Seasonal Variation in Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Vaccenic Acid in Milk Fat of Sheep and its Transfer to Cheese and Ricotta

The seasonal variation in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and vaccenic acid (VA) concentrations in sheep dairy products and the extent of their transfer from milk fat to cheese and ricotta fat were investigated. Samples were collected from 2 sheep milk processing plants in North Sardinia (Italy) every 2 wk from March through June. Concentrations of fatty acids (FA) in fresh cheese and ricotta fat were primarily dependent on the fatty acid content of the unprocessed raw milk. The content of c9,t11-CLA averaged 1.73, 1.69, and 1.75 mg/100 mg of FA methyl esters (FAME), respectively, for milk, cheese, and ricotta, and differed significantly between cheese and ricotta. The content of VA averaged 3.40, 3.33, and 3.43 mg/100 mg of FAME, respectively for milk, cheese, and ricotta. The FA composition of dairy products was markedly affected by period of sampling: the mean c9,t11-CLA and VA concentration decreased from March (2.20 and 4.52 mg/100 mg of FAME) to June (1.14 and 1.76 mg/100 mg of FAME) in all dairy products. No differences in c9,t11-CLA and VA concentration of dairy products were observed between the 2 dairy companies obtaining milk from the same geographical origin. The seasonal changes in CLA and VA in milk fat were probably related to changes in pasture quality.

Melt Analysis of Process Cheese Spread or Product Using a Rapid Visco Analyzer

The objective of this study was to evaluate a rapid visco analyzer (RVA) method for measuring the melting characteristics of process cheese spread or product. The melt properties of 32 commercial process cheese spread and process cheese product samples from 4 manufacturers were analyzed with the RVA, tube melt test, texture profile analysis (TPA) hardness, and dynamic stress rheometry (DSR). For the RVA melt test, a 15-g disc of cheese was packed into the RVA canister and subjected to a heating, holding, and cooling profile during continuous mixing. During the test, the apparent viscosity was continuously measured and several data points (melt time, hot viscosity, time at 5000 cP during cooling, and solidification time) were collected from the viscosity vs. time curve. There was a high correlation (R2= 0.91) between the DSR melt temperature and the tube melt test. There was also a high correlation between the RVA melt time and the DSR melt temperature or the tube melt test (R2= 0.84 and 0.74, respectively). The RVA hot viscosity had a low correlation (R2< 0.44) with the DSR melt temperature and the tube melt test but had a high correlation (R2= 0.74) with DSR G'' at 85 degrees C. The results of this study indicate that RVA melt analysis of process cheese spread/product is correlated with the results from other melt tests and is capable of measuring the melt properties quantified by other methods. The RVA melt test may also provide additional information on the melt characteristics of process cheese spread/product not measured in other tests.

Impact of Seasonal Changes in Ovine Milk on Composition and Yield of a Hard-Pressed Cheese

A hard-pressed, brined cheese was produced from frozen ovine milk collected in February, May, and August. Solids in the milk decreased as the season progressed. This was a result of high solids in early-lactation milk and low solids in August milk because of hot weather and poorer quality pastures. Casein as a percentage of true protein and the casein to fat ratio were higher in May and August milk. Fat in the cheese from February milk was higher and total protein was lower than in May and August. Milk, whey, and press whey composition were influenced by season and followed the trends of milk composition. Fat recovery in the cheeses ranged from 83.2 to 84.2%. Protein recovery in the cheeses was not affected by season. Cheese yield from February milk was higher than from May and August milk and was a result of higher casein and fat in the milk.

