Characterization of curd grain size and shape by 2-dimensional image analysis during the cheesemaking process in artisanal sheep dairies.

The size and shape of curd grains are the most important parameters used by cheesemakers to decide when to end the cutting or stirring processes during cheesemaking. Thus, 2-dimensional image analysis was used to measure the characteristics of curd grains in commercial cheese productions carried out by artisanal sheep dairies. Dairies used different technical settings for cutting and stirring steps, causing differences in the size and shape of curd grains. A linear relationship between total revolutions used for cutting and stirring and curd particle size was established. However, particle size distributions after curd cutting and stirring were highly heterogeneous. Actual cheese yield was correlated with particle size and cutting revolutions, whereas curd grain shape and fat loss were associated with stirring conditions by a multivariate approach. Image analysis of the size and shape of curd grains gives useful information for determining characteristics related to cheese yield and quality and may contribute to improving and controlling the cheesemaking process in small artisanal dairies.