Changes of organic acids, volatile aroma compounds and sensory characteristics of Halloumi cheese kept in brine

This study examines the changes in organic acids, volatile aroma compounds and sensory characteristics of ovine Halloumi cheese kept in brine (∼10% NaCl) at 4 °C for 45 days. The highest total score of the organoleptic assessment was observed at day 1, before storage in brine. During cheese storage, a large reduction of lactose was observed, especially in the first stages of storage while, concurrently, a significantly progressive increase in lactic and acetic acids was observed. Among the volatile aroma compounds determined were alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, acids, esters, hydrocarbons, sulphur compounds, as well as a variety of other compounds in very small quantities. Ethanol and acetic acid were the dominant volatile aromatic compounds and their concentrations increased during storage. The lipolysis of Halloumi cheese during storage was not excessive. The dominant free fatty acids were palmitic, oleic and acetic.