The Effects of Freeze Drying and Rehydration on Survival of Microorganisms in Kefir

The purpose of this research was to study the effect of freeze drying on the microorganisms in kefir. Influences of lyoprotectants and rehydrated media (water at $4^{\circ}C$, $25^{\circ}C$; 10% reconstituted milk at $4^{\circ}C$, $25^{\circ}C$) on the viability of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts in freeze-dried kefir were investigated. Kefir was made from cow milk which was inoculated with 5% kefir grains, and incubated at $20^{\circ}C$ for 20 h. Lyoprotectants (galactose, lactose, maltose, sucrose and trehalose) were added independently before dehydration of kefir by freeze drying. Results indicated significant loss in viability of microorganisms in kefir after freeze-drying. Addition of 10% galactose or 10% sucrose as lyoprotectants significantly increased the survival rates of both lactic acid bacteria and yeasts (p<0.05). The $4^{\circ}C$ rehydration temperature showed the best viabilities for yeasts, however, viability was not significantly affected by rehydration media (p>0.05).