Effects of Starter Culture and Storage Temperature on Functional, Microbial and Sensory Characteristics of Kefir during Storage

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of starters and storage temperature (4 ºC, 25 ºC) onmicrobiological and physicochemical properties, volatile compounds and sensory evaluation of kefir.Kefirs produced by KFA and Chr. Hansen starters were stored at 4 ºC and 25 ºC for 40 days. pH andacidity at 4 ºC did not change (p ≥ 0.05), while at 25 ºC pH and total solid decreased as well as acidity.Concentrations of acetaldehyde and ethanol increased (p < 0.05). No significant differences (p ≥ 0.05)were observed in protein and non-protein-nitrogen for both samples. Sensory evaluation revealedthat storage did not affect texture and color of samples at 4 ºC. Kefir produced by Chr. Hansen starterstored at 4 ºC had the highest acceptability until 40-day storage and was preferred by the panelists.