It's the champagne of the cheese world and the gastronomic pride of the East Midlands but now blue cheeses like Stilton are literally under the microscope in a quest for the best possible quality.
Researchers at The University of Nottingham and The University of Northampton are working with a Nottinghamshire cheesemaker to examine what gives blue cheeses their distinctive taste, texture and smell.
The scientists hope to find out exactly how the microorganisms in blue cheese work which could lead to better quality, consistency and fewer defects in the manufacturing process. They are working with Stichelton Dairy on the Welbeck Estate in North Nottinghamshire which produces a classic English unpasteurised blue cheese, similar to Stilton.
Microorganisms, known in the trade as starter cultures, are added to milk in the manufacture of cheeses. But the final 'flora' of a cheese develops during ripening and contains many microorganisms not originally added in the production, known as 'secondary flora'.
Previous work at The University of Nottingham has shown that in complex cheeses like Stilton the secondary flora is different in different parts of the cheese (core, blue veins and rind) and that these organisms contribute to the flavour properties of the product.
Also, some of these organisms may actually enhance the cheese's 'blue' aroma characteristics whilst others may be undesirable as they have antifungal properties which can stop the mould growing and prevent the characteristic blue veins developing.
The research will look more closely at how secondary flora contributes to flavour development and which microflora may need controlling to allow blue veins to develop. The identification of any natural antifungal compounds may have a wide range of applications both within the food industry and outside.
Professor Christine Dodd from The University of Nottingham's Division of Food Sciences, said: "We are
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| Contact: Emma Rayner emma.rayner@nottingham.ac.uk 44-115-951-5793 University of Nottingham Source:Eurekalert |
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