Physicochemical and microbiological characterisation of a typical Italian raw ewe's milk cheese: Pecorino bagnolese

Pecorino Bagnolese is a typical Italian cheese made from raw ewe's milk in province of Avellino (southern Italy). The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological parameters during cheese-making and ripening (30, 90 and 180 d). Results showed that the cheese-making and ripening influenced the pH, water activity, moisture, fat content and levels of Enterobacteriaceae. Changes in the fatty acids profile of ripened cheeses compared to milk were observed, suggesting the influence of ripening on the fatty acids profile. Nutritional indices demonstrated positive health attributes. The concentration of malondialdehyde remained consistently low, while free fatty acids showed an increasing trend during ripening. Coagulase-positive staphylococci complied with the legislative threshold value, but colonies of Staphylococcus aureus were found. Pathogens were not detected. In conclusion, the data collected provided a better characterisation of this traditional cheese and can be used for broadening knowledge of raw ewe's milk cheeses. © 2024 The Author(s)