Efeito da redução parcial do cloreto de sódio com o uso do cloreto de potássio nas características do queijo de coalho

Abstract

The “coalho” type cheese is a much-appreciated food because of its sensory characteristics. This cheese has a high sodium content to maintain its functional properties and features high sodium content to maintain its functional properties, especially the melting resistance, also the overdone consumption has been associated with health problems such as hypertension, heart and kidney problems. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to reduce sodium content by partially replacing sodium chloride (NaCl) with potassium chloride (KCl) in the following proportions: 0% KCl + 100% NaCl (control); 30% KCl + 70% NaCl; 50% KCl + 50% NaCl; 70% KCl + 30% NaCl and analyze the physicochemical aspects, sensory, melting capacity, proteolysis, texture profile and microbiological in 4 refrigerated storage times (2, 15, 30 and 60 days), with four replications. There was no variation neither in the centesimal composition neither in the calcium content when compared with the control sample. One of the most demanded characteristics of coalho cheese is resistance when heated, in other words, the melting. The melting analysis is important and for being, a quality parameter of the coalho cheese, and reducing sodium did not affect the melt proprieties. Therefore, the proteolysis showed an increase over time, but it did not influence in the cheese melting. The sodium and the potassium presented an alteration caused by the reduction of the sodium and the potassium chloride. Regarding the texture profile analysis, the parameters of hardness, cohesiveness and chewing behaved in a similar way in all treatments, however there was an alteration in the adhesiveness and elasticity. As for microbiological analyzes, there was alteration in the coliforms at 30 ºC and 45 ºC, filamentous fungi, yeasts and aerobic mesophylls analysis, in relation of time and in relation of treatments, however, the Staphylococcus aureus showed no alterations in the cheese. The appearance of the cheeses measured by sensory analysis was not affected by the use of potassium chloride, but the aroma received an lower score in the 70% KCl + 30%NaCl treatment. The use of potassium chloride interfered with the taste and texture of the cheeses. However, the overall impression was similar to the control in the treatments up to 50% off Nacl. The partial reduction of sodium in the coalho cheese with 50% replacement NaCl by KCL is a possible alternative for this product.