Research Article

Microbiological Analysis, Textural Evaluation, and Cholesterol Content of Kandirif Cheese

Volume: 23 Number: 1 January 7, 2026
TR EN

Microbiological Analysis, Textural Evaluation, and Cholesterol Content of Kandirif Cheese

Abstract

Kandirif cheese represents a distinctive variety of local cheeses within Turkey. The physical, chemical, and sensory attributes of Kandirif cheese distinctively set it apart from other cheese varieties. Given the study's objective to enhance the quality standards of regional products, there exists the potential for broadening the consumption scope of this locally manufactured cheese variant across larger geographical areas. In this study, twenty Kandirif cheese samples were procured from Kekikli Village situated within the Olur district of Erzurum where this cheese variety is traditionally crafted. This investigation encompassed an examination of the cholesterol content, fatty acid composition, textural properties, and microbiological characteristics of the sampled cheeses. Notably, the Kandirif cheese samples revealed significant disparities in microbiological quality, cholesterol and fatty acid levels, and texture profiles. Particularly, it was ascertained that Kandirif cheese, when produced within family businesses, exhibited a heightened susceptibility to yeast and mold contamination. The TAMB number ranged from 7.21 log cfu/g to 7.46 log cfu/g, Lactobacillus counts varied between 3.65 log cfu/g and 5.49 log cfu/g, and Lactococci were found between 2.53 log cfu/g and 3.94 log cfu/g. Seven of the twenty samples (35%) exhibited a coliform group bacteria count < 1.00 log cfu/g. S. aureus was consistently < 1.00 log cfu/g. Proteolytic bacteria ranged from 3.77 log cfu/g to 4.63 log cfu/g, lipolytic bacteria from 3.53 log cfu/g to 3.75 log cfu/g, and psychrophilic bacteria from 2.20 log cfu/g to 2.80 log cfu/g. Yeast and mold counts were between 4.08 log cfu/g and 4.66 log cfu/g. The cholesterol content of Kandirif Cheese samples ranged from 66.13 mg/100 g to 3869.77 mg/100 g. Regarding short-chain fatty acids, butyric acid percentages ranged from 2.61% to 4.00%, caproic acid from 1.47% to 2.12%, caprylic acid from 0.72% to 1.12%, and capric acid from 1.18% to 2.32%. Long-chain saturated fatty acids varied, with palmitic acid between 7.97% and 31.43%, stearic acid between 1.42% and 12.38%, and arachidonic acid between 0.00% and 2.55%. Sample 14 exhibited weaker texture, while sample 19 demonstrated higher textural properties. The cholesterol amount of Kandirif Cheese samples was between 66.13 mg/100 g and 3869.77 mg/100 g. In order to establish a consistent and standardized composition and quality for Kandirif cheese, it is imperative that the production process transitions to controlled conditions. Consequently, the traditional production practices associated with Kandirif cheese may necessitate a transformation, potentially transitioning towards factory-scale operations and standardized procedures.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

This project (Project No: FBA – 2021 – 9382) received support from BAP (Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Atatürk University).

Ethical Statement

There is no need to obtain permission from the ethics committee for this study.

Thanks

We sincerely appreciate the financial assistance provided by Atatürk University.

References

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  8. Çinici, Ö. and Özdemir, S. (2024). Production of kandirif cheese under controlled conditions (factory conditions) and the effect of different frying environments on the microbiological, physical, chemical and sensory properties of kandirif cheese samples. European Journal of Science and Technology, 53: 32-42. (In Turkish)

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Food Engineering

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

January 7, 2026

Submission Date

February 22, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 18, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 23 Number: 1

APA
Özdemir, C., Öz, F., Karaoğlu, M. M., Özdemir, S., & Tajer, A. (2026). Microbiological Analysis, Textural Evaluation, and Cholesterol Content of Kandirif Cheese. Tekirdağ Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi, 23(1), 198-211. https://doi.org/10.33462/jotaf.1644206
AMA
1.Özdemir C, Öz F, Karaoğlu MM, Özdemir S, Tajer A. Microbiological Analysis, Textural Evaluation, and Cholesterol Content of Kandirif Cheese. Tekirdağ Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026;23(1):198-211. doi:10.33462/jotaf.1644206
Chicago
Özdemir, Cihat, Fatih Öz, Mehmet Murat Karaoğlu, Salih Özdemir, and Abdolhadi Tajer. 2026. “Microbiological Analysis, Textural Evaluation, and Cholesterol Content of Kandirif Cheese”. Tekirdağ Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi 23 (1): 198-211. https://doi.org/10.33462/jotaf.1644206.
EndNote
Özdemir C, Öz F, Karaoğlu MM, Özdemir S, Tajer A (January 1, 2026) Microbiological Analysis, Textural Evaluation, and Cholesterol Content of Kandirif Cheese. Tekirdağ Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi 23 1 198–211.
IEEE
[1]C. Özdemir, F. Öz, M. M. Karaoğlu, S. Özdemir, and A. Tajer, “Microbiological Analysis, Textural Evaluation, and Cholesterol Content of Kandirif Cheese”, Tekirdağ Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 23, no. 1, pp. 198–211, Jan. 2026, doi: 10.33462/jotaf.1644206.
ISNAD
Özdemir, Cihat - Öz, Fatih - Karaoğlu, Mehmet Murat - Özdemir, Salih - Tajer, Abdolhadi. “Microbiological Analysis, Textural Evaluation, and Cholesterol Content of Kandirif Cheese”. Tekirdağ Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi 23/1 (January 1, 2026): 198-211. https://doi.org/10.33462/jotaf.1644206.
JAMA
1.Özdemir C, Öz F, Karaoğlu MM, Özdemir S, Tajer A. Microbiological Analysis, Textural Evaluation, and Cholesterol Content of Kandirif Cheese. Tekirdağ Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026;23:198–211.
MLA
Özdemir, Cihat, et al. “Microbiological Analysis, Textural Evaluation, and Cholesterol Content of Kandirif Cheese”. Tekirdağ Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 23, no. 1, Jan. 2026, pp. 198-11, doi:10.33462/jotaf.1644206.
Vancouver
1.Cihat Özdemir, Fatih Öz, Mehmet Murat Karaoğlu, Salih Özdemir, Abdolhadi Tajer. Microbiological Analysis, Textural Evaluation, and Cholesterol Content of Kandirif Cheese. Tekirdağ Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026 Jan. 1;23(1):198-211. doi:10.33462/jotaf.1644206