Sister Noella Marcellino: Tales from the Cheese Caves; Science & Cooking Public Lecture Series 2016 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Understanding the microbial ecology of cheese making is essential for creating unique flavors, while regulations can challenge traditional methods of production.

Transcript

welcome everyone to the science of cooking public lecture series wonderful to see many so many people here really beautiful thank you for coming I usually like to start this week by asking what do all of these foods have in common they're edible yes they're fermented they're fermented yes and and even if I you kind of knew this because it's kind of... Read More

Key Insights

• 👅 Microbes are essential for flavor development in cheese, as they break down proteins and fats, releasing taste and aroma compounds.
• 🧀 Preserving traditional cheese making methods is crucial for maintaining unique flavors and characteristics.
• 🍓 Understanding the microbial ecology of raw milk is important for creating diverse and flavorful cheeses.
• 👨‍🔬 Scientific research helps in gaining insights into the complex interactions between microbes, flavors, and cheese quality.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do microbes contribute to flavor development in cheese?

Microbes present in cheese break down proteins and fats, releasing flavor compounds and aromas. Different microbial populations contribute to specific flavors, and their interactions shape the overall flavor profile of the cheese.

Q: Why is it important to preserve traditional cheese making methods?

Traditional methods, such as using wooden boards and natural cultures, preserve the unique flavors and characteristics of cheeses. While regulations may pose challenges, these methods should be supported to ensure the continued production of diverse and flavorful cheeses.

Q: How does the microbial ecology of raw milk affect cheese flavor?

The microbial ecology of raw milk, influenced by various factors, sets the foundation for flavor development in cheese. Different farming practices and feeding regimens can impact the types and abundance of microbes present in milk, ultimately affecting the flavor of the resulting cheese.

Q: How does scientific research help in understanding and improving cheese production?

Scientific research allows for a deeper understanding of microbial interactions, flavor production, and the impact of various factors on cheese quality. By studying the microbiology and chemistry of cheese, researchers can provide valuable insights to cheese makers and help them improve their products.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Cheese making relies on managing the microbial ecology of raw milk, which is influenced by various factors such as farming practices, feed, and milking protocols.

• The diversity of microbes present in cheese plays a crucial role in flavor development and complexity. Different cheeses have distinct microbial profiles, which contribute to their unique flavors.

• Recent research has focused on identifying the specific microbes present in different types of cheese and understanding how they interact and contribute to flavor production.

• Traditional methods of cheese making, such as using wooden boards and natural cultures, are important for preserving unique flavors and should be supported despite regulatory challenges.