Optimization of UF-Feta cheese preparation, enriched by peppermint extract

Nanoencapsulation of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) Extract in Nanoliposomes: Effects on Physicochemical, Antioxidant, and Sensory Properties of Functional Processed Cheese

In this study, thin-layer hydration combined with high-shear homogenization and sonication was used for asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) extract loaded nanoliposomes (AENL) preparation. Then its characteristics, including encapsulation efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, and particle shape, were investigated. In the next step, asparagus extract (AE) (in both free and nanoliposome form) was added to processed cheese (PC) formulation at levels of 0 (control), 2%, 10%, and 20% w/w. Cheese samples were kept at 4°C for 60 days, and their pH, acidity, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity were analyzed. The obtained results showed that the AE-loaded nanoliposomes had relatively high encapsulation efficiency (68%). The zeta potential of the asparagus extract loaded nanoliposomes solution was -2.09 mV. Regarding the particle size based on the number, most of the particles were below 100 nm, and the average particle size and multiple dispersion index were 151.7 ± 2.11 nm and 0.535 ± 0.019 nm, respectively. Photographs obtained by TEM showed nano-sized spherical bilayer liposomes without aggregation. Cheese samples containing AE and AENL had higher pH and lower acidity than the control sample (p < 0.05). TPC and antioxidant activity of PC samples decreased during 2 months of storage, although this decrease was significantly lower for cheese samples containing encapsulated extract than for other samples (p < 0.05). AENL did not have an adverse effect on the sensory properties of fortified cheese. In general, it can be said that AENL, especially at a concentration of 10%, can be successfully used to produce functional cheese.

Physicochemical, microbial, and functional attributes of processed Cheddar cheese fortified with olive oil-whey protein isolate emulsion

Olive (Olea europaea L.) has triacylglycerols, phenolics, and other antioxidants in its composition playing significant roles in maintaining health and reducing the onset of diseases. This study aimed to analyze the quality, antioxidant, textural profile, and sensory properties of processed Cheddar cheese fortified with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% (v/w) olive oil-whey protein isolate emulsion during 60 days of storage period. The results showed that processed cheese had significantly higher (p < .05) antioxidant activity, and total phenolic and flavonoids contents, whereas nonsignificant increase (p > .05) in moisture and acidity while decreasing tendencies in pH, fat, protein, and ash contents. Sensory analysis showed that processed Cheddar cheese with 5% emulsion had higher taste, aroma, texture/appearance, overall acceptability scores, and hardness. Conclusively, results indicated that olive oil-whey protein isolate emulsion could be beneficial for manufacturing and commercializing processed cheeses, analogs, or spreads with improved nutritional value and sensory characteristics.

Understanding the Relationship between Microstructure and Physicochemical Properties of Ultrafiltered Feta-Type Cheese Containing Saturea bachtiarica Leaf Extract

Microwave-assisted extraction was optimized to prepare Satureja bachtiarica leaf (SBL) extract based on antimicrobial (IZD) and antioxidant activities (DPPH) and extraction yield (EY). At optimum condition, i.e., 800 W power and 8 min, the best extraction results with EY = 16%, IZD = 73.56 mm, and DPPH = 24.2% were obtained. To develop a novel Feta-cheese, the influence of SBL extract, rennet, and starter concentrations were evaluated in terms of rheological, textural, and sensorial properties. At the optimized condition, the acceptance, taste, the strength of the network (A), and the distance between sequential cross-linking points (ξ) were 8.13, 8.07, 34,036.12 Pa·s1/z, and 5.41 nm, respectively. At the 60th day of storage time, the lowest z value (the network extensity parameter) of the cheese samples was observed. SEM image texture indices showed a good correlation with the studied instrumental texture parameters during 60 days of storage. The mold and yeast counts and their growth rate in the SBL extract-added cheese were lower than those for control one; whereas, the former cheese showed a greater LAB population between the 80th and 120th days. The antimicrobial and antioxidant qualities of SBL extract showed a significant influence on cheese properties.

Source-dependent variation in phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of Prinsepia utilis Royle fruits

Prinsepia utilis, a wild-growing Himalayan shrub, is a good source of phytoceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and antioxidants. The present study is an attempt to investigate the effect of altitude and edaphic factors on phenolics and antioxidant activity in fruit pulp of Prinsepia utilis. The ripened fruits and soil samples were collected for detailed investigation. The fruits (pulp) were extracted in methanol for analyzing total phenolics and antioxidant activity using a spectrophotometric method and phenolic compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Similarly, standard methods for soil analysis were used. Results reveal that altitude negatively correlated with total phenolics and flavonoid contents determined by a spectrophotometric method and with specific phenolic compounds determined by HPLC. For instance, Dwarahat population (PU-1) at lower altitude (1400 m asl) exhibited higher values of total phenolics and flavonoids, while total tannin was higher at Nainital (PU-6) population (2000 m asl). The antioxidant activity measured by 2, 2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) was found higher in Narayan Ashram (PU-9) population (2750 m asl), while ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was significantly higher in Badechena (PU-2) population (1600 m asl). Soil nutrients (edaphic factors) showed a good correlation among measured parameters. Neighbor-joining and principal component analysis identified phenolics and antioxidant-rich populations that can be utilized for collection of fruits from these populations.

