Effect of high-pressure treatment of milk for cheese manufacture on proteolysis, lipolysis, texture and functionality of Cheddar cheese during ripening

Ripening of Cheddar cheese manufactured from raw milk (control) and milk HP-treated at 400 MPa or 600 MPa for 10 min at 20°C was studied. Counts of non-starter lactic acid bacteria (NSLAB) were significantly reduced after HP-treatment of milk at 600 MPa; however, NSLAB recovered after 60 days of ripening. Overall, increased proteolysis and levels of free fatty acids were found in cheese manufactured from milk HP-treated at 600 MPa. In addition, cheese manufactured from HP-treated milk was less hard, gummy and chewy compared to the control cheese; however, melting ability was significantly decreased in the former. Colour measurements indicated an increase in whiteness in cheese manufactured from HP-treated milk compared to the control cheese. Overall, HP treatment of milk at 600 MPa prior to manufacture of Cheddar cheese decreased initial microbial counts and increased proteolysis during ripening. Industrial relevance: Raw milk cheese is in high demand by the consumer due to its unique traits; however, the cheese is prone to microbial contamination and flavour defects. The possibility of treating the milk with high-pressure prior to cheese manufacture helps to eliminate a number of risk factors, yet results in cheese with similar characteristics to cheese made from untreated raw milk. This could help to develop new innovative safe cheese, which could give a competitive advantage.