Preparation and Shelf Life Extension of Fiber En-riched Paneer

Abstract

-The present study was undertaken to make paneer enriched with fiber otherwise fiber deficient paneer. Coconut powder is in the form of fiber was included in the preparation of paneer. Paneer is one such product which is a regular dietary favorite among the Indians. Paneer has short life span at room temperature. So, the present study was aimed to assess the shelf life of salted paneer at different intervals in refrigeration temperature and physico-chemical attributes also. Paneer is prepared by combined action of acid coagulants and heat treatment of buffalo and cow milk or a combination thereof. Paneer have pleasant odour and characteristic mild acidic flavour. No extraneous coloring matter should be added to paneer at any stage. Paneer is a highly perishable product and has limited shelf life, largely because of its high moisture content. Its shelf life was reported to be only six days under refrigeration, though its freshness is lost within three days. The spoilage of paneer occurs mainly due to the growth of microorganisms, which bring about various physico-chemical changes. The growth of microorganisms can be delayed and shelf life of paneer be increased by addition of salt in the paneer. All treatment combinations were analyzed for a total viable count (bacteria) on nutrient agar and fungi on PDA and Coliform on Mcconkey agar. All the samples had bacteriological count ranging from 1x10 4 to 14x10 4 cfu/gm. And in all samples coliform was absent, so the product was found to be good and proper hygienic condition were maintain during the preparation, handling, and storage.