Effect of Goat and Cow Milk Ratios on the Physicochemical, Rheological, and Sensory Properties of a Fresh Panela Cheese

Fresh cheeses, Panela type, were manufactured from cow milk and with goat milk incorporation, constituting 4 blends of milks (G10:C90, G20:C80, G30:C70, G40:C60, v/v). The cheeses were analyzed to determine the effect of the different goat milk ratios on the physicochemical, textural, rheological, and sensory properties over 15 d of storage. Significant differences in protein (14.6% to 18.5%), fat (13.0% to 19.4%), and moisture contents (51.7% to 61.3%), pH (6.38 to 6.67), color (L_h > 64.4, a_h > 1.06, b_h > 5.14), textural (σ_f > 14.8 kPa, ε_C: 0.77 to 0.79, elasticity modulus > 13.5 kPa), and rheological parameters (G′ > G′′, G′: 10.6 to 31.9 kPa, G′′: 2.39 to 7.31 kPa, tan δ: 0.21 to 0.24) were detected as a function of the milks ratio, as well as a function of the storage time. The incorporation of goat milk improved the overall quality in the formulation of Panela cheese, enhancing the texture, flavor and aroma, commonly associated with hand-crafted cheeses when they are used in the proper ratio. Furthermore, the nutritional value of the cheese is increased with the incorporation of goat milk, which can contribute to a better consumer health.