Attributes Flashcards
What is the definition of acetaldehyde?
“Green apple” flavor
Reference Point: Plain yogurt, Granny Smith apple, Apple flavored Jolly Rancher®
In which styles does acetaldehyde occur?
Yogurt
Attribute/Defect: Although some acetaldehyde is expected in yogurt, none (flat) would be atypical, and a high level (out of balance) would be considered a defect.
What is a possible cause of excessive acetaldehyde in yogurt?
If the starter culture, L. bulgaricus (stimulated at higher incubation temperatures (112°F, 44.4°C)), dominated the fermentation, acetaldehyde could become excessive. Using too much green apple flavoring could lead to the defect.
Synonym: Green apple
What are some related terms to acetaldehyde?
ATYPICAL, Harsh, Sharp
Definition of Acid
ACID
Definition: A basic taste associated with lactic acid production. Cheeses are evaluated and assessed based on the intensity of the experience of this taste.
Reference Point: Lemon/lime, citric acid
Styles where it occurs: Possible in all fermented dairy products.
What’s the reference point of acid
Lemon lime, citric acid
What styles with acid
Possible in all fermented dairy products
Acid - possible causes
Use of high acid milk milk, too much lactic acid production by cultures, high moisture. In fresh ripened cheeses, acid that is too high indicates possible temperature abuse - fermented too high or too long. Improper use of salt or temperature control can also cause improperl acid levels in dairy products
Acid - Attribute /Defect
Some level of acid is expected in most fermented dairy foods but it can be considered a defect in certain contexts ( too low in yogurt or if too high in mild cheddar)
Acid - Synonym/Related terms
Sour
Atypical, bright, cheesy, citrus, lactic, sharp, tangy, tart
Ammonia: Definition/Reference Point
Aroma associated with cat urine, often associated with soft ripened cheese that have been aged too long
Cat litter box, diluted household ammonia
Ammonia: Styles
Brie, Camembert, etc
Ammonia: Attribute/Defect
While some consumers like a hint of ammonia in soft ripened cheeses, excessive ammonia is almost always considered a defect
Ammonia: Possible Causes
Breakdown of protein and production of ammonia with extensive proteolysis and extended storage
Ammonia: Synonym/Related Terms
Catty
Over ripe, ripe
Animal: Definition
Distinct aroma and/or flavor associated with cow, goat, sheep
Animal: Styles
Possible in all fermented dairy products
Animal: Attribute/Defect
In many cases, it is important to be able to recognize that a cheese was made with milk from a given species. However, when the aroma and/or flavor is extreme, it can become objectionable.
Animal: Possible causes
Over-agitation of milk (lypolysis), unsanitary conditions
Animal: Synonyms/Related Terms
Copy, goaty, sheepy
Barney, unclean
Appearance: Definition
An attribute that encompasses the variety of terms used to describe the visual appearance of cheese body and rind development characteristics. It is one of the main families of attributes that is evaluated when a cheese is assesses, and is often accompanied by a qualifying adjective. If the cheese is wrapped with a cloth or other wrapper, a variety of descriptions may be used by judges for describing the wrapping of cheese (e.g. wrinkled, torn, dirty, too long, or short at one end, loose from cheese)
Appearance: Reference Point
Color of paste, condition of the rind, and cloth covering., if present. Appearance can be described ina positive or negative manner
Aroma: Definition
Aroma is the overall impact of a cheese or dairy products odor. It is one of the main families that is evaluated during an assessment. The term is usually qualified by a modifying adjective.
Aroma: Attribute/Defect
Aroma can be either a positive attribute or a defect, and these factors are determined by the style of cheese being evaluated and the intensity of the aromas
Aroma: Related terms
Flavor, mouthfeel, volatiles
Astringent: Definition
Mouthfeel trait caused by the contraction of mucus membranes in response to taste and/or flavor experience. It is described by a puckering, or a rough, sandpaper feel on the oral mucosa.
