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Lički Škripavac is a traditional Croatian cheese characterised by its soft and rubbery texture and the squeaky sound attained during chewing. Traditionally, it can be produced using two different salting methods: dry salting of curd grains and salting of milk before coagulation. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the salting method on the chemical composition, yield, texture and sensory properties of Škripavac cheese. Five batches of Škripavac cheese were produced from 40 L of raw cow milk. Milk was divided into two equal parts and cheeses were produced applying the above-mentioned salting methods. Cheeses produced from milk salted before coagulation had significantly (p

The aim of this study was to determine the total polyphenol and flavonoid content, antioxidant properties and fatty acid profile of semi-hard goat cheese ripened in an oil mixture (Mljet’s extra virgin olive oil and refined sunflower oil; 50:50) for different time periods. Five batches of cheese were produced, and each batch was divided into three groups: (1) ripening in air (control group), (2) ripening in oil after 10 days of air ripening, (3) ripening in oil after 20 days of air ripening. The cheeses were sampled on days 0, 10, 20, 30, 45 and 60 of ripening. On day 60, the total polyphenol and flavonoid content differed significantly (p

The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the specificities (milk characteristics, production process, ripening biochemistry, composition, and sensory properties) and novelties of the world-famous traditional cheeses of the Eastern Mediterranean (EM). The EM area is remarkably heterogeneous (11 countries—Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Türkiye, Cyprus, Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia) in terms of cheese production, but there are some common features that can be associated with EM which are connected to the difficult geoclimaticconditions (hilly terrain and hot summers). Cheesemakers resort to some preservation methods, such as high salt content (in white-brined cheeses), high total solids content (in hard cheeses), the use of hot water in the treatment of the curd (in pasta filata cheeses), the addition of some local herbs with antimicrobial properties, and the use of animal skin sacks for cheese ripening. Due to the high proportion of whey as a by-product, whey is traditionally used in EM for the production of whey cheeses. Preserving the production of traditional EM cheeses is critical to maintaining their cultural significance and meeting the demand of consumers interested in the provenance, craftsmanship, and nutritional value of these unique products.

One of the salting methods in cheese production implies salting the milk before coagulation used in making Domiati-type cheeses and a variety of autochthonous “Lički Škripavac” cheese. The most used sodium replacer is potassium. This study investigated the influence of different added salt concentrations (1%, 1.5%, and 2%) and NaCl to KCl ratios (100%, 50:50%, 25:75%) on the rennet coagulation and curd firmness in bovine milk. The milk coagulation parameters were determined with a computerized renneting meter, Lactodinamograph. The results showed significant interactions between the salt concentrations and NaCl to KCl ratios (p < 0.0001, α = 0.05) by prolonging the beginning of coagulation (10–20 min) and curd firming rate (1–5 min) by an increase in salt concentration for all treatments. The 50:50 treatment values (RCT, k20, a30, a60, amax) were closest to the control (without salt) and had the best results among all treatments in the lower (1%) and medium (1.5%) salt concentration (p > 0.0001, α = 0.05) while in the highest salt concentration (2%) the treatment effect was nonsignificant (p > 0.05). These results should help future studies make a lower sodium product appealing to consumers without losing quality.

Water kefir grains cannot grow in milk. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether water kefir grains can show activity in demineralized whey, an environment containing lactose as a carbon source. The physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties of water kefir prepared from demineralized whey containing 2% and 5% lactose and raisins or grape juice from two grape varieties (Dimrit and Shiraz) were investigated. It was found that the protein content of the water kefir increased significantly (p < 0.05), especially when grape juice was added. The total soluble solids and viscosity of the samples with grape addition increased significantly (p < 0.05). Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity increased significantly with grape addition (p < 0.05), with the effect of Shiraz grape being more pronounced. In general, it was found that the content of K, P, Na, Ca and Mg was higher in the samples with grape addition. The sensory properties of water kefir made from dWhey with 2% lactose and grape juice were better. It was also confirmed that viability of water kefir microbiota is better in water kefir drink made from dWhey with 2% lactose due to higher pH value in comparison to dWhey with 5% lactose.

