The relationship between physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of Surk cheese

In this study, the relationship between the physicochemical and microbiological properties of the Surk cheese was investigated through the analysis of dry matter (D.M.), ash, protein, salt, acidity, pH and enumeration of the total mesophyll aerobic bacteria (TMAB), yeast-mold, presumptive lactobacilli and lactococci. Surk samples were obtained randomly from 36 different local dairy shops in Antakya province of Turkey. The average values of the dry matter, ash, protein, fat, and salt, acidity and pH analysis were 44.4%, 9.09%, 17.5%, 17.0%, 8.08%, 0.916% and 4.17, respectively. The average values for TMAB, yeast mold, presumptive lactobacilli and lactococci enumeration in the microbiological analysis were found to be 6.23, 4.09, 6.04, and 3.42 log cfu/g, respectively. Based on the statistical analysis, Surk samples were divided into 3 groups in terms of salt content (3-6, 6-9 and > 9%). Then, the physicochemical and microbiological properties of Surk samples were evaluated according to these groups. This study suggests that besides the different methods to produce Surk cheese as followed by the different manufacturers, the amount of salt added to Surk cheese affects its microbiological and physicochemical characteristics.