Physicochemical and textural characteristics and volatile compounds of semihard goat cheese as affected by starter cultures

Supplementation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CNPC003 and Pilosocereus gounellei Flour Enhances the Properties of Goat Cream Cheese

This study evaluated the impacts of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CNPC003 and xique-xique flour supplementation on the technological, physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory properties of goat cream cheese over 21 days of refrigerated storage. Four cheese formulations were prepared: a control (CC), one with L. plantarum CNPC003 (PC), one with xique-xique flour (XC), and one with L. plantarum CNPC003 and xique-xique flour (PXC). XC and PXC had a yellowish-green hue with less brightness. PC and PXC were less firm and adhesive with greater elasticity, cohesiveness, and gumminess, and they had reduced total protein and increased total free amino acids (p < 0.05) during storage. The contents of specific volatile compounds increased in PXC during storage. PXC had higher L. plantarum counts than PC on day 21 of storage. PC and PXC had distinct colors and textures and were well accepted regarding sensory attributes. Xique-xique flour and L. plantarum CNPC003 supplementation positively impact the nutritional and functional characteristics of goat cream cheese without negatively affecting the technological and sensory attributes.

Effect of Artisanal Processing on Volatile Compounds and Sensory Characteristics of Traditional Soft-Ripened Cheeses Matured with Selected Lactic Acid Bacteria

The present research evaluated the effect of selected Lacticaseibacillus casei strains with anti-Listeria monocytogenes properties on the characteristics of traditional soft-ripened cheeses produced in two different seasons. Physicochemical, microbiological, texture, volatile compound, and sensory evaluations were performed on the cheeses after 60 days of ripening. The inoculation with protective cultures of selected LAB did not negatively affect the physicochemical parameters of the cheeses. Thirty-two volatile compounds were identified, including acids, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, and esters, with differences between productions and inoculated batches. The selected LAB strains improved the sensory profile of the soft-ripened cheeses, decreasing values of texture parameters such as hardness, gumminess, and chewiness related to a softer texture and increasing umami taste and floral and lactic odor attributes. Sensory analysis revealed that consumers perceived differences between inoculated and non-inoculated cheeses, although the overall acceptability was not affected. This study provides valuable information for the artisanal cheese industry, demonstrating that it is possible to use selected protective lactic acid bacteria to assure food safety without compromising traditional flavor and even improving sensorial attributes.

Physicochemical Profile of Canastra Cheese Inoculated with Starter Cultures of Kluyveromyces lactis and Torulaspora delbrueckii

Canastra cheese, an artisanal cheese produced in Serra da Canastra-Brazil, has great cultural importance. Furthermore, this cheese has nutritional and sensory attributes that make it of great economic importance. Its microbiota is composed of different bacteria and yeasts. Some yeasts already isolated by our research group have been characterized as potential probiotics. Probiotic microorganisms have garnered scientific interest, as improvements in the physical, chemical and sensory characteristics of food products have been reported when these microorganisms are used. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate Kluyveromyces lactis and Torulaspora delbrueckii, which were previously isolated from Canastra cheese, as autochthonous starter cultures. Canastra cheese was produced under three different conditions: (1) cheese with "Pingo" (natural starter), (2) cheese with "Pingo" + yeast mixed culture, and (3) cheese with only mixed yeast culture. The results showed that the mixed yeast inoculum significantly influenced the lactic acid bacteria population. Yeast populations remained at around 106 CFU/g after 45 days of maturation. Furthermore, cheeses containing the yeast mixed with inoculum had an initial lactose content reduced by 92.80% compared to cheese produced with "Pingo" (87.70%). The antioxidant activity, evaluated using the ABTS method, showed that cheeses containing the mixed yeast culture had higher percentages of antioxidant activity at 45 days of maturation. The texture profile of the cheeses changed over time. In general, the cheese containing the yeast mixed culture and "Pingo" and the cheese containing "Pingo" had the lowest hardness at 30 days of maturation (5245 and 5404 N, respectively). Among the volatile compounds, 3-methylbutyl octanoate, phenethyl butyrate, phenethyl propionate, isobutyl butanoate and pentyl propionate were found only in cheeses produced with yeast mixed culture. The obtained results demonstrated that the use of autochthones probiotic cultures could improve the cheese characteristics without negatively impacting the traditional physicochemical attributes of Canasta cheese.

