Comparative analysis of milk and cheese produced in the Pélardon PDO production zone based on their phenolic profiles

Abstract

 Goat milk and cheese samples were collected from two different areas in the Pelardon PDO production zone, in order to explore the diversity of their phenolic profiles and try to relate it to variations in feeding practices. The results showed a diversity in the phenolic profiles of both milk and cheese samples, which was attributed to the heterogeneity of the vegetation and soil as well as the diverse farming and grazing methods applied. Nevertheless, the statistical analysis failed to reveal a link between milk and cheese phenolic composition and the production area or the feeding system. Data will require a more detailed analysis using informations from the farmer inquiries, in order to try to elucidate the main factors of feeding practices acting on milk and cheese phenolic composition