RESUMO
ABSTRACT: There are no specific technical regulations regarding the identity and quality of white mold surface-ripened cheeses in Brazil. These cheeses are sold both whole (Camembert-type) and in wedges (Brie-type). The aim of the study was to evaluate the physical and chemical properties; technological parameters and microbiological safety of 20 whole cheeses (Camembert-type) and 16 cheese wedges (Brie-type) produced in Brazil. Samples showed a wide range in sodium (91.0-731.0 mg/100 g, cheeses wedges) and calcium (238.0-1100.0 mg/100g, whole cheeses) contents. The cheese groups presented no significant differences in relation to the majority of the analyzed parameters. Listeria monocytogenes was reported in 5% of the whole cheese samples. The other microbiological parameters were in accordance with the current legislation, RDC no 12/2001 of Anvisa. The comparative assessments between these two cheeses indicated that they are different. In addition, the wide range of results indicated a lack of processing standardization. The mean values of the physicochemical and textural parameters should be considered as recommended for these cheeses in Brazil.
RESUMO: No Brasil, não há uma regulamentação técnica específica sobre a identidade e qualidade de queijos maturados com mofo branco na superfície. Estes queijos são comercializados inteiros (tipo Camembert) e em cunhas (tipo Brie). O objetivo da pesquisa foi avaliar as propriedades físicas e químicas; parâmetros tecnológicos e marcadores microbiológicos de 20 queijos inteiros (tipo Camembert) e 16 cunhas de queijo (tipo Brie) produzidos no Brasil. Os teores de sódio e cálcio apresentaram elevada amplitude (8,0 e 4,6 vezes o valor mínimo, respectivamente). Os valores médios destes queijos não apresentaram diferenças significativas em relação à maioria dos parâmetros analisados. Listeria monocytogenes foi encontrada em 5% das amostras de queijo tipo Camembert. Os demais parâmetros microbiológicos estavam de acordo com a legislação vigente, RDC no 12/2001 da Anvisa. Esta avaliação comparativa entre estes dois queijos indica que são diferentes. Além disso, os valores com elevada amplitude correspondem a falta de padronização do processamento. Os valores médios poderiam ser considerados como recomendados para estes queijos no Brasil.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: White mold-ripened cheeses were investigated with the objective of proposing a colorimetric method to monitor the surface growth of Penicillium candidum and to evaluate the influence of the mesophilic (homofermentative (QMO) and heterofermentative (QMLD)) and thermophilic (QT) starter cultures on the physicochemical composition and sensory description. RESULTS: The whiteness index was effective in proving the appearance of superficial mycelium and the stability of white mold growth. The lactic cultures showed significant influence on most of the physicochemical analyses. The cheese made with thermophilic lactic culture had a 1 day gain in the growth of mycelium on the surface; nevertheless, the appearance of this product was potentially not acceptable for consumers. The heterofermentative mesophilic cheese had a better appearance and texture profile. However, the homofermentative mesophilic cheese showed aspects of fresh cheese and was acceptable for a wide range of consumers. CONCLUSION: The whiteness index was efficient to monitor the surface growth of P. candidum. The highest proteolytic effect was found in the QMLD and QT cultures. However, the cheese elaborated with the QMLD culture showed the best sensory acceptance. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.