Enrichment of cheeses manufactured from cow's and sheep's milk blends with sheep-like species-related alkylphenols

Enhancement of concentrations of species-related sheep-like alkylphenols, p- and m-cresols and 3- and 4-ethylphenols, in experimental Manchego-type cheeses manufactured from cow's and sheep's milk blends (80:20) by using arylsulfatases was investigated. A food-grade arylsulfatase from Aspergillus oryzae (ATCC 20719) was produced using a stimulatory medium, and crude dried cells were used as the enzyme source. Exogenous arylsulfatases from Helix pomatia and A. oryzae were added to cheese curd, and the amounts of species-related alkylphenols were measured. Arylsulfatase from H. pomatia released limited amounts of alkylphenols in the cheese only when used at a high level. Arylsulfatase from A. oryzae released substantial amounts of alkylphenols during 2 months of ripening. The concentrations of alkylphenols in A. oryzae arylsulfatase-treated cheese were comparable to the previously reported levels present in aged Manchego-type cheeses manufactured from pure sheep's milk.

Determination of triclosan in foodstuffs

A reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method coupled with an ultraviolet detector was developed to determine triclosan which had migrated into foodstuffs from packaging materials. The method includes extraction with hexane, followed by evaporation to dryness and residue re-dissolution in ACN 90%. Chromatographic separation was performed with a Kromasil 100 C18 column (15 cm x 0.4 cm ID, 5 microm particle size) at 30 degrees C and using ACN and water as mobile phases. Regarding recoveries, good results (higher than 83% and lower than 112%) were obtained for the three representative food matrixes selected (orange juice, chicken breast meat, and Gouda cheese).

Short Communication: Comparison of Covered and Uncovered Schreiber Test for Cheese Meltability Evaluation

Schreiber meltability tests were performed on glass Petri dishes, with and without the Petri dish cover placed over the cheese samples, at 100, 150, and 232 degrees C. Meltability of different process cheese and Cheddar cheese samples was determined based on the melt spread distance and area. At the test temperature of 232 degrees C, the covered Schreiber was significantly superior to the uncovered test because of no crust formation, no browning, and a circular melting pattern, which were attributed to the barrier effect of covering the cheese samples (which inhibits moisture loss during the test). The covered Schreiber test data were statistically more robust as measured by the lower average coefficient of variation than the data from the traditional uncovered Schreiber test.

Aluminium content of some foods and food products in the USA, with aluminium food additives

The primary objective was to determine the aluminium (Al) content of selected foods and food products in the USA which contain Al as an approved food additive. Intake of Al from the labeled serving size of each food product was calculated. The samples were acid or base digested and analysed for Al using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Quality control (QC) samples, with matrices matching the samples, were generated and used to verify the Al determinations. Food product Al content ranged from <1-27,000 mg kg(-1). Cheese in a serving of frozen pizzas had up to 14 mg of Al, from basic sodium aluminium phosphate; whereas the same amount of cheese in a ready-to-eat restaurant pizza provided 0.03-0.09 mg. Many single serving packets of non-dairy creamer had approximately 50-600 mg Al kg(-1) as sodium aluminosilicate, providing up to 1.5 mg Al per serving. Many single serving packets of salt also had sodium aluminosilicate as an additive, but the Al content was less than in single-serving non-dairy creamer packets. Acidic sodium aluminium phosphate was present in many food products, pancakes and waffles. Baking powder, some pancake/waffle mixes and frozen products, and ready-to-eat pancakes provided the most Al of the foods tested; up to 180 mg/serving. Many products provide a significant amount of Al compared to the typical intake of 3-12 mg/day reported from dietary Al studies conducted in many countries.

Production and sensory characterization of a bitter peptide from beta-casein

Peptide beta-casein fragment 193-209 (beta-CN f193-209) was isolated and purified for detailed sensory analysis in different matrices. The purity of the peptide was >98%. The mass of the peptide was 1882.51 Da, which coincided with the expected mass of beta-CN f193-209. N-Terminal analysis confirmed that the peptide started at residue 193 on the published sequence of beta-casein. Detection thresholds were 0.03, 0.06, and 0.63% (w/w) for water, milk, and cheese, respectively. Descriptive sensory analysis confirmed that the peptide exhibited a bitter taste, which increased with increasing concentrations, with minimal other flavors or tastes detected. The beta-CN f193-209 can contribute to bitterness in cheeses.

