Effects of starter level, draining time and aging on the physicochemical, organoleptic and rheological properties of feta cheese

Abstract

Feta cheese was made from ewe's milk using three different levels of starter (0.20, 0.50 and 0.75%) and two draining times (6 and 20 h). Cheese made with addition of 0.75% starter had a lower pH and moisture content than the cheeses made with 0.20 and 0.50% starter. With the increase in starter level there was also an increase in cheese fat content, although the fat in dry matter remained almost constant. The lower level of starter resulted in cheese with lower protein content, while other cheese components were not significantly affected by the starter levels used. The yield of cheese made with addition of 0.75% starter was significantly lower than the yield of cheeses made with the other levels. Also, the yield of cheeses made with 6 h drainage was greater than the yield of cheeses made with 20 h drainage. In general, the organoleptic and rheological properties of cheeses were not affected by the three levels of starter used for feta cheese manufacture.