The principal pathways for the formation of flavour compounds in cheese (glycolysis, lipolysis and proteolysis) are reviewed. Depending on variety, microflora and ripening conditions, lac- tate may be metabolized by a number of pathways to various compounds which contribute to cheese flavour or off-flavours. Citrate metabolism by citrate-positive lactococci or Leuconostoc spp. is important in certain varieties (e.g., Dutch cheeses). Lipolysis results directly in the formation of flavour compounds by liberating free fatty acids (FFA). FFA may also be metabolized to alkan-2-ones and fatty acid lactones. Proteolysis of the caseins to a range of small- and intermediate-sized peptides and free amino acids (FAA) probably only contributes to the background flavour of most cheese varieties, but FAA are important precursors for a range of poorly-understood catabolic reactions which produce volatile compounds essential for flavour.

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Biochemical pathways for the production of flavour compounds in cheeses during ripening: A review

Rennet-coagulated cheeses are ripened for periods ranging from about two weeks to two or more years depending on variety. During ripening, microbiological and biochemical changes occur that result in the development of the flavour and texture characteristic of the variety. Biochemical changes in cheese during ripening may be grouped into primary (lipolysis, proteolysis and metabolism of residual lactose and of lactate and citrate) or secondary (metabolism of fatty acids and of amino acids) events. Residual lactose is metabolized rapidly to lactate during the early stages of ripening. Lactate is an important precursor for a series of reactions including racemization, oxidation or microbial metabolism. Citrate metabolism is of great importance in certain varieties. Lipolysis in cheese is catalysed by lipases from various source, particularly the milk and cheese microflora, and, in varieties where this coagulant is used, by enzymes from rennet paste. Proteolysis is the most complex biochemical event that occurs during ripening and is catalysed by enzymes from residual coagulant, the milk (particularly plasmin) and proteinases and peptidases from lactic acid bacteria and, in certain varieties, other microorganisms that are encouraged to grow in or on the cheese. Secondary reactions lead to the production of volatile flavour compounds and pathways for the production of flavour compounds from fatty acids and amino acids are also reviewed.

/pdf/biochemistry-of-cheese-ripening-ukq5dvnz64.pdf

Biochemistry of Cheese Ripening

http://comenius.susqu.edu/biol/312/recentadvancesincheesemicrobiology.pdf

Recent advances in cheese microbiology

Lipolysis and free fatty acid catabolism in cheese: a review of current knowledge

Advances in the study of proteolysis during cheese ripening.

Mould-ripened cheeses represent a small proportion of world cheese production. However, these cheeses are becoming increasingly popular with consumers and there is an increasing demand for them. Blue-veined cheeses have long been produced in various countries; Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton and Danish Blue are typical examples. The production of surface mould-ripened soft cheeses, such as Camembert, was limited to France for a long time, but in recent years, many countries have developed the production of such cheeses.

J. C. Gripon

Papers

Mould-Ripened Cheeses