pH values on the crumbliness of fresh Turkish White cheese

A significant amount of Turkish White cheese is still produced in 1-kg cheese blocks and distributed to retail stores and farmers markets in 18-kg tin containers with brine. Portioning the cheese for the customer's desired weight requires a slicing process. The crumbs that occur during cutting or portioning are undesirable for customers and can cause economic loss for the business. In this study, our goal was to investigate the sliceability of White cheese that was manufactured at various final packing (i.e., packing with brine) pH values (5.3, 5.0, 4.7). For this purpose, we manufactured 4 batches of cheese at different times from high heat-treated milk (78°C, 8 min) and monitored the chemical and textural properties at 1, 2, 4, and 8 wk. Cheeses that were packed at pH 4.7 were harder compared with cheeses that were packed at pH 5.0 and 5.3. No correlation was observed between cheese-packing pH values and the size of the crumbs; however, there was a significant negative correlation between packing pH and crumb weight (i.e., decrease in cheese-packing pH increased the crumb weight). Cheeses packed at pH 5.0 and 5.3 exhibited increased slicing adhesiveness during storage. All cheese samples exhibited similar colloidal calcium phosphate levels and water-soluble nitrogen values during storage. This study showed that an increase in the packing pH of White cheese reduced the weight of crumbs that occurred during cutting. This study is the first study to investigate crumbs occurring with slicing in White cheese. This is also the first study in the literature that monitored the colloidal calcium phosphate content of Turkish White cheese.

Identification of Off-Odor Compounds in Turkish White Cheese with Putrid Defects by SPME-GC/MS

Identification of Off-Odor Compounds in Turkish White Cheese with Putrid Defects by SPME-GC/MS

A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF HIGH HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE ON RIPENING OF TURKISH WHITE CHEESE FROM DIFFERENT MILK SPECIES

High pressure treatment has diverse effect on cheeses depending on their characteristics. In this study, pressure application on Turkish White cheese (300 and 450 MPa/5 min) and the changes during ripening were investigated. The 450 MPa pressure process showed an enhanced effect on proteolytic and lipolytic activity of cheeses. Besides, 450 MPa pressure treatment was very effective on the microbiological profile, but the other treatment condition exhibited a more moderate antimicrobial effect. Although, the total mold-yeast were detected after high-pressure treatment, their existence to a considerable degree was seen at the end of storage.

Composition, proteolysis, lipolysis, volatile compound profile and sensory characteristics of ripened white cheeses manufactured in different geographical regions of Turkey

Turkish white cheese is the most important cheese variety made in Turkey and significant variations are commonly observed in their properties (mainly sensory). White cheese samples were collected from different geographical regions of Turkey and analysed to determine the common characteristics and to investigate the effects of the regional differences arising from differential natural conditions and the natural variations in raw milk. Although the samples showed similar compositional properties, there were significant variations in the ripening parameters and flavour attributes. Forty-five volatile compounds were identified and a descriptive vocabulary consisting of 15 common attributes were used to describe Turkish white cheese. Cheeses with moderate proteolytic ripening degrees and high lipolytic ripening values caused an increase in the preference score. Moreover, the increase in the volatile acid contents positively affected the preference. The most preferred cheeses were manufactured in two neighbouring provinces located in the north-west of the country.

Salt Distribution and Salt Uptake during Ripening in Turkish White Cheese Affected by High Pressure Processing

Turkish white cheeses after brine salting were subjected to high pressure processing (HPP) at 50, 100, 200 and 400 MPa for 5 and 15 min and the samples pressurized for 15 min were ripened in brine for 60 days. The effects of HPP on the salt distribution in external, middle and internal zones of cheese after pressurization and on the salt uptake of whole cheese block during ripening were investigated. HPP did not change the values of moisture, salt and salt in moisture in different zones of cheese. Furthermore, pressure holding time had no effect on salt distribution in cheese. The salt contents of un-pressurized and pressurized cheese samples were equilibrated on the 14th day of ripening, and then stabilized, with no high pressure effect. As a result, HPP at pressures up to 400 MPa did not significantly affect neither salt distribution after high pressure processing nor salt uptake during ripening. However, a slight increase in moisture at the pressures of 200-400 MPa on the 60th day of ripening, which was not significant, might warn further increases in moisture of white cheese for longer ripening periods than 60 days. Higher pressure applications may alter all those values in white cheese because of textural changes.

