Question

A yellowish green tint to the whey is due to……….

• A. Cholesterol
• B. Lactoflavin
• C. Carotene
• D. Lecithin

Hint:

Think: "Flavin" means yellow. "Lacto" means milk. Lactoflavin = Milk Yellow. It's also why Vitamin $B_2$ supplements often make urine look bright yellow.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the pigment responsible for the characteristic translucent yellow-green color observed in liquid whey (the liquid remaining after milk curdles).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Whey Pigments: When milk is made into cheese or paneer, the fat-soluble pigments (like Carotene) stay with the curd (fat phase). The water-soluble components stay in the whey.

• Riboflavin: Riboflavin is Vitamin $B_2$. In the context of dairy science, it is traditionally known as "Lactoflavin" (Lacto = milk, flavin = yellow).

• Color Property: Riboflavin is a water-soluble pigment that exhibits a distinct yellowish-green fluorescence. This gives the whey its unique color.

• Other Options:
• Cholesterol: A colorless sterol found in animal fats.
• Carotene: A fat-soluble orange-yellow pigment (found in cow's milk fat). It does not go into the watery whey.
• Lecithin: A phospholipid (emulsifier) which is colorless or pale yellow, but not responsible for the tint of whey.

Step 3: Final Answer: Lactoflavin (Riboflavin) is the pigment that provides the yellowish-green tint to whey.