Description
Mite used in cheese production
Technical
Cheese mites are mites that are used to produce such cheeses as Milbenkäse, Cantal and Mimolette. The action of the living mites on the surface of these cheeses contributes to the flavor and gives them a distinctive appearance. A 2010 scanning electron microscope study found that Milbenkäse cheese was produced using Tyrophagus casei mites, while Mimolette cheese used Acarus siro mites. Mimolette cheese, in particular, has live cheese mites in its rind which is thought to contribute to the cheese's distinct rind texture.
Science
Primary Reaction
Lipolysis
Sensory Profile
Aroma ()
Wine Analogy
Similar to the role of Brettanomyces in natural wines
Coffee Analogy
Comparable to the effect of insects in kopi luwak coffee production
Perfume Analogy
Resembles the animalic notes in civet-based perfumes
Culinary Applications
Dietary
Molecular Pairing
Key Compounds Produced