This study aims to determine the physicochemical and fatty acids composition of Serra da
Estrela cheese (SEC), as well as health-related lipid indices, like the atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, and
to evaluate the influence of producer, geographical origin and production date.
Design/methodology/approach – All 24 SEC produced between November 2017 and March 2018 were
collected at selected certified producers and analyzed by NIR spectrophotometer and by GC. Data were
statistically evaluated by chemometric tools.
Findings – In all evaluated SEC, 23 fatty acids were quantified. Cheese origin influenced nutritional and
health-related lipid indices). The cheeses were characterized by a relative high abundance of saturated fatty
acids (67-76%), followed by a medium content of monounsaturated fatty acids (17-25%) and by low level of
polyunsaturated fatty acids (5-7%). A putative positive association between cheese consumption and healthy
lipid indices could be reached.
Practical implications – The contents of some medium and long chain fatty acids as well as of
nutritional and health indices were influenced by cheese producer, geographical origin and production date
pointing out the need for standardizing production procedures.
Social implications – The SEC plays a key role in the local economy, being an endogenous product with
unique sensory characteristics and nutritional potential, for which the knowledge of the lipids profile and
health indices is of utmost relevance.
Originality/value – SEC is an iconic Portuguese cheese with Protected Designation of Origin. Based on the
results, like health-related lipid indices, evaluated for the first time, a positive association between cheese
consumption and healthy lipid indices could be envisaged.
This work was financially supported by Associate Laboratory LSRE-LCM - UID/EQU/50020/2019,
strategic funding UID/BIO/04469/2019 - CEB and BioTecNorte operation (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-
000004), and strategic project PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2014 – CIMO funded by national funds through
FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC). The authors would also like to acknowledge the funding provided by the
approved Project, with reference 02/SAICT/2016/23290, entitled Characterization and Valorization of
QSE PDO and its ability for health promotion (QCLASSE), financed by FCT.
