Physicochemical, Microbiological and Sensory Characteristics of White Cheese Made by Adding Moringa Oleifera Seeds Extract

The aim of this study is to investigate physicochemical and sensory properties of cheese made by adding Moringa seeds extract (MSE) as coagulant. Cheese samples were processed by adding 2, 3 and 4% MSE. The results of proximate analysis indicated that moisture content was 40.8, 45.8 and 42.4%, while protein content 16.50, 16, 84 and 16.97 in cheese produced by addition of 2, 3 and 4% MSE, respectively. Statistically, significant differences (p<0.005) were found in both chemical components. The fat content (25.53, 25.72 and 25.92%) in concentrations 2, 3 and 4%, respectively. On the other hand, the highest fat content was found in cheese sample made by adding 4% MSE. The ash content increased by an increase of the concentration of MSE, and the highest value was found in cheese made by addition of 4% MSE (0.82%). Titratable acidity %, pH and The total solids (T.S%) of cheese increased significantly (p<0.005) by an increase of MSE. The mineral content of cheese was statistically affected (p<0.005) by addition of MSE. The microbiological analysis revealed that Colifrom and Salmonella were not detected in processed cheese. The sensory evaluation indicated that all cheese samples were accepted by the panelists with preference to the cheese prepared by 4% MSE. The study recommends using other parts of Moringa Oliefera in cheese coagulation and the effect of storage conditions on the quality of the cheese must be further investigated.