Importance of Ripening during Natural Cheese Making

자연치즈의 제조과정 중 숙성의 중요성

The ripening of cheese allows for the development of characteristic taste and flavour, nutritional substances, bio-active components and texture, helping to improve quality. Many different microbiological, biochemical and nutritional changes occur during the process depending on the quality of raw milk, added cultures and enzymes, as well as specific processing and ripening conditions. During the ripening lactose is hydrolyzed to lactic, propionic and acetic acid, helping to reduce potential effects of the problem of lactose intolerance. Fat is hydrolyzed to butyric, propionic and conjugated linoleic acid, which function as bio-active substances. Protein is hydrolyzed to different peptides and amino acids which all show various bio-activities. However, errors of cheese ripening can happen and affect the quality of the product. To guarantee good quality cheese the process needs to be managed carefully with the right microbes used and ensuring cleanliness of processing facilities, staff, ventilation and hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP). Research into and controlling of ripening technology is crucial for producing high quality cheeses.