Physico-chemical stability of honey-sweetened (Apis mellifera L.) yoghurt

Abstract Yogurt is obtained from milk fermentation through the action of specific lactic acid bacteria, and can be added with ingredients with functional properties, in order to add nutritional, sensory value and attractiveness to consumers. The objective of this research was to develop yoghurt sweetened with bee honey Apis mellifera L. and to monitor the physico-chemical stability during storage under refrigeration. Thus, six yoghurt formulations were added with 5% inulin and different honey concentrations (0, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12%). The physicochemical stability behavior (total dry extract, ashes, pH and total titratable acidity - expressed in g of lactic acid) was evaluated during 35 days of storage at times 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days. For this experiment was set up a completely randomized design in factorial scheme, being 6 treatments and 6 storage periods. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and comparison of means by Tukey test at 5% significance. It was observed that the addition of honey in yoghurt promoted a significant increase (p <0.05) in the values of total dry extract and total titratable acidity, associated with reduction in ash values and pH. The yogurts met the standards of identity and quality recommended by the legislation and during storage underwent significant changes in all parameters influenced mainly by the honey concentration factor than storage time.