A few types of cheeses ripened in an animal skin sack are produced around the world: Sir iz mišine (Croatia), Sir iz mijeha (Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro), Tulum and Divle Cave (Turkey), Bouhezza (Algeria) and Darfiyeh (Lebanon). Pronounced and piquant taste, flavour and aroma of these cheeses originate from intensive lipolysis and proteolysis as a result of specific anaerobic conditions inside the skin sack, autochthonous microorganisms from raw milk and skin, as well as their manufacturing procedure. The specific and complex biochemical changes that occur during ripening of cheeses in animal skin sacks have become of great interest to researchers, and numerous studies have been conducted over the last decade. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to review the specificities of proteolytic and lipolytic changes that occur during ripening of cheese in the animal skin sack, which cause the characteristic volatile compounds profile. Moreover, the manufacturing procedures and physico-chemical properties of cheeses is shown due to their relationship with biochemical reactions during cheese ripening. As biochemical changes during ripening directly influence sensory attributes of cheese, which determine consumer preference, this review could provide practical data for cheesemakers to prevent negative consequences of overly intensive biochemical changes during cheese ripening, and so improve the quality of this kind of cheeses.

In addition to the production of albumin cheese, biogas and whey powder, whey has also been used as a raw material for the production of alcoholic beverages. The aim of this research was to investigate the potential of using Istrian albumin cheese whey in the production of whey distillate. Three batches of Istrian albumin cheese were produced in a small-scale cheese plant. The remaining whey after the production of albumin cheese was fermented using Kluyveromyces marxianus subsp. marxianus for 5 days and then distilled. In the whey samples before and after fermentation, the content of total solids, protein, milk fat and lactose was determined. The ethanol content and the composition of volatile compounds in the distillate was determined. The content of all components of the chemical composition of whey, except for the content of fat, decreased during fermentation. In the whey distillate with an alcohol content of 35%, the following compounds were determined: acetaldehyde, methanol, n-propanol, i-butanol, n-butanol, 3-methyl-1-ol, 2-methylbutan-1-ol and ethyl-lactate. The distillate obtained confirmed the potential of using whey for the production of spirits. However, further research is needed due to the potential presence of the harmful effects of certain volatile compounds on human health.

This study investigates the effects of raw sheep’s milk composition on the strength and syneresis of obtained gels throughout the lactation. Casein, fat and total solids content, as well as ionic calcium mass fraction significantly (p

This study aims to determine the effects of the autochthonous probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum B (currently Lactiplantibacillus plantarum) and Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis S1 on proteolysis during the ripening of Sir iz mišine—a Croatian cheese which ripens in a lambskin sack. Sir iz mišine was produced in four different variants: (1) from raw milk without starter cultures, and from pasteurized milk with added (2) Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis S1, (3) Lactobacillus plantarum B, or (4) a starter culture consisting of a mixture of Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis S1 and Lactobacillus plantarum B (1:1). The addition of Lactobacillus plantarum B alone or in combination with Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis S1 noticeably increased the alpha and beta indices because of the synergistic activity between the enzymes responsible for primary proteolysis and added autochthonous bacteria. Cheese produced from raw milk had the lowest (12.16%) content of WSN%TN. The highest WSN%TN content was found in cheese produced with combined probiotic bacteria (30.40%) and Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis S1 (29.74%). Cheese with added combined probiotic bacteria had a noticeably higher content of TCA-SN%TN, indicating a synergistic performance among autochthonous probiotic bacteria. In conclusion, autochthonous probiotic bacteria, in addition to having a functional value, can improve the ripening properties of cheese.

