Abstract
This study aims to examine how the addition of skimmed milk at different levels affects the physical, chemical and hedonic test characteristics. The research was conducted using a Complete Random Design (RAL) consisting of 4 treatments, namely: control (P0); skimmed milk 2.5% (P1); skimmed milk 5% (P2); and skimmed milk 7.5% (P3). The results showed that the addition of skimmed milk had a very pronounced effect on all parameters tested (P<0.01). The pH value increased from 5.48±0.02 (P0) to 5.51±0.04 (P1), 5.73±0.04 (P2), and 5.78±0.06 (P3). Yields increased from 4.9±0.47% (P0) to 8.4±0.34% (P1), 8.7±0.10% (P2), and 9.2±0.23% (P3). The higher the level of skim milk added, the yield and pH of the cheese increases, so that the amount of cheese produced is more and the pH is higher but the distinctive taste of the cheese decreases. However, the increase in skim milk also causes the cheese to become harder, the moisture content decreases, and the level of ductility or ability of the cheese to be drawn is significantly reduced. Based on the hedonic test, mozzarella cheese with the addition of skim milk of up to 7.5% was still acceptable to the panellists, despite a decrease in the ductility aspect. Thus, the addition of skimmed milk can be an alternative to increase the quantity of mozzarella cheese production, but it is necessary to pay attention to the balance between the quantity and texture quality of the cheese to keep it in accordance with the characteristics expected by consumers.