Vol. 11, Issue 7 (2022)

Author(s):
Tanuj Kumar Tanwar

Abstract:
The present study was undertaken to explore the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of Moringa leaf powder in enhancing the shelf-life of paneer. Paneer is an important heat and acid coagulated milk product. It is a rich source of high quality animal protein, fat, minerals and vitamins. It is a non-fermentative, non-renneted, non-melting and unripened type of cheese. Therefore, paneer fortified with 2, 4, and 6% of Moringa leaf powder extracts of along with control was studied to explore the potency of these herbs on oxidative stability and storage quality of paneer on 0,7, 14, 21 and 28 days in refrigerated (4±1⁰C) condition. Paneer prepared with 4% of Moringa leaf powder were adjudged to the best among all based on sensory attributes. Paneer incorporated with Moringa leaf powder were safe for consumption till 28 days at refrigerated storage (4±1⁰C) on the basis of pH, moisture, FFA, TBARS, microbiological profile and sensory evaluation of paneer. The developed value added paneer could be conveniently packed in LDPE for a period of 28 days in refrigerated (4±1⁰C) condition without any marked loss of physico-chemical, microbial and sensory quality.