Influence of Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen on Microbial Populations and Shelf Life of Cottage Cheese and Sour Cream

Creamed Cottage cheese sealed in commercial thermoplastie containers following air evacuation and carbon dioxide or nitrogen-flushing, and stored at 4 C, showed greatly repressed growth of spoilage organisms, including yeast and mold and psychrophiles, for up to 112 days. Excellent flavor and texture were maintained in gassed cheese to 45 days. Slight bitterness was apparent in Cottage cheese held under carbon dioxide for 73 and 120 days, and slight to medium bitterness in cheese held under nitrogen for a similar period. Creamed Cottage cheese stored in waxed cartons and replaceable lids, without evacuation or gassing deteriorated in flavor after 11 to 18 days and in texture after 32 to 45 days.