Characterization of traditional Algerian cheese “Bouhezza” prepared with raw cow, goat and sheep milks

Abstract “Bouhezza” is an Algerian traditional fermented soft-ripened cheese, found and consumed in the Northeast of Algeria. The objective of this study was to explore the preparation process (traditional making diagram) of “Bouhezza” cheese and to study the effect of the type of raw milk (cow, goat and sheep) on the yield and organoleptic characteristics of the fresh “Bouhezza” cheese. “Bouhezza” cheese was handmade in a traditional way using milk of three species (cow, goat and sheep). The milk used has been the subject of physicochemical and bacteriological analysis. Cheese yield for sheep's milk is higher (p