Physicochemical and sensory characterization of Cheddar cheese with variable NaCl levels and equal moisture content

The present study investigated the effect of salt (NaCl) on the flavor and texture of Cheddar cheese with the particular aim to elucidate consequences of, and strategies for, reducing the salt concentration. Descriptive sensory analysis and physicochemical mapping of 9-mo-old Cheddar cheeses containing 0.9, 1.3, 1.7, and 2.3% salt and an equal level of moisture (37.6 ± 0.1%) were undertaken. Moisture regulation during manufacture resulted in slightly higher calcium retention (158 to 169 mmol/kg) with decreasing NaCl concentration. Lactose was depleted only at 0.9 and 1.3% salt, resulting in concomitantly higher levels of lactate. Lower levels of casein components and free amino acids were observed with decreasing NaCl concentration, whereas levels of pH 4.6-soluble peptides were higher. Key taste-active compounds, including small hydrophobic peptides, lactose, lactate, and free amino acids, covaried positively with bitter, sweet, sour, and umami flavor intensities, respectively. An additional direct effect of salt due to taste-taste enhancement and suppression was noted. Sensory flavor profiles spanned a principal component dimension of palatability projecting true flavor compensation of salt into the space between cheeses containing 1.7 and 2.3% salt. This space was characterized by salt, umami, sweet, and a range of sapid flavors, and was contrasted by bitter and other off-flavors. Rheological and sensory measurements of texture were highly correlated. Cheeses made with 2.3% salt had a longer and slightly softer texture than cheeses containing 0.9, 1.3, and 1.7% salt, which all shared similar textural properties. Moisture regulation contributed to restoring the textural properties upon a 50% reduction in salt, but other factors were also important. On the other hand, significant flavor deterioration occurred inevitably. We discuss the potential of engineering a favorable basic taste profile to restore full palatability of Cheddar with a 50% reduction in salt.

Relationship Between Physical Properties of Casein Micelles and Rheology of Skim Milk Concentrate

The properties of casein micelles in milk concentrates are of interest for the use of ultrafiltered (UF) skim milk concentrates in dairy products, and for the general understanding of colloidal stability and behavior of the casein micelle. The rheological behavior of UF skim milk concentrate with a casein concentration of 19.5% (wt/wt) was investigated at different pH and NaCl concentrations by analyzing flow viscometry and small amplitude oscillatory shear measurements. Viscometric flow curves were fitted to the Carreau-Yasuda model with the aim of determining values for the viscosity at infinite high shear rates and thereby estimate the voluminosity of the casein micelles (nu(casein)) in the UF concentrate. The voluminosity of the casein micelles increased with addition of NaCl and decreased when pH was decreased from 6.5 to 5.5. At pH 5.2, nu(casein) increased because of acid-induced aggregation of the casein micelles. The changes in nu(casein) could be interpreted from transmission electron microscopy of freeze-fractured samples of the UF concentrate and partly from dynamic light scattering measurements. Altered interactions between casein micelles due to different pH and NaCl concentrations are proposed to occur due to collapse of the kappa-casein layer, changed ionic strength, and altered distance between casein micelles.

Purification and characterization of a branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase from Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei CHCC 2115

AIM

Purification and characterization of an aminotransferase (AT) specific for the degradation of branched-chain amino acids from Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei CHCC 2115.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The purification protocol consisted of anion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The enzyme was found to exist as a monomer with a molecular mass of 40-50 kDa. The AT converted isoleucine, leucine and valine at a similar rate with alpha-ketoglutarate as the amino group acceptor; minor activity was shown for methionine. The enzyme had pH and temperature optima of 7.3 and 43 degrees C, respectively, and activity was detected at the pH and salt conditions found in cheese (pH 5.2, 4% NaCl). Hg2+ completely inhibited the enzyme, and the inhibition pattern was similar to that for pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-dependent enzymes, when studying the effect of other metal ions, thiol- and carbonyl-binding agents. The N-terminal sequence of the enzyme was SVNIDWNNLGFDYMQLPYRYVAHXKDGVXD, and had at the amino acid level, 60 and 53% identity to a branched-chain amino acid AT of Lact. plantarum and Lactococcus lactis, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that Lact. paracasei subsp. paracasei CHCC 2115 may contribute to development of flavour in cheese.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The findings of this work contribute to the knowledge of transamination performed by cheese-related bacteria, and in the understanding and control of amino acid catabolism and the production of aroma compounds.