DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF COATED RICOTTA CHEESE WITH WHEY PROTEIN AND CLOVE OIL

ABSTRACT Cheese, oldest dairy product which is used to preserve the nutrients of milk for long time. It is available in different shapes, sizes, flavors and textures. Ricotta is fresh soft cheese, is prepared through coagulating the whey proteins. It is a value-added product manufactured from cheese whey. Microbial spoiling occurs as a result of unmanaged conditions, resulting in the unfavorable changes in odor, flavor, and texture. That leads to food poisoning when infected food is consumed. Natural preservatives are preferred by consumers over synthetic preservatives since they are safer and extend the shelf life of food goods. Synthetic preservatives are poisonous and have negative health consequences. Edible coatings are biodegradable, natural films that can improve the product’s safety, quality, and nutritional content until it is consumed. This research was carried out to analyse the effect of whey protein and clove essential oil on the shelf life of ricotta cheese due to their excellent gas barrier properties, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Different concentrations of clove oil (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 %) are incorporated in whey protein coating solution (2.5,5,7.5%). The overall findings for all groups showed that there was gradual decrease in acidity and moisture content. Therefore, sample T RC3 treated with 0.75 % whey protein and 0.3% clove oil showed significant results (P<0.05). They showed less microbial count, increased fat and protein value. But it also had great impact on sensory analysis such as on color, texture, aroma while it showed significant overall acceptability due to high clove oil and whey protein concentrations. Hence, this study showed significant effect on shelf life of ricotta cheese and its shelf life increased from 7 to 21 days.