Effect of calcium chloride on the preparation of low-fat spreads from buffalo and cow butter

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effects of CaCl2 on the preparation of low-fat spreads from buffalo and cow butter Methods: Buffalo and cow butter-based low-fat spreads (B-LFS and C-LFS) were treated with CaCl2 (0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, and 0.08%) at pH 5.5 and stored at 4°C. They were sampled after 3, 30, 60, and 90 days, and analysed for sensory, morphological, rheological, and melting properties using a 9-point hedonic scale, digital camera, texture analyser TA-XT 2i, Physica MCR 301 rheometer, and differential scanning calorimeter, respectively. Results: Sensory evaluation results showed that control samples were the best of all the treatments; additionally, no phase separation was found in samples treated with 0, 0.02 or 0.04% CaCl2, but separation occurred with 0.06 and 0.08% CaCl2. Generally, hardness and viscosity of samples decreased with increasing CaCl2 concentrations; however, these parameters increased during storage. Increasing CaCl2 concentrations didn't affect the melting profiles of the spreads, but the parameter varied for B-LFS during storage. Furthermore, the temperature range of the high melting zones of the BLFS samples was greater than that of C-LFS samples. Conclusion: Sensory, morphological, and rheological properties were affected by CaCl2 concentrations but there were negligible effects on the melting behaviour of the spreads. © Pharmacotherapy Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, 300001 Nigeria. All rights reserved.