Changes during storage in stability and composition of ultra-heat-treated aseptically-packed cream of 18% fat content

Abstract

SummaryThe stability of homogenized ultra-heat-treated (UHT) aseptically-packed cream of 18 % fat content when added to hot coffee was indirectly monitored in 10 batches of cream, stored for 10 weeks at different temperatures. A tendency to coagulate under standard conditions (instability) is known as feathering. Stability was determined by a procedure in which acetate buffer instead of coffee solution was used as the test solution. The distribution of components between the fat and aqueous phases of the stored cream was also monitored. Feathering score (stability) decreased during storage but was not accompanied by any increase in non-protein nitrogen levels. The amount of casein and Ca in the fat phase of the cream increased with time and was inversely related to feathering score. Some batches of cream contained 0·1 % Na2CO3and 0·1 %Na citrate as stabilizers and these additions were found to improve feathering scores early in the storage period. Initially, the fat phase of these creams contained less casein and Ca than those without the additives, but after 10 weeks the differences in feathering score and in casein and Ca distribution, between the 2 types of cream diminished. Examination by electron microscopy showed that casein micelles were associated with fat globules, apparently linking several globules together, which was less in the creams containing additives, but after 10 weeks the appearance of all creams was similar. Electrophoretic separation of the fat globule membrane (FGM) proteins by SDS-polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis showed that casein was the principal protein component, but that β-lactoglobulin and native FGM proteins were aslo present.