Abstract: A novel strain of Lactococcus lactis subspecies cremori (“Ropy 352”) has been identified and isolated. Ropy 352 produces a previously unknown exopolysaccharide (EPS 352) that when expressed or added to milk, imparts highly desirable sensory characteristics to the milk, including making the milk very thick, with a very smooth mouth-feel, and slightly sweet with an obvious “chewable-bite”.

Abstract: A novel strain, Lactobacillus sp. AS-1A (ATCC No. 69890) is described for use in inhibiting bacteria in foods, particularly at refrigeration temperatures. Lactobacillus sp. AS-1A (ATCC No. 69890) is particularly effective in inhibiting bacteria present in raw milk and pasteurized milk.

Abstract: An improved powdered bacterial growth medium composition adapted to be admixed with water is described. The powdered growth medium includes an alkaline earth metal cation in a compound A admixed with a compound B containing an anion which reacts with the alkaline earth metal cation in compound A in an aqueous growth medium to form an essentially water insoluble salt or base, including the alkaline earth metal cation and the anion, which is acid neutralizing. The water insoluble salt is thus formed in situ in the aqueous growth medium when compounds A and B are added to the aqueous solution. Also described is an improved method for growing acid producing bacteria in an aqueous growth medium by forming the insoluble salt or base. The resulting growth medium is particularly adapted for neutralizing acids generated during growth of lactic acid producing bacteria which are grown for use in various food fermentations.

Abstract: An improved method which differentiates or separates heterogeneous populations of fast and slow acid producing strains of bacteria by growth of the strains under closely controlled unique conditions so as to allow the selection of a colony of one or the other strains is described. Preferably a gelled, solid growth medium containing in admixture: (1) milk protein, a milk protein derivative, or a milk protein substitute; (2) an acid pH sensitive color change indicator; and, (3) a buffering agent is used. The colonies have a contrasting color within and around them because of the effect of the acid produced by the bacteria on the indicator. The growth of the bacteria is under anaerobic or near anaerobic conditions in order to achieve certainty in the colony selection for fast or slow acid production. The bacteria can also be mixed with phage which inhibit or kill the members of a heterogeneous or homogeneous population of bacteria on the medium and grown to produce phage resistant colonies.

Abstract: A method for growing acid producing bacteria in the presence of an essentially water insoluble or a temporarily water insolubilized and thus initially solid form of a neutralizing agent in a growth medium is described. The water insoluble or insolubilized neutralizing agent is a base, basic salt or mixture thereof adapted to provide a controlled reaction with the acid produced by the bacteria without substantially raising the pH of the growth medium. Preferably the neutralizing agent is in a water insoluble form. Bulk starter compositions for growing the bacteria including the insoluble or the insolubilized neutralizing agent are also described. Further, bacterial compositions with enchanced storability and viability because of the insoluble or the insolubilized neutralizing agent are described. The method and bulk starter compositions are particularly adapted to growing lactic acid producing bacteria which are then used in making food and beverage products for animals and humans.

Abstract: A method for growing acid producing bacteria in the presence of an essentially water insoluble or a temporarily water insolubilized and thus initially solid form of a neutralizing agent in a growth medium is described. The water insoluble or insolubilized neutralizing agent is a base, basic salt or mixture thereof adapted to provide a controlled reaction with the acid produced by the bacteria without substantially raising the pH of the growth medium. Preferably the neutralizing agent is in a water insoluble form. Bulk starter compositions for growing the bacteria including the insoluble or the insolubilized neutralizing agent are also described. Further, bacterial compositions with enchanced storability and viability because of the insoluble or the insolubilized neutralizing agent are described. The method and bulk starter compositions are particularly adapted to growing lactic acid producing bacteria which are then used in making food and beverage products for animals and humans.