Production of functional spreadable processed cheese using Chlorella vulgaris.

BACKGROUND: Chlorella vulgaris alga is one of the most important additives for enhancing the nutritional content of conventional foods, hence positively affecting human health. This alga is known as a rich source of protein, fatty acids, fiber, essential vitamins and minerals. Also, it contains antioxidants, omega 3, antivi- ral and anticancer properties. The aim of this research is increasing the nutritional and potential therapeutic value of processed cheese by using Chlorella vulgaris alga, taking advantage of its high nutritional and health value.

METHODS: The ingredients in the processed cheese blends were mature cheddar cheese, Ras cheese, butter, skimmed milk powder, Emulsifying salts (K-2394, S9s & S4), Chlorella vulgaris (in freeze- dried and slurry forms). Chemical, rheological and sensory evaluation properties were evaluated in processed cheese analogue (PCA) treatments when fresh and after three months of cold storage at 5–7°C. PCA treat- ments were enriched with 2%, 4% and 6% dried Chlorella vulgaris powder in the cheese blends and 4% Chlorella vulgaris slurry.

RESULTS: The incorporation of alga into processed cheese led to an increase in their functional characteristics. The results of sensory evaluation of PCA samples demonstrated that 2% of alga addition was the best treat- ment, followed by 4%, but that the level of 6% was unacceptable to consumers. The studied alga enhanced the cheese analog with the high levels of selenium, zinc, iron, magnesium and potassium. Antioxidant activity in the cheese enhanced with Chlorella vulgaris was higher than the control sample. To improve some proper- ties of PCA, other emulsifying salts (S9S and S4) were tested and the alga was added in the form of slurry with value of 4% into the cheese blend. Both S9S and S4 emulsifying salts were good and the S4 was the best for oiling off and meltability. Also, when using the slurry of Chlorella vulgaris, the granular texture of the cheese analog completely disappeared.

CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the alga indeed increased nutrition values and health benefits to the processed cheese, making it a substantial functional food. Therefore, we recommend supporting the manu- facture of the processed cheese analogue with the addition of 2% Chlorella vulgaris alga in soft powder form and 4% Chlorella vulgaris alga in slurry form at the end of the processing.