Identification of two additives, locust bean gum (E-410) and guar gum (E-412), in food products by DNA-based methods

Locust bean gum (E-410) and guar gum (E-412) are high molecular weight galactomannans used by the food industry as versatile food additives. The compounds, although chemically closely related, do not have the same functional properties when used in foods, and the substitution or unadvertised addition of either could change the desired qualities of the product. Analytical discrimination between E-410 and E-412 is technically difficult since they only differ in their galactose: mannose ratios, being 1 : 4 and 1 : 2 for locust bean gum and guar gum, respectively. A qualitative DNA-based method is reported for the authentication of additives E-410 and E-412 in finished food products (ice cream, dehydrated desserts, milk derivatives, dehydrated soups, salad dressing, marmalade and meat) from small quantities of food. DNA sequences from the nuclear ribosomal spacers of Ceratonia siliqua and Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, the plant sources of E-410 and E-412, respectively, were used to design polymerase chain reaction primers specific for each additive (PA23/PA21 and PG22/PG21). Twenty-two foods were analysed for the presence of E-410 and E-412 additives by this single-step polymerase chain reaction-based method. Positive DNA amplifications with the E-410 and/or E-412 primers were obtained in all 19 samples reported to contain either additive.

Lactose: The Milk Sugar from a Biotechnological Perspective

Lactose is a very important sugar because of its abundance in the milk of humans and domestic animals. Lactose is a valuable asset as a basic nutrient and the main substrate in fermentative processes that led to the production of fermented milk products, such as yogurt and kefir. In some instances, lactose also can be a problem as the causative agent of some diseases, such as lactose intolerance and galactosemia, or for being a by-product generated in huge amounts by the cheese industry. The study of the biochemical reactions leading to the synthesis and assimilation of lactose has provided valuable models for the understanding of biosynthetic and catabolic processes. Lactose-hydrolyzing enzymes are structurally and phylogenetically related to different types of beta-galactosidases and bacterial cellobiases involved in the enzymatic degradation of cellulose. Biotransformation of lactose, by either enzymatic or fermentative procedures, is important for different types of industrial applications in dairy and pharmaceutical industries.

Utilization of Front-Face Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Analysis of Process Cheese Functionality

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of front-face fluorescence spectroscopy (FFFS) to predict the meltability of process cheese spreads or products. Twenty-seven commercial samples from 3 manufacturers were used in this study. Each sample was analyzed using dynamic stress rheometry, which was used to calculate the meltability index (temperature at tandelta = 1). Additionally, fluorescence spectra of tryptophan (excitation: 290 nm; emission: 305 to 400 nm) were collected on each sample at 20 degrees C using a front-face accessory. Fluorescence spectrum for each sample consisted of an average of 36 scans (6 scans performed on 6 replicates). The spectral data set consisted of normalized and mean-centered spectra from all the samples. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to correlate spectral data with cheese meltability index as measured by dynamic stress rheometry. A prediction model was developed using partial least square regression and was calibrated using a cross-validation method. A correlation coefficient of 0.93 was obtained between fluorescence spectra and cheese meltability. The regions 335 to 350 nm and 385 to 400 nm had the highest correlation to cheese meltability. A negative correlation between the peak height of tryptophan (335 to 350 nm) and cheese meltability index was observed. This correlation may be due to presence of tryptophan residues in a more hydrophobic environment in stronger emulsions as compared with a more polar environment in weak emulsions. These results indicate that the melt properties of process cheese spreads or products are related to molecular structure that can be measured using FFFS. Hence, FFFS can be used as an analysis technique to predict process cheese meltability.

