Use of different salting techniques in Halloumi cheese:: Effect on sensory, microbiological and chemical properties

In this study Halloumi cheese samples were produced from 1:1 mixtures of ewe's and cow's milk. Cheese samples were divided into two groups. Samples of the first group were dry salted and then vacuum packed. Next group samples were ripened in tin packs containing brine solution of 13% salt content. The changes in chemical, microbiological and sensory properties of the samples were investigated during the ripening period. It was found that the samples of the first group had higher dry matter and fat contents and acidity values but lower salt and ash contents than the samples of second group. It was also observed that salt and ash contents and acidity values increased in both groups during the ripening period while pH values decreased. In microbiological view, coliforms, total viable, yeast and mould counts were higher in the first group than in the second one. Coliforms decreased in both groups during the ripening period. On the other hand, total viable, yeast and mould counts decreased in second group. According to sensory evaluations, the first group samples were more preferred. The yield of cheese was determined as 15.40%.