Abstract “Jben” is an Algerian traditional fresh cheese produced from raw or pasteurized milk of cows, goats and sheep, on a small scale during the period of milk abundance in a restricted area of the North-east and -West of Algeria. In this study, four Jben-type cheeses were produced: cheeses made from cow’s milk subjected to 82 °C/10 sec treatment or without heat treatment, and its analogue goat’s milk cheeses. We investigated the effects of “Heat treatment: raw or pasteurized” and “Species: cow or goat” on microbiological characteristics, pH and acidity of “Jben” cheese. Milk samples were collected across five breeding of cows and three breeding of goats in the northeastern Algeria and “Jben” cheeses were made. Results showed that more than 40% of raw and pasteurized milk have poor hygienic quality. However, in both species, “Jben” produced from pasteurized milk has better sanitary quality than “Jben” produced from raw milk. All cheese samples were safe according to the criteria of the regulation (EC) 1441/2007. Pasteurization did not affect acidity in both species. Data from this study may contribute to improve the cheese-making process in small scale, using milk from different species (cow and goat).

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 < 0.05) than cheese yield for cow's and sheep’s milk. For sensory analysis, score registered for cheese of cow's milk ≥ 5 suggested higher acceptability for this cheese. Here, we exposed the “Bouhezza” cheese, its history, origin and manufacturing processes. From the physicochemical and bacteriological analysis of milk, results show that all criteria analyzed respond almost to the required standard. The sensory qualities of the three types of cheese show that cow cheese was classified as the most satisfactory cheese for the majority of criteria (taste. color and texture). Finally, and for higher yield, results supported the use of sheep milk as a raw material.