Microbial trace based on PCR-DGGE to evaluate the ripening stage of minas artisanal cheeses from the Canastra microregion produced by different dairies

The Minas artisanal cheese from the Serra da Canastra (MAC-CM) microregion is a traditional product due to its production and ripening process. Artisanal chesses manufactured with raw cow's milk and endogenous dairy starters ("also known as pingo") have distinctive flavors and other sensory characteristics because of the unknown microbiota. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiota during 30 days of ripening, the physicochemical changes, and their relation in MACs produced in two different microregions located in the Serra da Canastra microregion through culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. The MACs were collected in the cities of Bambuí (MAC-CMB) and Tapiraí (MAC-CMT) in the Canastra microregion (n = 21). Cheeses uniqueness was demonstrated with the multivariate analysis that joined the microbiota and physicochemical characteristics, mainly to the proteolysis process, in which the MAC-CMT showed deeper proteolysis (DI -T0:14.18; T30: 13.95), while the MAC-CMB reached only a primary level (EI -T0:24.23; T30: 31.10). Abiotic factors were responsible for the differences in microbial diversity between the cheese farms. Different microbial groups: the prokaryotes, like Corynebacterium variabile, Lactococcus lactis, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus; and the eukaryotes, like Kluyveromyces lactis and Diutina catenulata dominated ripening over time. The microbial community and proteolysis were responsible for the predominance of volatile groups, with alcohols predominating in MAC-CMB and free fatty acids/acids and esters in MAC-CMT.

Stability and Biaxial Behavior of Fresh Cheese Coated with Nanoliposomes Encapsulating Grape Seed Tannins and Polysaccharides Using Immersion and Spray Methods

In the food industry context, where fresh cheese stands out as a highly perishable product with a short shelf life, this study aimed to extend its preservation through multi-layer edible coatings. The overall objective was to analyze the biaxial behavior and texture of fresh cheese coated with nanoliposomes encapsulating grape seed tannins (NTs) and polysaccharides (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; HPMC and kappa carrageenan; KC) using immersion and spray methods, establishing comparisons with uncoated cheeses and commercial samples, including an accelerated shelf-life study. NT, HPMC, and KC were employed as primary components in the multi-layer edible coatings, which were applied through immersion and spray. The results revealed significant improvements, such as a 20% reduction in weight loss and increased stability against oxidation, evidenced by a 30% lower peroxide index than the uncoated samples. These findings underscore the effectiveness of edible coatings in enhancing the quality and extending the shelf life of fresh cheese, highlighting the innovative application of nanoliposomes and polysaccharide blends and the relevance of applying this strategy in the food industry. In conclusion, this study provides a promising perspective for developing dairy products with improved properties, opening opportunities to meet market demands and enhance consumer acceptance.

Comparative analysis of microbial succession and proteolysis focusing on amino acid pathways in Asiago-PDO cheese from two dairies

In this study, a comprehensive and comparative analysis was conducted on Italian Asiago-PDO cheese obtained from two different dairies named Dairy I and Dairy II using industrial and natural fermented milk, respectively. The analysis encompassed the evaluation of chemical composition, the succession of the microbiota during manufacture and ripening, and proteolysis mainly focusing on free individual amino acid (FAA) profiles. A metagenomic approach was used to investigate the cheese microbiome functionality. Differences in gross chemical composition were more evident during ripening, with Dairy II showing higher variability within batches. The microbiota varied significantly between the two dairies and ripening stages. The choice of starter culture shaped the microbiota during production and affected the microbial diversity of non-starter lactic acid bacteria (NSLAB) originated from the raw milk during ripening. Peptide chromatographic profiles and FAA concentrations increased as ripening progressed, with Dairy I showing higher production of FAA. Functional analysis of the metagenomes linked species to specific amino acid metabolism/catabolism pathways. The amino acid metabolism pathways, particularly those related to aromatic amino acids, lysine, and branched-chain amino acids, were affected by the presence of specific NSLAB species, which differed between the two dairies. The results obtained in this study reveal the impact of starter culture on peculiar cheese microbiota assemblies, which selectively targets amino acid pathways, providing insights into the potential flavor and aroma characteristics of Asiago-PDO cheese.

