Factors Affecting Calcium Lactate and Liquid Expulsion Defects in Cheddar Cheese

Abstract

This paper summarizes the results of 2 studies designed to investigate the influence of several manufacturing and curing treatments on the appearance of Cheddar cheese defects. Specifically, 2 defects, calcium lactate crystal formation and the expulsion of free liquid (weeping) were monitored in Cheddar cheese. Both studies were conducted at a commercial cheese manufacturing facility that produces Cheddar in 18.14-kg (40-lb) blocks. In the first study we monitored cheese calcium, both total and soluble during manufacture and early curing. In the second study we measured cheese pH from 3 d through 8 mo, as well as some factors that are influenced by cheese pH. Early cheese pH (3 d to 7 d) patterns were used to select vats of cheese for retail packaging. Mild Cheddar packaged at 30 d postmanufacture and sharp Cheddar packaged at 8 mo postmanufacture from the same vats were monitored for the incidence and severity of the defects. Our results indicated that factors measured in early stages of manufacture and curing (less than 7 d) such as cheese pH at mill, lactic acid concentration, nonprotein nitrogen, and calcium (total and soluble) in cheese did not correlate with the appearance of either calcium lactate or expulsion of free liquid in packaged cheeses. Factors including pH, lactic acid concentrations, and soluble calcium measured during curing (greater than 7 d) of cheese were found to be statistically significant in the development of defects and appeared to be associated with use of specific starter culture groups. In the study, 5 different starter culture groups, each consisting of a 4-strain blend of Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris and Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis, were used to manufacture the cheeses. Cheese manufactured with one particular culture group showed no incidence of calcium lactate crystal formation or weeping during curing and shelf-life of cheeses in this study. This starter group also generated the least amount of pH change in cheese during the first month of curing. From these results we conclude that starter culture group, more than any other factor measured, played an important role in the development of calcium lactate and liquid expulsion defects in Cheddar cheese. Starter culture group appeared to strongly influence cheese pH, lactic acid, and soluble calcium concentrations during curing and storage.

Low-sodium Cheddar cheese: Effect of fortification of cheese milk with ultrafiltration retentate and high-hydrostatic pressure treatment of cheese

“…The likely explanation for the difference between Rulikowska et al (2013) and our study was that the starter culture strains that we used were very sensitive to the S/M levels in our cheeses. Swearingen et al (2004) reported that various types of starter cultures used for Cheddar cheese manufacture in the United States exhibited a wide range of salt sensitivities. The growth rate of nonstarter lactic acid bacteria was unaffected by NaCl content, UF retentate fortification, or HHP treatment during ripening (results not shown).…”

Nucleic acid-based approaches to investigate microbial-related cheese quality defects

“…Mineral deposition, corresponding to calcium lactate crystal (CLC) formation, is a common defect found in Cheddar cheese (Chou et al, 2003; Swearingen et al, 2004). CLCs appear as white crystals or spots on the external surface of the cheese (Johnson et al, 1990; Chou et al, 2003; Agarwal et al, 2005, 2006).…”

“…This results in an increase in complaints to the manufacturer often leading to product recall. CLC formation is influenced by the concentrations of calcium and lactate ions present in the cheese (Johnson et al, 1990; Chou et al, 2003; Swearingen et al, 2004). CLCs are formed via the racemization of L(+)-lactate to the less soluble D(−)-lactate by racemase-positive NSLAB.…”

“…Somers et al, provided further evidence to the role of L. curvatus in CLC formation by demonstrating that L. curvatus are capable of forming biofilms which survive cleaning practices. These biofilms can then detach from cheese vats and contaminate the cheese matrix (Somers et al, 2001; Swearingen et al, 2004; Agarwal et al, 2005). Other researchers have shown that many other strains of lactobacilli and Pediococci may also be involved in CLC formation (Swearingen et al, 2004).…”

“…These biofilms can then detach from cheese vats and contaminate the cheese matrix (Somers et al, 2001; Swearingen et al, 2004; Agarwal et al, 2005). Other researchers have shown that many other strains of lactobacilli and Pediococci may also be involved in CLC formation (Swearingen et al, 2004). Chou et al, showed that lactobacilli negative cheese did not suffer from CLC formation.…”