Physicochemical, Microbial, and Sensory Properties of Queso Blanco Cheese Supplemented with Powdered Microcapsules of Tomato Extracts

The present study examined the physical, chemical, microbial, and sensory characteristics of Queso Blanco cheese supplemented with powdered microcapsules containing tomato extracts (0.5-2.0%) during storage at 7°C for 60 d. The lactic acid bacterial count and lycopene concentrations in Queso Blanco cheese supplemented with powdered microcapsules were significantly higher than those of the control. In a texture analysis, the gumminess, chewiness, and hardness values for Queso Blanco cheese were significantly higher with increasing concentrations of the powdered microcapsules containing tomato extracts. Total short-chain fatty acids in Queso Blanco cheese supplemented with powdered microcapsules containing tomato extracts were not significantly altered compared to the control. Sensory evaluation scores for the yellowness, tomato taste, and firmness of Queso Blanco cheese were significantly higher after supplementation with powdered microcapsules containing tomato extracts.