Preveli cheese is Croatian artisanal dried acid-coagulated cheese. The aim of this paper was to study its physicochemical composition and microbiological properties, as well as physicochemical composition and hygienic quality of cheese milk. The results could be used for the improvement of Preveli cheese quality and for getting a mark of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). The production of 35 batches of Preveli cheese was observed at 18 family farmsteads. Research showed that hygienic quality of milk was partially satisfying, which means that 51.42 % and 17.14 % of milk samples had total bacterial count and somatic cell counts above the threshold value (>300,00 and >400,000∙mL-1, respectively). According to the content of total solids, Preveli cheese belongs to the group of soft cheeses, while according to the content of fat in total solids it can be categorized as a fat cheese. Due to the non-standardized technological processes, mainly during skimming the milk fat, salting and drying, results of analysis showed notable variability in the physicochemical composition of the Preveli cheese and sour cream. The presence of yeast and moulds were detected in 22.86 % of cheese samples as well as coagulase positive staphylococci in 11.43 % of cheese samples, which indicated the need of improving the hygiene of the manufacturing processes.

The aroma of a cheese is one of the key quality parameters and signs of distinguishing certain cheese types by consumers. Therefore, the aim of this paper is review the existing knowledge of the aromatic profile of cheeses ripening in an animal skin. Cheeses that ripen in an animal skin and produced in similar technology in Croatia (mišina – cheese in a sack), in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Cheese in a sack (local name: mjeh), Montenegro (Cheese in a sack (local name: mjeh), Turkey (Tulum cheese), Lebanon (Darfiyeh cheese) and eastern Algeria (Bouhezza cheese). The specific characteristic of these cheeses is ripening in an animal skin, as in a sack (of ewe or goat). The aromatic profile of these cheeses has not been sufficiently investigated and has been conducted primarily on Tulum and to a smaller extent of Lebanese Darfiyeh cheese, and cheese in a sack. There is no data about other cheeses that ripen in an animal skin. Since very little research has been made on the aromatic profile of these cheeses, further research should be conducted.

Microbiological changes in Keş cheese, traditional Turkish raw cow’s milk cheese made without the addition of starter culture, were studied during 90 days of ripening. Physico-chemical parameters, pH, salt content and water activity (aw), as important parameters for microbial growth, were also determined. Lactic acid bacteria were predominant microbial group. The time of ripening significantly influenced the count of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, psychrophilic bacteria, mould (P

Lećevački cheese is a traditional Croatian hard cheese, which belongs to the group of hard Mediterranean cheeses produced from mixed milk (cow and sheep). The aim of this research was to determine the influence of different ratios and compositions of sheep milk on the composition and yield of Lećevački cheese. A total of 15 batches of Lećevački cheese were selected containing different ratios of sheep and cow milk from the regular production of a dairy plant. The ratio of sheep milk was as follows: up to 39%, from 40 to 44%, and from 45 to 50%. For each ratio, five batches were randomly selected. A higher ratio of sheep milk caused a noticeable increase in fat, protein, lactose, and total solids content, while the content of solids-not-fat significantly (p < 0.05) increased. A similar trend was found for casein content (p < 0.1). The highest ratio of sheep milk in mixed milk increased (p < 0.05) the protein content by almost 1%. However, the results showed that it is not reasonable to increase the sheep milk ratio in mixed milk above 44% (v/v) because it causes a higher (p < 0.01) moisture content in the cheese, as well as a lower fat content (p < 0.01) and fat recovery (p = 0.07) during the manufacturing of Lećevački cheese.