Volatile sulfur compounds in Cheddar cheese determined by headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatograph-pulsed flame photometric detection

The aim of this study was to develop a methodology for the analysis of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in Cheddar cheese. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was employed to extract VSCs from the cheese matrix using a CAR-PDMS fiber. This extraction method was combined with gas chromatography-pulsed flame photometric detection (GC-PFPD) to achieve high sensitivity for sulfur compounds. The impact of extraction parameters, including time, temperature and sample size, was evaluated to determine the best conditions to analyze sulfur compounds in Cheddar cheese. Hydrogen sulfide, methanethiol, and dimethyl sulfide were found to constitute the majority of the overall sulfur profile while dimethyl disulfide and dimethyl trisulfide were present in lesser amounts. Artifact formation of volatile sulfur compounds was found to be minimal. Two commercial cheese samples were analyzed and differences in sulfur content were observed. Overall, SPME-GC-PFPD was found to be a highly sensitive technique for the analysis of sulfur compounds in Cheddar cheese.

Analysis of Phospho- and Sphingolipids in Dairy Products by a New HPLC Method

Dairy phospho- and sphingolipids are gaining interest due to their nutritional and technological properties. A new HPLC method, using an evaporative laser light-scattering detector, was developed, which enabled excellent separation of glucosylceramide, lactosylceramide, phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, and lysophosphatidylcholine in less than 21 min, including the regeneration of the column. No loss of column performance was observed after 1500 runs because an acid buffer was used. The output signal of the evaporative laser light scattering detector was highly dependent of the flow of the carrier gas and the temperature of the nebulizer, and was maximized by means of a response surface experimental design. Finally, raw milk, cream, butter, buttermilk, Cheddar whey, quarg, and Cheddar cheese were analyzed for their polar lipid content. The absolute values varied substantially (0.018 to 0.181 g/100 g of product). Significant differences were found in the relative content of each polar lipid class among the analyzed products.

Influence of adjunct cultures on volatile free fatty acids in reduced-fat Edam cheeses

The effects of the adjunct cultures Lactococcus lactis ssp. diacetylactis, Brevibacterium linens BL2, Lactobacillus helveticus LH212, and Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 23272 on volatile free fatty acid production in reduced-fat Edam cheese were studied. Lipase activity evaluation using p-nitrophenyl fatty acid ester substrates indicated that L. lactis ssp. diacetylactis showed the highest activity among the 4 adjunct cultures. Full-fat and 33% reduced-fat control cheeses (no adjunct) were made along with 5 treatments of reduced-fat cheeses, which included individual, and a mixture of the adjunct cultures. Volatile free fatty acids of cheeses were analyzed using static headspace analysis with 4-bromofluorobenzene as an internal standard. Changes in volatile free fatty acid concentrations were found in headspace gas of cheeses after 3-and 6-mo ripening. Acetic acid was the most abundant acid detected throughout ripening. Full-fat cheese had the highest relative amount of propionic acid among the cheeses. Certain adjunct cultures had a definite role in lipolysis at particular times. Reduced-fat cheese with L. lactis ssp. diacetylactis at 3-mo showed the highest levels of butyric, isovaleric, n-valeric, iso-caproic, and n-caproic acid. Reduced-fat cheese with Lactobacillus reuteri at 6 mo produced the highest relative concentration of isocaproic, n-caproic, and heptanoic, and the highest relative concentration of total acids.

[Influence of microbiological quality of lactic acid cheese on water phase in conditions of hermetic packing]

Aim of research was to assess the influence of lactic acid cheese micro-flora on water phase fluctuation between surface of products and the packaging. Results of research showed that changes of water content could be expressed with the help of polynomial cubic equation. From linear correlation equations describing level of micro-flora in lactic acid cheese and water content it resulted micro-organisms had a significant influence on the water phase fluctuation. Values of determined coefficients of determination suggested that yeast, enterococci and staphylococci had a significant influence on water fluctuation between product and the packaging.

