Impact of processing conditions on microstructure, texture and chemical properties of model cheese from sheep milk

Cutting and cooking settings have a strong effect on curd particle features, whey syneresis and cheese properties. In the present study, the impact of curd grain size and cooking temperature on the microstructure, texture and composition of cheese, whey losses and cheese yield was studied with specific focus on sheep milk. Cooking temperature especially affected cheese microstructure, texture and composition, while cutting process was largely responsible for fat losses in the whey. Additionally, cheese yield increased with a bigger curd grain size and lower cooking temperatures. Higher cooking temperatures reduced the moisture content of the curd grains and cheese and lead to cheeses with reduced porosity and more free fat in their structure, resulting in harder and chewier cheeses. Interactions between the microstructural arrangement of fat and textural parameters were also observed. These results contribute with new data on the relationships between curd grain size and cooking conditions on the microstructure and physico-chemical properties of cheese. In addition, reducing the compound losses in whey would have a direct effect on the improvement of processing, cheese quality and yield, and the ulterior by product management

Health Hazards Associated with Wheat and Gluten Consumption in Susceptible Individuals and Status of Research on Dietary Therapies

Wheat accounts for about 20% to over 50% of the total calorie intake of food in regions where it is grown. However, there is a clear perception that disorders related to the consumption wheat are increasing, particularly in Western Europe, North America, and Australia. We consider here the evidence for this perception and discuss strategies and therapies that may be used to reduce the adverse impacts of wheat on the health of susceptible individuals. First, we will introduce the major groups of wheat grain proteins, focusing on those associated with adverse reactions, and discuss in detail the three major adverse reactions triggered by wheat consumption, namely celiac disease, wheat allergy, and non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity. Finally, will discuss other issues associated with the consumption of gluten-free foods focusing on gluten contamination of products purported to be gluten-free, gluten threshold or tolerance among celiac patients, and food labeling