Process for the production of UHT milk with improved taste characteristics

Abstract

Suggested is a process for the production of a UHT milk with improved taste characteristics, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a raw milk; (b) separating the raw milk into a skimmed milk fraction and a cream fraction; (c) microfiltration or diafiltration of the skimmed milk fraction, obtaining a casein-containing retentate R1 and a fine whey as permeate P1; (d) ultrafiltration of the fine whey of step (c), obtaining a permeate P2 that is rich in lactose and minerals, and a protein-rich retentate R2; (e) mixing the cream fraction, the retentate R1 containing the casein and the permeate P2 containing the lactose and minerals, obtaining a mixed fraction M1; (f) ultra-high temperature treatment of the mixed fraction M1 of step (e); (g) pasteurization of the protein-rich retentate R2 obtained in step (d); and (h) mixing the ultra-heat treated fraction M1 of step (f) with the pasteurized retentate R2 of step (g), obtaining the target product.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.