Characterization of Casein Phosphopeptides from Fermented Milk Products

This study dealt with the potential of fermented milk products as a source of functional casein phosphopeptides (CPPs) using plain yogurts and Camembert cheeses. The CPPs were prepared by tryptic digestion from four commercially available plain yogurts (P1-P4), five Camembert cheeses (C1-C5), and raw milk. From portions with a 1-g protein content of the plain yogurts, the Camembert cheeses, and the raw milk, 171 mg, 139 mg, and 146 mg of CPPs were obtained, respectively. The Camembert cheeses retained high amounts of organic phosphorus (32 microg) per 1 mg CPPs compared to the raw milk (15 microg) and plain yogurts (16 microg). Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis showed that the elution patterns and retention times of the three major peaks of CPPs from P1 and C1 were similar to those from raw milk. Moreover, CPPs from P1 and C1 showed a mitogenic effect, while CPPs from C1 showed an IgA-enhancing effect in mouse spleen cell cultures. These results suggest that fermented milk products such as plain yogurts and Camembert cheeses generate functional CPPs in the body and exert beneficial effects on the immune system.

Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction as a Tool to Estimate the Contamination of Smoked Cheeses by Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) was used to study polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in smoked cheeses. Two types of fiber coatings and different extraction conditions were tested. The results reveal that the use of an 85-microm polyacrylate fiber immersed in the headspace of the samples at 70 degrees C for 60 min is suitable for the detection of PAH with no more than 4 aromatic rings. To determine if a relationship can be established between the results obtained using a solvent extraction technique and HS-SPME, 6 samples of smoked cheese previously studied by a solvent extraction method were analyzed by HS-SPME, and the results obtained by both methodologies were compared. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were identified and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry operating in selective ion monitoring mode. Among the PAH determined by the solvent extraction method, only those with 4 aromatic rings or less were detected by HS-SPME and, consequently, this technique does not allow one to determine the PAH content of smoked cheese samples under the conditions of the study. Nevertheless, the relationship between the results obtained by both techniques for some PAH revealed that HS-SPME could be useful as a screening method to distinguish among samples with different degrees of PAH contamination.

Evaluation of the effect of somatic cell counts on casein proteolysis in ovine milk cheese by means of capillary electrophoresis

The primary proteolysis of ewe's cheeses made from milk with different somatic cell counts (5CC) included three groups of study: cheeses made with milk with less than 500,000 somatic cells (SC); with milk containing 1 x 10(6) to 1.5 x 10(6) SC, the normal range for ewe's milk; and with milk containing more than 3.106 SC. These were examined by capillary eledrophoresis. Intact caseins as alpha(s1)-CN (I, II, and III), alpha(s2)-CN, and beta-CN (beta, beta1, and beta2) were identified. Some peptides resulting from casein proteolysis as gamma-CN and l-alpha(s1)-CN were also identified. The study reveals that proteolysis increased with ripening time and the extent of casein degradation depended on the content in SC, showing that residual intact casein, both alpha(s1)-CN and beta-CN, decreased as the SCC of milk increased because of their higher proteolytic enzyme levels. The proteolysis pattern indicated that several enzymes were implicated in increased proteolysis in high SCC cheeses.

Aroma Compounds in Sweet Whey Powder

Aroma compounds in sweet whey powder were investigated in this study. Volatiles were isolated by solvent extraction followed by solvent-assisted flavor evaporation. Fractionation was used to separate acidic from nonacidic volatiles. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and gas chromatography/olfactometry were used for the identification of aroma compounds. Osme methodology was applied to assess the relative importance of each aroma compound. The most aroma-intense free fatty acids detected were acetic, propanoic, butanoic, hexanoic, heptanoic, octanoic, decanoic, dodecanoic, and 9-decenoic acids. The most aroma-intense nonacidic compounds detected were hexanal, heptanal, nonanal, phenylacetaldehyde, 1-octen-3-one, methional, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, furfuryl alcohol, p-cresol, 2-acetylpyrrole, maltol, furaneol, and several lactones. This study suggested that the aroma of whey powder could comprise compounds originating from milk, compounds generated by the starter culture during cheese making, and compounds formed during the manufacturing process of whey powder.

