Effect of ripening time on bacteriological and physicochemical goat milk cheese characteristics

Cheese ripening involves lactose metabolism, lipolysis and proteolysis, which are affected by many factors. The aim of this study was to assess changes due to ripening (90 days) of goat milk cheese through bacteriological and physicochemical analysis in order to verify if, at the end of ripening period, this cheese could be considered "lactose-free". Three batches of the goat milk cheese were manufactured and ripened at 10 °C and 80% relative humidity for 90 days. Titratable acidity increased by about 59 °D due to carbohydrate degradation and organic acid production. However, pH (5.31-5.25) remained constant. Lactococcus was the dominant cheese microbiota, acting in the fermentation of lactose (1.17-0.06 mg/g) and lactic acid production (5.49-s10.01 mg/g). Thus, ripening time was decisive for bacteriological and physicochemical goat milk cheese characteristics.