Antioxidant and Anthocyanin Content in Fermented Milks with Sweet Cherry is Affected by the Starter Culture and the Ripening Stage of the Cherry

Fermented milk-based beverages containing fruits are perceived as healthy foods by consumers and are increasingly demanded. The incorporation of sweet cherry into fermented milks was evaluated in the present study. Maturation stage of cherry 8 and 12 (commercial and over-ripened) and starter culture (Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus helveticus) were tested. Antioxidant properties, anthocyanin content, color and microbial counts were used to assess the quality of the fermented milks. L. helveticuss exhibited the fastest acidification rate; whereas L. casei and L. paracasei presented the highest microbial counts. Fermented milks containing grade 12 sweet cherries yielded the highest concentration of anthocyanins and color intensity and preserved phenolic compounds and anthocyanins during 10 days of refrigerated storage. L. helveticuss preserved the highest content of phenols, whereas L. casei and L. paracasei better preserved anthocyanins. Overall, fermented milk with L. helveticuss including grade 12 cherry puree provided the best preservation of bioactive compounds.