Livanjski cheese belongs to the group of hard cheeses which is traditionally produced in Livno (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Proteolytic changes during the ripening of Livanjski cheese have not been investigated extensively. The aim of this paper was to determine its proteolytic changes during the different stages of ripening. Five Livanjski cheeses (from raw cow’s or a mixture of sheep’s and cow’s milk) were observed during the ripening to evaluate its typical proteolytic profile. An electophoretic profile of Livanjski cheese was determined by Urea-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (urea-PAGE) and a densitometric evaluation of the urea-PAGE gels was performed using a densitometer. The water-soluble nitrogen fraction in the total nitrogen (WSN %TN) and the 12%-TCA-soluble nitrogen fraction in the total nitrogen (TCA-SN %TN) of the cheese were determined using the Kjeldahl method. Degradation of αs1-casein by chymosin caused a significant decrease (P < 0.05) of relative content of this protein in Livanjski cheese at the sixth week point of ripening. Due to the activity of chymosin on αs1-casein, αs1-I-casein and αs1-II-casein developed, which caused a significant increase (P < 0.05) of Index alpha. The relative ratio of β-casein significantly decreased (P < 0.05) during ripening leading to a significant accumulation (P < 0.05) of degraded product (sum γ1-casein, γ2-casein and γ3-casein). These proteolytic changes caused a significant increase (P < 0.05) of Index betta. Accumulation of medium, small peptides and amino acids caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase of the relative content of WSN %TN and TCA-SN %TN. In general, proteolysis of Livanjski cheese during ripening was moderate probably due to the low moisture content and low water activity, although it was produced from raw milk. Taking into account that the ratio β-casein : αs1-casein at the end of ripening was 1.46, it could be concluded that degradation of αs1-casein could be the indicator of the maturity of Livanjski cheese. Due to that Livanjski cheese could be classified as “α-type of ripening” cheese.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of cheese milk standardization on chemical composition, fat and protein recovery, yield and sensory properties of Croatian soft Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Lički škripavac cheese. Standardization of milk to the casein/fat ratio of 0.7 was carried out by adding skimmed milk powder (SMP) to cheese milk and by skimming part of the milk fat. Results showed that losses of fat by whey were significantly (p < 0.05) lower after Lički škripavac cheese produced from standardized milk by skimming part of the milk fat. Standardization of cheese milk by addition of SMP caused higher losses of protein (p < 0.05) and total solids (p < 0.0001) by whey. Both methods of cheese milk standardization caused a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in milk fat and fat in dry matter content in cheese. In contrast, standardization of cheese milk caused a significant (p < 0.01) increase in protein content in cheese milk. Moisture in non-fat substance (MNFS) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. Optimization of the casein/fat ratio did not cause a significant increase in fat recovery, but protein recovery significantly increased (p < 0.01). Addition of SMP to cheese milk significantly (p < 0.01) increased actual and adjusted cheese yield. The addition of SMP led to a noticeably higher (p = 0.10) sensory score of Lički škripavac cheese.

The aims of this paper were to investigate the impact of changes in the milk payment system and the season on the hygienic quality of raw milk. The bulk cow’s milk samples were collected throughout the whole area of Bosnia and Herzegovina over the period of four years (2010-2013), from farms that deliver milk to the dairy industry. The total bacterial count (TBC) was analysed in 52,999 milk samples and the somatic cell count (SCC) in 53,363 milk samples. The results of the research showed that the proportion of bulk milk with the SCC < 300,000 mL-1 significantly increased in the observed period, as well as the proportion of farms that produce milk of EU quality (P < 0.05). The season had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the SCC; in April the proportion of bulk milk with SCC < 300,000 mL-1 was significantly higher (P < 0.05). A significant increase (P < 0.05) in the proportion of milk with the TBC < 200,000 cfu∙mL -1 was perceived, as well as the proportion of farms which deliver that type of milk (P < 0.05). A Significant lower (P < 0.05) proportion of milk in the summer period with TBC < 200,000 cfu∙mL-1 was determined. It can be concluded that consistent appliance of regulations which determine the quality of milk, leads to the improvement of the hygienic quality of redeemed milk, as illustrated by the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This kind of milk payment system is important for both, the higher economic benefit of farms and the dairy processing industry.

