Description
Process in cheesemaking
Technical
Cheese ripening, alternatively cheese maturation or affinage, is a process in cheesemaking. It is responsible for the distinct flavour of cheese, and through the modification of "ripening agents", determines the features that define many different varieties of cheeses, such as taste, texture, and body. The process is "characterized by a series of complex physical, chemical and microbiological changes" that incorporates the agents of "bacteria and enzymes of the milk, lactic culture, rennet, lipases, added moulds or yeasts, and environmental contaminants". The majority of cheese is ripened, except for fresh cheese.
Sensory Profile
Aroma ()
Wine Analogy
Like aging wine, cheese ripening develops complexity over time
Coffee Analogy
Similar to coffee fermentation where microbial action creates flavor
Perfume Analogy
Evolving scent profile like a fine perfume's base notes