Possibility of Using Different Calcium Compounds for the Manufacture of Fresh Acid Rennet Cheese from Goat's Milk

Calcium can be added to cheese milk to influence the coagulation process and to increase cheese yield. Calcium compounds used in the dairy industry show substantial differences in their practical application. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the potential use of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg Ca 100 g-1 of milk in the form of calcium gluconate, lactate, and carbonate as alternatives to calcium chloride in manufacturing fresh acid rennet cheese from high-pasteurized (90 °C, 15 s) goat's milk. The pH value of the cheese was reduced most strongly by the addition of increasing doses of calcium lactate (r = -0.9521). Each cheese sample showed increased fat content with the addition of calcium. Only calcium chloride did not reduce protein retention from goat's milk to cheese. The addition of 20 mg Ca 100 g-1 of milk in the form of gluconate increased cheese yield by 4.04%, and lactate reduced cheese yield by 2.3%. Adding each calcium compound to goat's milk significantly increased Ca and P levels in the cheese (p ≤ 0.05). The highest Ca levels were found in cheese with the addition of 20 mg Ca 100 g-1 of milk in the form of lactate. In all groups, similar contents of Mn, Mo, and Se were found. Calcium addition significantly affected cheese hardness, while higher calcium concentrations increased hardness. Carbonate caused the greatest increase in the cohesiveness of cheese. The addition of calcium compounds increased the adhesiveness and springiness of cheese compared to controls. The cheese with calcium chloride had the highest overall acceptability compared to the other cheese samples. The addition of calcium carbonate resulted in a lower score for appearance and consistency, and influenced a slightly perceptible graininess, sandiness, and stickiness in its consistency, as well as provided a slightly perceptible chalky taste.

The potentials and challenges of using fermentation to improve the sensory quality of plant-based meat analogs

Despite the advancements made in improving the quality of plant-based meat substitutes, more work needs to be done to match the texture, appearance, and flavor of real meat. This review aims to cover the sensory quality constraints of plant-based meat analogs and provides fermentation as a sustainable approach to push these boundaries. Plant-based meat analogs have been observed to have weak and soft textural quality, poor mouth feel, an unstable color, and unpleasant and beany flavors in some cases, necessitating the search for efficient novel technologies. A wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, as well as fungi like Fusarium venenatum and Neurospora intermedia, have improved the product texture to mimic fibrous meat structures. Additionally, the chewiness and hardness of the resulting meat analogs have been further improved through the use of Bacillus subtilis. However, excessive fermentation may result in a decrease in the final product's firmness and produce a slimy texture. Similarly, several microbial metabolites can mimic the color and flavor of meat, with some concerns. It appears that fermentation is a promising approach to modulating the sensory profiles of plant-derived meat ingredients without adverse consequences. In addition, the technology of starter cultures can be optimized and introduced as a new strategy to enhance the organoleptic properties of plant-based meat while still meeting the needs of an expanding and sustainable economy.

Significance of Fermentation in Plant-Based Meat Analogs: A Critical Review of Nutrition, and Safety-Related Aspects

Plant-based meat analogs have been shown to cause less harm for both human health and the environment compared to real meat, especially processed meat. However, the intense pressure to enhance the sensory qualities of plant-based meat alternatives has caused their nutritional and safety aspects to be overlooked. This paper reviews our current understanding of the nutrition and safety behind plant-based meat alternatives, proposing fermentation as a potential way of overcoming limitations in these aspects. Plant protein blends, fortification, and preservatives have been the main methods for enhancing the nutritional content and stability of plant-based meat alternatives, but concerns that include safety, nutrient deficiencies, low digestibility, high allergenicity, and high costs have been raised in their use. Fermentation with microorganisms such as Bacillus subtilis, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Neurospora intermedia, and Rhizopus oryzae improves digestibility and reduces allergenicity and antinutritive factors more effectively. At the same time, microbial metabolites can boost the final product's safety, nutrition, and sensory quality, although some concerns regarding their toxicity remain. Designing a single starter culture or microbial consortium for plant-based meat alternatives can be a novel solution for advancing the health benefits of the final product while still fulfilling the demands of an expanding and sustainable economy.