The leading biochemical process during ripening of cheese in a lamb skin sack is lipolysis. In order to evaluate the influence of free fatty acids (FFA) liberated during lipolysis, on the cheese in a sack flavour and aroma, the relationship between sensory properties (odour, taste and total sensory score) and FFA content throughout ripening was determined. Additionally, differentiation of cheeses in various ripening stages was performed by analysis of specific profile of cheese volatile compounds using electronic nose. The obtained results demonstrated that the content of certain FFA is responsible for specific flavour and aroma in various ripening stages, which directly influence the consumers’ sensory scores of the cheese. The concentration of fatty acids C 14:0, C 14:1, C 17:0, C 18:0, C 18:2n-6 and C 23:0 (P

Electronic nose (e-nose) and electronic tongue (e-tongue) instrumental systems were designed to crudely mimic human olfactory and taste sensory organs and are composed of an array of sensors. Complex data sets from electronic nose and electronic tongue signals combined with multivariate statistics represent rapid and efficient tools for classification, discrimination, recognition and identification of samples, as well as for the prediction of concentrations of different compounds. A wide variety of sensors can be employed into the design of these instrumental systems, especially that of electronic tongues, offering numerous practical applications. In this study, characteristics of sensors and possibilities of electronic nose and electronic tongue applications in the dairy industry were reviewed.

The aim of this study was to investigate consumers’ preferences of Livanjski cheese depending on the type of milk (cow’s milk or a mixture of sheep’s and cow’s milk) and the originality of production (farm or industrially produced). Also correlations between sensorial scores and the composition of Livanjski cheese were determined. Sixty day old Livanjski cheese samples produced on four family farms and under industrial conditions produced cheese were used for sensory evaluation. During the cheese sampling every producer was visited regularly (every two weeks) to evaluate the ripening conditions of the cheeses (temperature, relative air humidity and ventilation). Sensory evaluation was performed by 160 consumers and 6 experts. Cheese from farm 1 received the highest scores (P

The aim of this paper was to determine suitability of the infrared spectroscopy and the rheological method for distinguishing traditional cheese from industrial Turoš cheese. Turoš cheese belongs to the group of sour, dried, cone shaped cheeses with added salt and red dry pepper. Cheeses were sampled from 15 family farms and from market (industrial cheeses from five different batches). The rheological parameters of analysed cheeses were in accordance with the chemical composition of the same samples. Infrared spectroscopy of cheeses show good relation with the chemical composition and it has been proved to be a fast and effective method when compared to textural and standard chemical analysis for monitoring the standard procedure of production of sour, dried cheeses such as Turoš cheese. The extensive variability of all the parameters was a result of unbalanced production of Turoš cheese among family farms. Industrial production of Turoš cheese demonstrates more uniformity in relation to traditional on-farm cheese production.

The aim of this study was to evaluate seasonal variation in urea content and other nitrogen compounds (protein, casein, non-protein nitrogen content) of sheep milk as a tool for monitoring the protein nutritional status over the period of two years. The study was performed on three family farms with 150 to 300 sheep per farm using semi-extensive farming management based on pasture, typical for sub-Mediterranean area. Bulk-tank milk samples were taken during the entire milking period (from March to July or August, depending on the year) and were analysed for protein, casein, non-protein nitrogen (NPN) and urea content. Significant effect of the year was observed on urea and NPN content (P

The aim of this study was to determine whether consumers from the Međimurje region recognise and distinguish the autochthonous cheese called Turoš from similar cheeses like Prgica and Kvargl originating from regions neighbouring to Međimurje. Chemical, textural and microbiological properties of all three cheeses were given. Preference tests with 200 consumers using a face-to-face survey and a two-step procedure were performed. The blind taste test showed that 97 % of the respondents recognised differences between the tasted samples, and almost half of them preferred the Turoš cheese. Similarly, the informed test showed that a significantly higher number of the respondents preferred the Turoš cheese in comparison to Kvargl and Prgica. Statistical analyses showed no significant differences between respondents’ preferences in the blind and the informed tests.

