Abstract
This work evaluated the buffalo milk acidification kinetics using partially or fully ultrasound-assisted fermentation and yogurt characteristics without or with sugar (5%). The results showed that assisted fermentation in an ultrasonic bath (25 kHz, 38 W/L) accelerates the fermentation rate (up to 41% increase), reducing the fermentation time (up to 2 h), and, in some conditions, improved the yogurt quality. Samples produced by US-assisted fermentation under 1 or 2 h had higher water holding capacity (up to 35%), consistency index (up to 423%), and apparent viscosity (up to 246%), explained by the formation of a stronger gel, as elucidated by microscopy images. In contrast, no differences in pH, acidity, and lactic acid bacteria viability were observed. Additionally, sucrose contributed positively to the yogurt quality, improving gel formation. Therefore, buffalo milk fermentation under US (up to 2 h) is an interesting strategy that accelerates fermentation and improves the buffalo yogurt quality.