Effect of mineral salt replacement on properties of Turkish White cheese

Effect of mineral salt replacement on properties of Turkish White cheese

Characterization of functional properties of Enterococcus spp. isolated from Turkish white cheese

Enterococcus species was isolated from Turkish white cheese and genotypic characterization of these isolates revealed the presence of 12 distinct strains belonging to 5 different species: Enterococcus faecium, E. faecalis, E. durans, E. gallinarum and E. italicus. All strains showed good survival ability under bile salt conditions. The antibiotic resistance of these strains was low but two strains showed high levels of resistance including resistance to vancomycin. PCR detection of virulence determinant in these isolates revealed that cheese isolate enterococci contained virulence genes common in gut and food originated enterococci and importantly two strains harboured cylB gene related to cytolysin metabolism. No complete hemolytic activity was observed for Enterococcus strains but partial hemolytic activity was observed 8 out of 12 strains. Additionally, all strains showed important levels of antimicrobial activity against food-borne pathogens and PCR screening of genes encoding enterocin A and B indicated the presence of enterocin B gene in all tested strains. The antimicrobial activities of the tested strains were lost after proteolytic enzyme treatments but no alteration was observed at different pHs and after heat treatments. In summary, this study reflected characteristics of Enterococcus strains presented in Turkish white cheese in terms of functional and safety perspectives.

Determination of functional characteristics, presence of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance of enterococci isolated from Turkish White-Cheese

Determination of functional characteristics, presence of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance of enterococci isolated from Turkish White-Cheese

Investigation of Escherichia coli O157 in Turkish homemade white cheese

Verositotoksin ureten Escherichia coli (VTEC) gida zehirlenmeleri gibi ciddi halk sagligi risklerine neden olan onemli patojendir. Cig sut ile cig sutten ya da yeterli derecede pastorize edilmemis sutten yapilan peynirler VTEC serotip E. coli O157 enfeksiyonlari icin potansiyel bir kaynak teskil etmektedir. Bu calismada, kirsal kesimde uretilen toplam 245 adet Turk ev yapimi beyaz peynir ornegi cesitli acik halk pazarlarindan toplanmistir. Toplanan ornekler E. coli serotip O157’nin varligi acisidan arastirilmistir. Sefiksim-tellurite (CT) ihtiva eden sorbitol MacConkey (CT-SMAC) besiyerinden sorbitolu fermente etmeyen toplam 21 koloni E. coli O157 varligi acisindan supheli izolat olarak tespit edildi. E. coli O157 varligi acisindan supheli izolatlar ticari E. coli O157 lateks aglutinasyon test kitine ureticinin talimatlari dogrultusunda tabi tutuldu. Turk halki tarafindan sevilerek tuketilen toplam 245 Turk ev yapimi beyaz peynirin hicbirinde E. coli O157 varligi tayin edilmedi. Sonuc olarak, bu sevilen gidada E. coli O157’nin yoklugu sevindirici bir tespittir. Bununla beraber, gidalarda tuketici sagligi icin onemli bir gida kaynakli patojen olan E. coli O157:H7’nin varligina yonelik titiz incelemenin gerceklestirilmesi tavsiye edilir.

Microstructure of industrially produced reduced and low fat Turkish white cheese as influenced by the homogenization of cream

The microstructure and fat globule distribution of reduced and low fat Turkish white cheese were evaluated. Reduced and low fat cheeses were manufactured from 1.5% and 0.75% fat milk respectively which were standardized unhomogenized and homogenized cream in a dairy plant. Homogenized and non-homogenized creams and cheese whey were analyzed for fat globule distribution and cheese samples were also analyzed for microstructure characteristics. According to the results, the homogenization of cream decreased the size of fat globules; and showed that a large number of fat particles were dispersed in the in matrix and improved the lubrication of cheese microstructure. According to the micrographs for the fat, which was not removed, they exhibited a more extended matrix with a few small fat globules compared to the defatted micrographs. Homogenization of cream produces small fat globules and unclustured fat globules were found in the resulting whey. These results are important for dairy processors for using cream homogenization as a processing tool at the industrial level.