The hygienic indicators and chemical composition of Prgica cheese produced from raw and pasteurised milks as well as the microbiological quality of dry red pepper used in the cheese production were investigated.. Prgica cheeses and originally packed dry red peppers were collected from five family farms and five vacuum-packed Prgica cheese samples were purchased from the supermarkets. Significantly lower fat (P < 0.01), protein, and total solids contents (P < 0.0001) of artisanal Prgica cheese in comparison to Prgica cheese purchased from the supermarkets were detected. Two samples of cheese produced on family farms and three samples purchased from the supermarkets had high numbers of yeasts and moulds. The yeasts Mucor sp. and Candida famata, and moulds Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus ochraceus, were detected in dry red pepper. The results showed that there was potential yeast and mould contamination among the Prgica cheeses produced from raw milk, as well as Prgica cheeses purchased from the supermarkets, produced from pasteurised milk under controlled conditions, also contained high numbers of yeasts and moulds probably due to contamination by dry red pepper used in their production.

Istrian cheese is the traditional hard cheese produced exclusively from the raw milk of the autochthonous Istrian sheep. The aim of this study was to determine the bacteriological quality, physicochemical properties of the sheep milk and Istrian cheese as well as proteolysis of cheese produced on six family farms during the cheese ripening. The hygienic microbial indicators of the sheep milk were poor in comparison to the other East Adriatic regions. However, the number of bacterial indicators rapidly declined during the ripening and they were under the detection limit for “ready to consume” cheese and therefore indicated their good bacteriological quality. Regression function of the effects of the ripening time on physicochemical properties of Istrian cheese during ripening showed a substantial increase in total solids, in salt, in moisture and in salt content as well as in the lactic acid in the total solids. However, these changes were not significant due to the high variability of the Istrian cheese production. The farm cheese making procedure affected the electrophoretic profile of the primary proteolysis in the cheese samples. Significant (P5 %). Equal degradation of as1-casein and ß-casein during ripening of Istrian cheese occurred. A low percentage of nitrogen fractions soluble in water and in 12 % trichloroacetic acid were determined.

Milk contains about 70 indogene enzymes, while only twenty of them were investigated. One of the less explored is the milk enzyme cathepsin D, proteolytic enzyme located in the lysosomes, which are an integral part of the somatic cells whose number varies depending on the animal’s health. Unlike cow’s milk, in ewe’s milk the presence of cathepsin D was not determined, which could affect the production of dairy products, especially cheese, which are traditionally produced in Croatia and Mediterranean. This paper shows the presence of cathepsin D and its forms in ewe’s milk by modified Western Blotting method. The analysis confirmed the presence of procathepsin D, mature and heavy chain of cathepsin D. Pseudocathepsin D and light chain of cathepsin D were not detected.

Indigenous lactic acid bacteria contribute to the taste and flavour of traditional dairy products. Therefore, the traditional dairy products might be an interesting reservoir of indigenous lactococcal strains responsible for development of the specific flavour compounds. Consequently, characterized indigenous isolates might be used as a starter culture. The development of molecular techniques provides a new perspective for characterization of the “new lactococcal” strains. However, there is no unique approach suggested for molecular characterization of the indigenous strains associated with the traditional products. The aim of this review is to provide an insight into varieties of experimental approaches applied for molecular characterization of indigenous lactococci associated with traditional dairy products.

The aim of this paper is to review the existing knowledge of manufacturing procedures, chemical composition, sensory attributes, biochemistry and microbiology of different kind of cheeses which ripen in the animal skin. These kinds of cheeses are produced in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Turkey and there are few differences in the manufacturing procedure between them. The main specificity of these cheeses is ripening in a sack made of the whole lamb or goat body skin. Two or three months of anaerobic ripening in the skin gives the cheese markedly piquant taste and flavour. These cheese characteristics originate from intensive lipolysis and proteolysis. According to the content of moisture in the non fat solids and fat in total solids, cheeses in a sack belong to the group of hard or semi hard, full-fat or low-fat cheeses.