How starter cultures affect the peptidomic profile and bioactive activities of the Asiago-PDO cheese throughout ripening

Our study investigated the chemical, microbiological, and bioactive peptide profiles of Asiago Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheese from two dairies (Dairy I and II) produced over two consecutive days (batches) and analysed during three months of ripening. The effect of different starter cultures was evaluated. The microbiome varied between the dairies and batches, with curds post-salting dominated by the starter culture-associated genera. During ripening, there was an increasing trend in the Lactobacillus genus, especially for Dairy I, which used an industrial starter. Bioactive peptide intensities differed throughout ripening due to the extent of proteolysis, and their intensity or concentration evolved, modifying, and differentiating profiles. The industrial starter used in Dairy I had the highest relative intensity (average value 76.50%) of bioactive peptides after three months of ripening. In contrast, the cheeses made with natural milk starter (Dairy II) had lower total relative intensity (average value 47.75%) but produced ACE-inhibitory peptides through sub-dominant strains and non-starter lactic acid bacteria. The importance of autochthonous strains of each micro-region even within a delimited PDO production area was highlighted.

Utilization of two plant polysaccharides to improve fresh goat milk cheese: Texture, rheological properties, and microstructure characterization

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of added jujube polysaccharide (JP) and Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on the texture, rheological properties, and microstructure of goat milk cheese. Seven groups of fresh goat milk cheese were produced with 4 levels (0, 0.2, 0.6, and 1%, wt/wt) of JP and LBP. The goat milk cheese containing 1% JP showed the highest water-holding capacity, hardness, and the strongest rheological properties by creating a denser and more stable casein network structure. In addition, the yield of goat milk cheese was substantially improved as a result of JP incorporation. Cheeses containing LBP expressed lower fat content, higher moisture, and softer texture compared with the control cheese. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance analysis demonstrated that the addition of JP improved the stability of the secondary protein structure in cheese and significantly enhanced the binding capacity of the casein matrix to water molecules due to strengthened intermolecular interactions. The current research demonstrated the potential feasibility of modifying the texture of goat milk cheese by JP or LBP, available for developing tunable goat milk cheese to satisfy consumer preferences and production needs.

Relationship between Volatile Organic Compounds and Microorganisms Isolated from Raw Sheep Milk Cheeses Determined by Sanger Sequencing and GC-IMS

Recently, the interest of consumers regarding artisan cheeses worldwide has increased. The ability of different autochthonous and characterized lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to produce aromas and the identification of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) responsible for flavor in cheeses are important aspects to consider when selecting strains with optimal aromatic properties, resulting in the diversification of cheese products. The objective of this work is to determine the relationship between VOCs and microorganisms isolated (Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Lactococcus lactis subsp. hordniae) from raw sheep milk cheeses (matured and creamy natural) using accuracy and alternative methods. On combining Sanger sequencing for LAB identification with Gas Chromatography coupled to Ion Mobility Spectrometry (GC−IMS) to determinate VOCs, we describe cheeses and differentiate the potential role of each microorganism in their volatilome. The contribution of each LAB can be described according to their different VOC profile. Differences between LAB behavior in each cheese are shown, especially between LAB involved in creamy cheeses. Only L. lactis subsp. hordniae and L. mesenteroides show the same VOC profile in de Man Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) cultures, but for different cheeses, and show two differences in VOC production in skim milk cultures. The occurrence of Lactococcus lactis subsp. hordniae from cheese is reported for first time.

Correlation between the chemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of cream cheese using a mixed and single probiotic culture

The use of mixed culture in the fermentation industry requires more complicated equipment, processes, and monitoring systems; therefore, a single culture may be preferable. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between chemical and microbiological properties and sensory characteristics. In addition, this study aimed to determine the different characteristics of cheese made using single probiotic cultures of Lactobacillus plantarum Dad-13 and Lactobacillus plantarum Kita-3 and mixed culture. The obtained results showed that the chemical characteristics of cream cheese made using single cultures were similar to those of cream cheese made using mixed cultures. The viability of the cells remained high after 35 days of storage for the single culture, which was not the case for the mixed culture. In terms of sensory analysis, cream cheese made using the single culture L. plantarum Kita-3 showed higher overall liking score among the samples, which might correlate with the high ester and ketone content. In addition, there was a strong relationship between the ethyl octanoate and methyl butanol contents and the overall liking score. The results of this study showed that the use of a single culture of L. plantarum Kita-3 could improve the sensory characteristics of cream cheese with probiotic properties. This study also contributed to the development of cream cheese production, particularly in the screening of potential starters.