Analytical procedures for determination of phenolics active herbal ingredients in fortified functional foods: an overview

Fortification of foods with phenolic compounds is becoming increasingly popular due to their beneficial physiological effects. The biological activities reported include antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, or neuroprotective effects. However, the analysis of polyphenols in functional food matrices is a difficult task because of the complexity of the matrix. The main challenge is that polyphenols can interact with other food components, such as carbohydrates, proteins, or lipids. The chemical reactions that occur during the baking technologies in the bakery and biscuit industry may also affect the results of measurements. The analysis of polyphenols found in fortified foods can be done by several techniques, such as liquid chromatography (HPLC and UPLC), gas chromatography (GC), or spectrophotometry (TPC, DPPH, FRAP assay etc.). This paper aims to review the available information on analytical methods to fortified foodstuffs while as presenting the advantages and limitations of each technique.

Production of the processed cheese containing tomato powder and evaluation of its rheological, chemical and sensory characteristics

The fortification of the processed cheese (PC) with bioactive compounds can increase their benefits for the health and also consumer acceptance. In the present study, rheological, chemical and sensory characteristics of the processed cheese containing different quantities of tomato powder (0%, 1%, 2% and 4% wt/wt) with the appropriate levels of bioactive components were evaluated during 90 days of storage. The results showed that the PC samples containing tomato powder (PCTs) had higher levels of proteolysis extent, phenolic and lycopene contents and antioxidant activity. However, the PCTs had lower levels of pH and lipolysis indexes. Generally, lycopene and phenolic contents and antioxidant activity decreased and pH, proteolysis and lipolysis index increased during storage. The results obtained from the frequency sweep test and temperature sweep test, indicated that, the samples had solid-type structure and tomato powder decreased the solid like behavior of the PC (G' > G″). Sensory analysis showed that the processed cheese with the average level of tomato powder (2%) had maximum scores of flavor, color and total acceptance and also the PCTs were significantly (P < 0.05) less rigid and more spreadable than the control PC and these findings were according to the achievements obtained by dynamic oscillation rheometry. Finally overall results indicated that tomato powder could be helpful for the manufacturing of new product with different functional and sensory specifications.

Natural Preservatives from Plant in Cheese Making

Today, consumers are increasingly demanding safety alternatives concerning the use of synthetic additives in the food industry, as well as healthy food. As a result, a major number of plant-derived preservatives have been tested in the food industry. These natural ingredients have antioxidant properties and have shown to increase the bioactive molecules levels and the microbiological stability of the food items. The effect of the plant-based preservatives on the sensorial properties of the new products has also to be considered, because natural preservatives could result in sensorial characteristics that may not be accepted by the consumers. Cheese is a dairy product widely appreciated all over the world, but it is also susceptible to contamination by pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms; therefore, the use of preservatives in cheese making represents an important step. This review deals with one of the innovation in the cheese sector, which is the addition of natural preservatives. Several aspects are discussed, such as the effect of natural ingredients on the microbial stability of cheese, and their influence on the chemical, nutritional and sensorial characteristics of the cheeses. Although the promising results, further studies are needed to confirm the use of natural preservatives from plants in cheese making.

Total nitrogen, water-soluble nitrogen and free amino acids profile during ripening of soft cheese enriched with Nigella sativa seed oil

Various antimicrobial solutions have been tested as additives for raw milk traditional cheeses, among which Nigella sativa cold pressed seed oil (NSSO) is recognized for its positive effect on the microbial quality of such products. The overall effect on the quality of enriched cheeses during ripening is still under extensive investigation. Three batches of traditional raw milk brined cheese were included in the current experiment: control cheese without Nigella sativa seed oil (NSSO) and cheese samples enriched with 0.2 and 1% w/w NSSO. Experimental cheese samples were analyzed in duplicates for total nitrogen content (TN), at 0, 14, 28 and 42 days of ripening, while single determinations of total nitrogen (WSN) and free amino acids (FAA) were performed at 14, 28 and 42 ripening days. The TN content revealed similar values for control cheeses and NSSO cheeses, and no significant differences were noticed within the three treatment groups (p >.05) throughout ripening. WSN values followed a significant rising shift in all cheeses during ripening, yet computing data obtained for the three considered treatments, despite an obvious higher WSN content of NSSO enriched cheeses, no statistical significance could be associated to this difference. The FAA composition of the experimental cheeses, varied quantitatively, by increasing with ripening time, but no qualitative variation was noticed during the follow-up period. The FAA composition of the did not vary significantly within treatments.