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of the herd (A and B), stage of lactation (0-60th day; 61st-150th day and 151st - drying off) and number of lactation (I., II. III. IV. and other) on daily milk yield, physicalchemical properties and the hygienic quality of East Friesian sheep milk. The study was conducted during 2004 and 2005 years on a 100 sheep sample. The milk samples were taken during morning and evening milking after weaning, every 30 days during lactation. The physical-chemical properties and the hygienic quality of milk were determined by reference and standard methods. The collected data were statistically analysed by the PROC ANOVA, SAS programme. The East Friesian sheep in the lactation of 217 days, produced in average 1040 mL milk/day. A significant effect (P < 0,001) of the herd was determined on the daily milk yield, dry matter non fat, freezing point, protein content (P < 0,01) and pH value (P < 0,01). The stage of lactation had a significant effect (P < 0,001) on all analyzed parameters except on somatic cell count. The highest content of fat (6.53 %), proteins (5.44 %), dry matter (17.45 %) and dry matter non fat (10.98 %) were determined at the end of lactation, while the content of lactose (4.61 %) was the lowest. Significant coefficient of correlations (P

In this review traditional Croatian cheeses were described as well as their importance considering globalization and industrialization in food production. The most important property of traditional cheeses is their originality and origin of milk that is incorporated in those products. As the high profitability (high price) of the products is very important it is necessary to conduct one of possible protections on European level. In that sense, hard cheeses from Adriatic and Dinara areas have significant potential due to the fact that high value raw material - sheep milk produced from breed with very extensively management using natural pasture with characteristic botanical composition consisting aromatic Mediteranean plants, is used in their production. This milk is characterized with high percentage of some chemical components, especially fat and protein. Considering that fact, this milk represents the best material especially for hard cheese production. In this paper the review of milk chemical composition of the most important Croatian sheep breeds which milk is used for production of hard cheeses, was performed. The review of basic technological parameters in production of hard traditional cheeses considering type, standardization and heat treatment of milk, renneting, curd cutting and drying, dimension, salting and ripening is represented. Characterization parameters of cheese, considering chemical and physical composition, biochemical changes, dominant microflora which dominates in technological production procedure and determines taste and odour of mature cheese, are shown. The basic characteristics and technology of Lecevacki cheese production was described too, as the most important traditional cheese from Split area surroundings. This cheese type was produced on family farms as well as on industrial level for some time. Its sensory characteristics are described in the paper.

The demand for specific, value added food products is constantlyincreasing. In order to prepare such products for the market it is necessary to understand consumers’ attitudes and preferences towards food products. Dried cheese, one of the traditional products of wider Zagreb region is produced nowadays exclusively on the family farms without proper control of the used inputs and final product, and without any marketing activities. It is possible to add value and to increase the control of dried cheese production bydeveloping county brand of the cheese. The introduction of county brand of dried cheese in the market requires very good preparation in terms of fulfilling consumers’ needs and wishes. In this paper the results of the consumer survey are presented and could be used for the determination of the technological parameters of production and especially for marketing of the cheese and its distribution. The results showed that majority of the consumers prefer harder, compact, bright yellow cheese, with less intensive odour, packed in transparent plastic foil. Certain number of the respondents confused dried cheese with other cheeses sold in the market and therefore it is necessary to educate consumers about dried cheese and its characteristics compared to other cheeses.

