What You Need to Know
During aging, endogenous caseinases and microbial proteases cleave casein into peptides and free amino acids, while lipases hydrolyze triglycerides into free fatty acids such as butyric and caproic acids. These reactions, coupled with the activity of lactic acid bacteria, mold species, and yeasts, generate a wide array of volatile compounds—including lactones, aldehydes, ketones, and diketopiperazines—that define the aroma, flavor, and texture of the final product. Temperature, humidity, salt concentration, and moisture content tightly regulate the rate and extent of these reactions, ensuring safety and preventing spoilage.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Proteolysis, lipolysis, and microbial metabolism