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posted by martyb on Monday August 17 2020, @12:22PM   Printer-friendly
from the who-cut-the-cheese? dept.

Cheese: New insights into an age-old food:

The analysis provided new insights into the microorganisms found in cheese, the links between microorganisms and specific desirable and undesirable flavors and the arsenal of antimicrobials that starters and other cheese microorganisms produce to naturally preserve cheese. The study also provides an intriguing insight into the battle between phage (viruses that infect bacteria) and cheese microorganisms, and associated anti-phage countermeasures.

[...] Scientists have been studying these microorganisms and their activities since the 19th century and eventually began to try to better control the process in some instances through the conscious addition of specific microorganisms, known as "starters," to start the cheesemaking process. Studies have also focused on trying to identify and control the growth of other, undesirable, microorganisms that contribute to off-flavors or food poisoning as well as phage, which are viruses that can attack and kill starters.

[...] "This study has the potential to be of tremendous value to the cheese industry. A better understanding of the microbiology involved can lead to the better harnessing of microbes that can positively impact on flavor and other qualities. This could allow the most desirable qualities of artisanally-produced cheeses to be made available to even wider markets. It also has broader implications for the whole fermented food field where the same technologies can be employed in a similar way and scale," explains Professor Paul Cotter.

Video: How milk becomes cheese

Journal Reference:
Aaron M. Walsh, Guerrino Macori, Kieran N. Kilcawley, et al. Meta-analysis of cheese microbiomes highlights contributions to multiple aspects of quality, Nature Food (DOI: 10.1038/s43016-020-0129-3)


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  • (Score: 2, Funny) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 17 2020, @02:55PM (3 children)

    by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 17 2020, @02:55PM (#1037823)

    Ye Olde Cheese Analysis 1243: Fyrst ye burne the wytch and take hyr cows. Under moonlyte must ye take the milk in a pail made of wood. No other shall be used lest the demons infect the mylk. Take the mylk and let it rest until the Rooster doth crow thrice afore the daylight. Cover the milk and issue the Lord's prayer while ye shake the pail vigorously. Let stand until the cow sits down on the fourth day. Add electrolytes.

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  • (Score: 2) by DannyB on Monday August 17 2020, @03:50PM (2 children)

    by DannyB (5839) Subscriber Badge on Monday August 17 2020, @03:50PM (#1037856) Journal

    In ancient times it was discovered that when "age old foods" started mutating into new life forms, it was time to clean out the refrigerator.

    --
    The lower I set my standards the more accomplishments I have.
    • (Score: 2) by JoeMerchant on Monday August 17 2020, @04:32PM (1 child)

      by JoeMerchant (3937) on Monday August 17 2020, @04:32PM (#1037884)

      In ancient times before 1900, probiotic colonization was used to preserve foods when ice wasn't available.

      --
      🌻🌻 [google.com]
      • (Score: 1, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 17 2020, @04:45PM

        by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 17 2020, @04:45PM (#1037896)

        Otherwise known as witchcraft, you fucking heretic.