Krčki cheese is autochthonous Croatian cheese from the island of Krk, which belongs to the group of hard, full-fat cheeses, produced from raw, thermally untreated sheep′s milk. Taking into consideration the fact that the last investigation of Krčki cheese was done in the middle of the last century, probably some changes in technology of Krčki cheese production have occurred since this time. Therefore, the objectives of this paper were investigate the quality of sheep′s milk for Krčki cheese production, the quality of whey (as the material for production of albumin cheese quargs) and Krčki cheese, as well as the technology of Krčki cheese production on family farms on the island of Krk. Results of the composition and characteristics analyses of sheep′s milk for Krčki cheese production were as follows: milk fat 7.81%; proteins 5.59%; lactose 4.97%; total solids 19.04%; non-fat dry matter 11.06%; pH 6.66; titratable acidity 9.41 °SH, and freezing point –0.555 °C. Somatic cell count (SCC) was 407 000 cells/ml and total bacterial count (cfu) was 950 000/mL. Average composition of Krčki cheese was as follows: fat 37.38%; protein 23.24%; total solids 63.22%; moisture in solid non-fat 57.36%; fat in total solids 54.38%; salt 1.97%; pH 5.78; lactic acid content 1.216%; WSN/TN 10.15%, and TCASN/TN 6.28%. Microbiological analyses of Krčki cheese showed that only 55% of analysed samples were hygienically acceptable according to the Regulations of Microbial Standards for Foods (NN 46/94.). Therefore, the necessary modifications have to be introduced into technology of production of sheep′s milk and Krčki cheese in order to increase microbiological quality and to reduce variability in composition and quality of Krčki cheese between family farms. These are necessary for preparing the Krčki cheese for Protection Geographical Indication (PGI).

In collected cow`s milk samples, from five ransom areas in the Republic of Croatia, a chemical composition and hygienic quality are analysed. The milk quality is accomplished thru a period of one year (1998/99), i.e. before the Regulations on fresh raw milk quality was accepted. Milk samples are analysed for the following parameters (%): milk fat, proteins, and non-fat dry matter content, somatic cell count and total bacterial count. Significant differences are determined between ransom areas (P

Milk quality is determined by chemical composition, physical characteristics and hygienic parameters. The main indicators of hygienic quality of milk are total number of microorganisms and somatic cell count (SCC.) Environmental factors have the greatest influence on increasing SCC. The most important environmental parameters are status of udder infection, age of cow, stage of lactation, number of lactation, breed, housing, geographicalarea and seasons, herd size, stress, heavy physical activity and, milking. A farmer (milk producer) himself can control a great number of environmental factors using good management practise and permanent education. Since SCC participate in creating the price of milk, it is necessary to inform milk producers how to organise their production so that they would produce maximum quantity of good hygienic quality milk.

The most important characteristic of plasmin, as significant indigenous milk proteinase, its concentration, concentration measuring procedure and activity of plasmin are described. The most important factors, which have an influence on concentration and plasmin activity in milk, are stage of lactation and mastitis (high somatic cell count – SCC). In high SCC milk indigenous proteinase activity increased, especially in plasmin and plasminogen system.Specific hydrolytic activity of plasmin during primary proteolysis of some casein fractions is described. ß-CN is most susceptible fraction, but αs1-CN and αs2-Cn are less susceptible to degradation by plasmin. Almost all fractions of κ-CN are resistant to degradation by plasmin. Activation of plasminogen to plasmin is very complex biochemical process influenced by activators and inhibitors in milk, and can be increased in high SCC milk. There are many various types of inhibitors in milk serum and ßlactoglobulin is the most important after its thermal denaturation. Addition of aprotinin and soybean tripsin inhibitors in milk inhibits plasmin activity. Most important characteristic of plasmin is its thermostability onpasteurisation and even sterilisation. Mechanism of thermal inactivation of plasmin with developing covalent disulphide interaction between molecule of plasmin and serum proteins (mostly ß-laktoglobulin) is described. Thermosensitive inhibitors of plasminogen activators and inhibitors of plasmin are inactivated by short pasteurisation and therefore increase plasmin activity,while higher temperature and longer treatment time inactivate plasmin activity.

Considering hygienic conditions in cheese production the aim of thispaper was to investigate the influence of using some sanitation* products in milk and cheese production on family farms. This investigation was a part of the project “Improving the quality of Tounj cheese produced on family farms”. By use of the sanitation products, during milk production, significant (P