Indian Cheese Revolution: Withania coagulans in Dairy Industry

Abstract

Commonly called as Indian Cheese Maker, Paneer dodi, Paneer phool and Vegetable rennet, Withania coagualans belongs to family Solanaceae and widely used in Indian System of Medicines due to its anti-diabetic, anti-microbial and immune modulator properties. The specific epithet coagulans reveals its coagulating properties and hence used in Punjab and parts of Northern India in cheese and paneer industries. The plant is rich in enzyme Withanin which is responsible for the coagulating properties. Many herbal prescriptions like Liv 52, (Liver Health Support Supplement) which is an Ayurvedic poly herbal formulation consists of extracts of both Withania somnifera and Withania coagulans. Commercial cultivation of this plant is in its initial phase in parts of Punjab, Haryana and also in neighboring countries as it has wide distribution extending up to South Asia. Plant is also rich in Withanolide contents and can be a future prospect for South Gujarat region, as coagulating agent for dairy industries and rennet enzyme production. Seeds are available in local markets of Surat and Navsari, routinely used for controlling diabetes. The chapter aims at the possibilities of cultivating this plant in South Gujarat conditions in India, since the other species Withania somnifera is also available and has naturalized in AES Zone III of South Gujarat.