Effect of acacia (Robinia pseudo-acacia L.) honey on the characteristic microflora of yogurt during refrigerated storage

Int J Food Microbiol. 2006 Apr 25;108(2):272-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2005.11.014. Epub 2006 Feb 14.

Abstract

The primary purpose of this research was to monitor the influence of acacia honey addition to yogurt milk on survival of the microbial flora of yogurt during refrigerated storage for 6 wk. Results showed that the presence of honey at 1.0% to 5.0% (w/v) did not significantly influence (P>0.05) the viability of characteristic microorganisms (i.e., Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus) in yogurt during storage at 4 degrees C. Similarly, honey had no effect on pH and lactic acid levels of the final products. Despite these findings, enrichment of yogurt with honey is recommended because honey is a natural sweetener that possesses a wide range of beneficial nutritional properties. In addition, at a rate of approximately 3.0% (w/v), it highly improves the sensory quality of the finished product without having a detrimental effect on characteristic lactic acid bacteria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Food Handling / methods*
  • Food Preservation / methods*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Lactic Acid / metabolism
  • Lactobacillus delbrueckii / growth & development*
  • Refrigeration
  • Robinia*
  • Streptococcus thermophilus / growth & development*
  • Time Factors
  • Yogurt / microbiology*
  • Yogurt / standards

Substances

  • Lactic Acid