Cerníková et al. (2010) used the addition of 1 g/100 g k-carrageenan
(high molecular linear anionic polysaccharide usually
extracted from red seaweed of Rhodophyceae family) as a complete
substitute for traditional emulsifying salts. The samples (manufactured
from cheese of constant maturity) appeared to be
macroscopically and microscopically homogeneous. Cerníková
et al. (2010) explained that mainly by the ability of the complexes
of hydrophilic carrageenan with hydrophobic casein particles to act
as fat emulsifiers.
The degree of cheese maturity significantly influences texture
parameters of the final product as well as its meltability (Brickley,
Auty, Piraino, & McSweeney, 2007; Piska & Stetina, 2004). The
dependence of texture parameters (measured within the large
deformation area) and meltability of the products with a complete
substitute for traditional emulsifying salts on the maturity of
cheese (raw material) has not been described in literature.
The aim of this study was to observe the influence of the
maturity degree of cheese on the texture properties and meltability
of processed cheeses made with the addition of 1 g/100 g k-carrageenan
without traditional phosphate- and citrate-based emulsifying
salts. A secondary aimwas to compare the development of the
above-mentioned parameters with the control sample into which
traditional phosphate-based emulsifying salts were applied.