Question

Sequentially arrange the processing steps involved in the manufacturing of cheddar cheese
(A). Standardization
(B). Pre-heating
(C). Addition of starter culture
(D). Pasteurization
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B), (D), (C).
• B. (A), (B), (C), (D).
• C. (B), (A), (D), (C).
• D. (C), (B), (D), (A).

Hint:

In any dairy fermentation process, remember the rule: "Prepare, Kill, Inoculate". First, prepare the milk (standardize). Then, kill unwanted microbes (pasteurize). Finally, inoculate with the desired microbes (add starter culture).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Cheesemaking is a precise process that involves a series of steps performed in a specific order to convert milk into a stable, flavorful product. The initial steps focus on preparing the milk for coagulation.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
1. (A) Standardization: The process begins with raw milk. Its composition, particularly the fat-to-protein ratio, is adjusted to ensure consistent cheese quality.
2. (B) Pre-heating and (D) Pasteurization: After standardization, the milk is heat-treated. This involves pre-heating the milk to the required temperature and then holding it for a specific time (Pasteurization) to kill any harmful microorganisms and spoilage enzymes. This is a critical food safety step.
3. After pasteurization, the milk is cooled to the optimal temperature for the starter bacteria to thrive (around 30-32\(^{\circ}\)C for cheddar).
4. (C) Addition of starter culture: Once the milk is at the correct temperature, the starter culture (lactic acid bacteria) is added. These bacteria will ferment lactose into lactic acid, which is essential for the subsequent steps of coagulation and cheese development.
The sequence (A) \(\rightarrow\) (B) \(\rightarrow\) (D) \(\rightarrow\) (C) is the only logical flow, as pasteurization must occur before the addition of live cultures, otherwise the heat would kill them.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct sequence for the initial steps of cheddar cheese manufacturing is Standardization \(\rightarrow\) Pre-heating \(\rightarrow\) Pasteurization \(\rightarrow\) Addition of starter culture. This corresponds to the order (A), (B), (D), (C), which is option (A).