Research of organoleptic, physical-chemical and microbiological indicators of the enriched cottage cheese
Production of enriched curd by introducing a kelp of Laminaria family - Laminariaceae is discussed. The change of quality characteristics of the curd during storage have been studied. It was found that for the enriched product that meets the requirements of standards on the organoleptic, physico-chemical and microbiological parameters, optimal amount of kelp is 1%. Bigger amount of Laminaria led to the slight increase in the acidity of the product and the deterioration of organoleptic characteristics. The microbiological analysis of samples of enriched cheese showed absence of coliform bacteria, bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus aureus and molds. During the entire storage period of product a decrease of product contamination was observed. The most intense microflora reduction observed in the test sample after 120 hours of storage. Hence, a kelp exhibit antimicrobial activity. During the storage period the number of micro-organisms met the requirements of the standards. By the end of the storage period an amount of lactic acid bacteria in the product was at least 106 CFU / g. Adding of a 1% kelp to the curd promoted slight increase the energy value of the product, while the iodine content increased by 10 times. Thus, the use for food of 100 g of the enriched by laminaria cheese satisfy the adult daily requirement of iodine by 60-70%. Furthermore, the use of kelp as addition to the curd brings not only iodine but also vitamins, microelements and other beneficial agents for humans. Based on the above we can recommend this product as a prophylactic and preventive nutrition for different groups of the population suffering from iodine deficiency.