Effect of Secondary Homogenization on the Quality of Ultra-High Temperature Sterilized Whipped Cream

In this research, the effect of different secondary homogenization pressures on the quality of ultra-high temperature instantaneous sterilized (UHT) whipped cream was analyzed. The results showed that secondary homogenization of whipped cream at pressures ranging from 4 to 8 MPa shifted the size distribution of the emulsion droplets toward smaller values, and increased the apparent viscosity, which improved the stability of the emulsion. However, too high homogenization pressure led to fat aggregation within the emulsion droplets, affecting the apparent viscosity and foam stability of whipped cream. With an increase in secondary homogenization pressure, whipping time of whipped cream was prolonged, whipping rate, foam stability and hardness was decreased, and even at 12 MPa, it could not be whipped into shape. Therefore, it is recommended that the secondary homogenizing pressure be controlled in the range of 4 to 6 MPa.