Fundamental role of Lactobacillus plantarum and inulin in improving safety and quality of Karish cheese

Karish cheese manufactured traditionally from raw milk may harbor many biological health hazards. Production of safe pasteurized Karish cheese with improved sensory characteristics using probiotics and prebiotics (synbiotic Karish cheese). Laboratory Karish cheese was made to study the effect of with and without inulin on cheese quality. Treatments were examined for sensory, chemical, and microbial quality, shelf life, and survival of were also monitored. The antimicrobial effect of and inulin against in cheese was evaluated. Sensory, chemical, and microbial quality of Karish cheese supplemented with and inulin were positively affected; moreover, the shelf life was extended up to 28 days. Karish cheese contained showed the highest flavor score, while treatment contained both and inulin attained the best body and texture score. Moreover, and inulin significantly reduced count during Karish cheese chilled storage; the reduction log reached 3.76 log cfu/g on the seventh day of storage compared to control. Additionally, Inulin significantly increased the survival of throughout the storage period. This study concluded that using probiotics and prebiotics in Karish cheese synergistically improved its sensory properties, safety, and hygienic quality.