Evolution of Volatile Compounds during Ripening and Final Sensory Changes of Traditional Raw Ewe’s Milk Cheese “Torta del Casar” Maturated with Selected Protective Lactic Acid Bacteria

In traditional soft ripened cheeses made with raw milk, the use of protective cultures is infrequent. In the present work, the effect of selected (for their activity against Listeria monocytogenes) protective cultures of Lactocaseibacillus casei 116 and Lactococcus garvieae 151 was evaluated, on the evolution of volatile compounds throughout the ripening and on the final sensory characteristics of traditional soft ripened “Torta del Casar” cheese. For this, both strains were separately inoculated in raw cheeses and ripened for 90 days. The selected LAB strains did not affect physicochemical parameters, including texture and color of the ripened cheeses. However, they could have a positive effect on the aroma, for the generation of methyl branched acids and for the reduction in compounds derived from β-oxidation of fatty acids. Thus, these protective cultures, in addition to contributing to their safety, could improve quality of the ripened cheeses.

The Use of Unique, Environmental Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains in the Traditional Production of Organic Cheeses from Unpasteurized Cow's Milk

The aim of this study was to use local LAB cultures for the production of organic acid-rennet cheeses from unpasteurized cow’s milk. Under industrial conditions, three types of cheese were produced, i.e., traditionally with acid whey (AW), with starter culture L. brevis B1, or with starter culture L. plantarum Os2. Strains were previously isolated from traditional Polish cheeses. Chemical composition, physico-chemical, microbiological, and sensory studies during 2 months of storage were carried out. As a result of this research, it was found that the basic composition was typical for semi-hard, partially skimmed cheeses. Mainly saturated fatty acids were detected. The cheeses were rich in omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and were characterized by good lipid quality indices (LQI). All of the cheeses were characterized by a high number of lactic acid bacteria, with Enterobacteriaceae, yeast, molds, and staphylococci contaminants, which is typical microbiota for unpasteurized milk products. Water activity, pH, and total acidity were typical. A lower oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of cheeses with the addition of strains and stability of the products during storage were observed. The B1 and Os2 cheeses were lighter, less yellow, had a more intense milk and creamy aroma, were softer, moister, and more elastic than AW cheese. The research results indicate the possibility of using environmental LAB strains in the production of high-quality acid-rennet cheeses, but special attention should be paid to the production process due to the microbiological quality of the cheeses.

Stimulatory effect of Allium ampeloprasum L. ssp. iranicum Wendelbo on the probiotic Bifidobacterium bifidum in Iranian white cheese

One of the most significant challenges within production of probiotic products is the survival and functionality of probiotic bacteria during processing and shelf life. In this research, the probiotic bacterium Bifidobacterium bifidum was used as adjunct culture for the production of Iranian white cheese containing different percentages of Allium ampeloprasum L. ssp. iranicum Wendelbo extracts (1% and 2% in fresh and dried form). The effects of the plant extract on bacterial growth and sensory properties of the model cheese were investigated. The in vitro experiments showed that probiotic bacteria growth was influenced by the presence of the plant extract. The highest bacterial growth (Δ growth = 25.82%) was observed when the probiotic was cultured in the medium supplemented with 1 g/L of plant extract. At time 0, the cheese samples were characterized by a pH value between 5.7 and 6.3 and a probiotic concentration of about 9 log cfu/g. Results showed that after 45 d of shelf life, the cheese model containing 1% dry extract had the best survival of probiotic B. bifidum (7-8 log cfu/g) and the most appreciated sensory properties. The findings of this study support the idea that A. ampeloprasum extract, acting as prebiotic substance, exerts a beneficial effect on probiotic bacteria.