Effect of ultra-high pressure treatment on the texture, flavor and shelf life of cream cheese

Objective: This study aimed to determine the optimal conditions for ultra-high pressure (HHP) cream cheese. Methods: The influence of non-thermal processing pressure on the texture, flavor and shelf life of homemade cream cheese were explored. By using the texture profile analysis (TPA), solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS), and colony counting method, the texture, flavor substances, and microorganisms of cheese were identified and evaluated. Results: After HHP treatment, the hardness, adhesiveness, and resilience of cream cheese decreased. The springiness of cheese reached the highest at 300 MPa, significantly increasing by 14.0% (P＜0.05). When the pressure is more than or equal to 400 MPa, the content and species of volatile substances in cheese are significantly reduced. Principal component analysis showed that 200 and 300 MPa treated cheese and unpressurized cheese were both in the first principal component area. After HHP treatment of artificially dyed cream cheese, the number of bacterial colonies decreased significantly (P＜0.05), and the greater the treatment pressure, the better the bactericidal effect. When the HHP treatment pressure is greater than or equal to 300 MPa, the shelf life of cheese was effectively extended from 7 days to 21 days. Conclusion: The cream cheese treated by HHP has a good texture and original flavor while effectively extending the shelf life.