Isolation and identification of Leuconostocs from traditional yoghurt in tribes of Kazerun

Abstract

Morphological, cultural, physiological and biochemical characteristics were employed to identify Leuconostocs isolated from yoghurt in different areas in Kazerun city of Fars province in Iran. From 15 yoghurt samples a total of 34 Leuconostoc were determined. Additionally, our biochemical tests and API kit showed that all of them were Leuconostoc mesenteroides ssp. cremoris. The current study constitutes the first step in the designing process of LAB starter cultures in order to protect the typical organoleptic characteristics of traditional yoghurt. However in the future, we can consider genetical characterization and selection of the most desirable strains which can assess their potential as starter cultures for commercial use. © Medwell Journals, 2011.