Interrelationships among microbiological, physicochemical, and biochemical properties of Terrincho cheese, with emphasis on biogenic amines

Changes in the microbiological, physicochemical, and biochemical characteristics of Terrincho cheese as represented by native microflora, pH, water activity, soluble nitrogen fractions, free amino acids, and biogenic amines (e.g., ethylamine, dimethylamine, tryptamine, phenylethylamine, putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, tyramine, cystamine, and spermine) during ripening were monitored. Terrincho is a traditional Portuguese cheese manufactured from raw ewe's milk. The main groups of microorganisms (lactococci, lactobacilli, enterococci, pseudomonads, staphylococci, coliforms, yeasts, and molds) were determined following conventional microbiological procedures. Free amino acids and biogenic amines were determined by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, following extraction from the cheese matrix and derivatization with dabsyl chloride. The total content of free amino acids ranged from 1,730 mg/kg of dry matter at the beginning of the ripening stage to 5,180 mg/kg of dry matter by day 60 of ripening; such an increase was highly correlated with the increase of water-soluble nitrogen in total nitrogen, 12% trichloroacetic acid-soluble nitrogen in total nitrogen, and 5% phosphotungstic acid-soluble nitrogen in total nitrogen throughout ripening. Histamine was consistently present at very low levels, whereas putrescine, cadaverine, and tryptamine were the dominant biogenic amines and increased in concentration during ripening. Ethylamine, tryptamine, phenylethylamine, and cystamine reached maxima by 30 days of ripening and decreased thereafter. Significant correlations between amino acid precursors and corresponding biogenic amines, as well as between biogenic amines and microbial viable numbers, were observed.

Comparison of Effect of Vacuum-Condensed and Ultrafiltered Milk on Cheddar Cheese

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of vacuum-condensed (CM) and ultrafiltered (UF) milk on some compositional and functional properties of Cheddar cheese. Five treatments were designed to have 2 levels of concentration (4.5 and 6.0% protein) from vacuum-condensed milk (CM1 and CM2) and ultrafiltered milk (UF1 and UF2) along with a 3.2% protein control. The samples were analyzed for fat, protein, ash, calcium, and salt contents at 1 wk. Moisture content, soluble protein, meltability, sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE, and counts of lactic acid bacteria and nonstarter lactic acid bacteria were performed on samples at 1, 18, and 30 wk. At 1 wk, the moisture content ranged from 39.2 (control) to 36.5% (UF2). Fat content ranged from 31.5 to 32.4% with no significant differences among treatments, and salt content ranged from 1.38 to 1.83% with significant differences. Calcium content was higher in UF cheeses than in CM cheeses followed by control, and it increased with protein content in cheese milk. Ultrafiltered milk produced cheese with higher protein content than CM milk. The soluble protein content of all cheeses increased during 30 wk of ripening. Condensed milk cheeses exhibited a higher level of proteolysis than UF cheeses. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE showed retarded proteolysis with increase in level of concentration. The breakdown of alphas1- casein and alphas1-I-casein fractions was highest in the control and decreased with increase in protein content of cheese milk, with UF2 being the lowest. There was no significant degradation of beta-casein. Overall increase in proteolytic products was the highest in control, and it decreased with increase in protein content of cheese milk. No significant differences in the counts of lactic starters or nonstarter lactic acid bacteria were observed. Extent as well as method of concentration influenced the melting characteristics of the cheeses. Melting was greatest in the control cheeses and least in cheese made from condensed milk and decreased with increasing level of milk protein concentration. Vacuum condensing and ultrafiltration resulted in Cheddar cheeses of distinctly different quality. Although both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, the selection of the right method would depend upon the objective of the manufacturer and intended use of the cheese.

Solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography?mass spectrometry for rapid characterisation of semi-hard cheeses

A headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) method in combination with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has been used for extraction and identification of components of the volatile fraction of "Provola dei Nebrodi", a typical semi-hard Sicilian cheese. Cheese samples from different producers and at different ripening stages have been examined. The effects of various conditions (e.g. sample volume, sample headspace volume, sample heating temperature, extraction time, etc.) on extraction efficiency were studied in order to optimise the technique. The technique used made it possible to identify 61 components: fatty acids from C(2) to C(14) and their esters, aldehydes, alcohols, methyl ketones, delta-lactones, aromatic compounds, hydrocarbons and terpenes. The main components were butanoic, hexanoic and octanoic acids. The linear free fatty acids (FFA) from C(2) to C(10) were quantified by using the standard addition method. Calibration curves constructed for the FFA spiked into cheese were highly linear with a correlation coefficient R(2) > 0.998. Significant statistical differences (P> or =0.05) were evident for the even-carbon-number fatty acids during ripening.

Mediterranean milk and milk products

Milk and dairy products are part of a healthy Mediterranean diet which, besides cow's milk, also consists of sheep's, goat's and buffalo's milk--alone or as a mixture---as raw material. The fat and protein composition of the milk of the various animal species differs only slightly, but in every case it has a high priority in human nutrition. The milk proteins are characterized by a high content of essential amino acids. Beyond that macromolecules,which have various biological functions, are available or may be formed by proteolysis in milk. Taking this into consideration, the technology of different well-known Italian and German cheese types is presented and the differences as well as correspondences regarding nutrition are discussed. Especially Ricotta and Mascarpone are discussed in detail. Ricotta represents a special feature as this cheese is traditionally made of whey and cream. Thus the highly valuable whey proteins which contain a higher amount of the amino acids lysine, methionine and cysteic acid in comparison to casein and, additionally, to soy protein, are made usable for human nutrition. Finally, it is pointed out on the basis of individual examples that technologies to enrich whey proteins in cheese are already available and in use. Thus, the flavor of low fat cheese is improved and the nutritional value is increased.

Processing of chromatographic data for chemometric analysis of peptide profiles from cheese extracts: a novel approach

Chemometric analysis of chromatograms plays a fundamental role in characterization of foods or in detection of adulteration. Data for multivariate analysis of chromatographic profiles are usually obtained by visual matching (VM) of peaks, the identities of which, as for peptide profiles from cheese extracts, are often unknown. To avoid the main disadvantages of VM, which is subjective and time-consuming, a novel approach was developed. Fuzzy logic was employed to handle in a systematic way uncertainty in the position of peptide peaks, and chromatograms were processed by a rule-based membership function. Processed data consisted of classes of retention time wherein peak heights were accumulated by using the distance from the center of the class as a weight. The novel approach (fuzzy approach, FA) was compared with VM by using a real data set and by performing multivariate descriptive statistical techniques (principal component analysis, multidimensional scaling, and nonhierarchical cluster analysis). FA provided a fast, reliable, and objective alternative to VM and could be successfully applied for chemometric analysis of chromatographic profiles whenever knowledge of the identity of peaks is lacking or unnecessary.

Short communication: utilization of sheep's milk cheese whey in the manufacture of an alkylphenol flavor concentrate

The recovery of species-related conjugated sheep-like flavored alkylphenols from Manchego-type cheese whey by ultrafiltration was investigated. Concentrations of conjugated alkylphenols were similar in the various fractions of whey permeate collected during ultrafiltration, and this was interpreted as a reflection of their high water solubility. About 49 and 62% of conjugated 3- and 4-ethylphenols and p- and m-cresols in sheep's milk cheese whey, respectively, were recovered in the permeate after ultrafiltration with a volume concentration factor of 5.4. Cheese whey retentate correspondingly contained 38 and 28% of conjugated 3- and 4-ethylphenols and p- and m-cresols from the original whey, respectively. Permeate fractions from sheep's milk cheese whey were combined, concentrated by vacuum evaporation, and lactose was partially removed by crystallization and filtration to obtain an aqueous sheep-like flavor precursor concentrate.