Ultrasound homogenization of milk cream at low temperature

Ultrasonication has been identified as a particularly promising technology for homogenization of dairy products. Homogenization of cream, by reducing fat globule size, can be utilized to inhibit creaming. The homogenization of cream usually leads to increased viscosity. Cream with fat level greater than 17% cannot be homogenized with satisfactory results since conventional homogenization methods cause coalescence and mostly agglomeration. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of ultrasonication on milk cream (5-30% fat) and to study the phenomenon of formation of fat clusters during sonication (0.5-15 mins) at low temperature (2°C). The results showed that ultrasonication can reduce the fat globule size, although it resulted in the formation of fat clusters at short time (