Understanding the role of calcium in functionality of part skim Mozzarella cheese

The impact of calcium on softening, melting, and flow characteristics of part skim Mozzarella cheese was evaluated. Four cheeses containing different calcium levels (viz. 0.65, 0.48, 0.42, and 0.35%) were manufactured by direct acidification using glucono-delta-lactone on four different occasions. Preacidification of milk was done to alter the calcium content of the cheeses. Cheeses were made with uniform composition. Lowering of calcium to 25, 35, and 45% levels increased the melt by 1.4, 2.1, and 2.6 times, respectively, 1 d after manufacture. Low calcium cheeses softened and melted at lower time and temperatures. These cheeses flowed faster and to a greater extent. Higher proteolysis at a faster rate was observed in low calcium cheeses. Refrigerated storage up to 30 d also increased melt area, flow rate, extent of flow, and soluble protein and lowered softening and melting times in all the cheeses. The effect of calcium reduction was more noticeable as compared to the effect of storage on functionality of Mozzarella cheese. Improved softening, melting, and flow properties of low calcium part skim Mozzarella cheese is a clear advantage to cheese manufacturers and end users as they may not have to wait 15 to 20 d for proteolysis of cheese to obtain desired melt properties.