What happens to cheese as it ages?

An answer* on another one of my questions sparked this: What is actually happening to the cheese on a molecular and chemical level as it ages? What processes are going on and why is there an upper limit to it?

_{("It has already aged for over year and has changed pretty much all it's going to.")}

cheese food-science

Best Answer

I will answer what I know and leave it to others to add more.

Two major changes that take place as cheese ages are fermentation and drying. In some cheeses time is also needed for mold growth such as Brie or Blue cheeses.

The fermentation is usually the more desirable. Bacteria is introduced when the curd is formed. The bacteria consumes lactose and turns it into lactic acid and other flavorful byproducts. This acidifies the milk and is an important factor in curdling it and creating the cheese curd.

When the curd is pressed, excess water is removed. In the case of Parmesan most of the water is removed. This retards the progress of the bacteria. As the cheese ages the bacteria stays active and makes a lot of flavor. Think of a bread- a little yeast with a lot of rise time tastes much better than a lot of yeast and a short rise.

The acidity and flavor increases. Drying also plays a part in concentrating flavor.

Both the acidity and drying will change the protein structure of the cheese and is what gives Parmesan its characteristic crumbly texture. I can't speak to what these changes are on a molecular level.

Is there a food and/or dairy chemist in the house?

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Quick Answer about "What happens to cheese as it ages?"

What happens to cheese as it ages? In a nutshell, the aging process intensifies the flavor and changes the texture of cheese. As cheese ages

Does cheese improve with age?

Many cheeses get better with age, especially cheddar, gouda, parmigiano and pecorino, according to Chef Adler. That's because aging allows for the formation of calcium lactate crystals, which translate to hearty and complex flavors often described as umami.

Does cheese age badly?

While the other aged cheesed get harder or more dense as they age, camembert becomes creamy when it ripens. However, while most cheese can age for as long as years, camembert typically only ages for a few weeks.

What is the aging process of cheese called?

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.

How long can cheese be aged for?

Older Cheeses Some will sell cheddar that has been aged for five or six years while others will go up to seven years. The longest aged cheddar you are likely to find from a specialty seller is about 10 years old and even that can be difficult because very few people like the taste as it is so strong.

Inside the Cheese-Aging Caves 30 Feet Under Brooklyn | I Got a Guy | Bon Appétit

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