Astringent: Attribute/Defect
Tolerance for astringency is very personal, however, if astringency is out of balance in a product, it will be considered a defect
Astringent: Reference Point
Tannic, foods (red wine, tea) unripe bananas
Astringent: Synonyms
Mouth-drying
Atypical: Definition
Certain characteristics are expected in products, especially those with a defined standard of identity. When a product does not meet expectations, the term atypical may appear in a judge’s comments
Atypical: Attribute/Defect
Atypical may be used to describe appearance/color, aroma, flavor, and/or body/texture of a product. Sometimes something atypical can set a product aesthetically apart, making atypical an asset
Atypical: Possible Causes
Improper make conditions, aging conditions, and/or ingredient selection
Atypical: Related terms
Acetaldehyde, acid (high or low), color, flat, foreign, lacks flavor, salt, underset, unnatural
Balanced: Definition
The term is commonly used by judges to indicate that the product meets expectations for levels of attributes expected with nothing in excess.
Balanced: Attribute/Defect
Balanced is a desired attribute in all dairy products
Balanced: Synonym/Related terms
Uniform
Eyes, delicate, mellow, smooth, even
Barney: Definition
A flavor trait characteristic of the milking barn, stable, or animal yard
Barney: Reference Point
Fecal aroma or aftertaste. Some evaluators are able to pinpoint flavors to specific animal types - cowy, goaty, sheepy.
Barney: Styles
Cheddar, blue cheese, goat cheeses, and sheep cheeses
Barney: Attribute/Defect
This can be considered a defect depending on what is expected of a particular style
Barney: Possible Causes
Unclean milk, undesirable microbial growth. In goat milk cheese, “goaty “ is associated with volatilized short-chain free fatty acids (butyric, caprice, caprylic and capric acids)
Barney: Synonyms/Related terms
Barnyard, cowshed, fecal
Animal, cowy, funky, unclean
Bitter: Definition
Basic taste sensation; often experienced at the back of the tongue; for many people it is slower to perceive and longer lasting than other taste sensations
Bitter: Reference Point
Caffeine, quinine, radicchio
Bitterness: Attribute/Defect
Bitterness perception is highly variable in humans. Some bitterness may be accetpable in certain cheeses when it is in balance (aged cheddar). Bitterness is considereed a defect in all fresh dairy products.
Bitterness: Possible Causes
Extended storage of milk, microbial contamination, high level of psychrotrophic microorganisms, overly active starter cultures, low salt levels, excessive rennet, excessive moisture, poor milk quality, excess acidity, excessive use of certain sanitizers, poor quality ingredients,
Bitterness: Related Terms
Astringent, rancid, unclean
Blind: Definition
Absence of eyes in a cheese expected to have eyes. It may be either the entire cheese or large areas lacking eyes
Blind: Reference Point
Blind: Styles
Swiss, Alpine
Blind: Possible Causes
Lack of propionic acid fermentation, cheese too acidic, cheese body too firm
Blind: Related Terms
Closed, Eyes, Underset
Bleached/Bleaching: Definition
A defect found in flavored yogurt, visualized by streaking of white yogurt throughout the colored yogurt body
Bleached: Reference Point
Bleached: Styles
Yogurt
Bleached: Defect
Streaking color is unappealing to consumers
Bleached: Possible Cause
Decolorization may result from localized oxidation/reduction reactions in yogurt
Bleached: Related Terms
Color, color leaching, faded, streaking
Blown: Definition
The integrity of the cheese is destroyed by excessive gas production. Blown cheese exhibits large void areas and collapsed structure
Blown: Reference Point
Blown: Styles
Swiss, possible in other hard cheeses as well
Blown: Defect
Blown cheese are typically unsalable except as a low value ingredient for pasteurized process cheese
Blown: Possible Causes
Uncontrolled gas formation, high moisture content, soft cheese body, late blowing by Clostridia species
Blown: Related Terms
Cabbage, collapsed, gassy overset, lopsided
Brothy: Definition
Savory taste (umami) and flavor associated with proteins and/or the aromatics and flavor of broth
Brothy: Reference Point
Boiled meats and broths, mushroom stock
Brothy: Synonyms/Related Term
Savory, Meaty, Umami
Whey
Buttery: Definition
Sweet cream and fresh lactic flavors and aromas that are typically associated with butter. Can also refer to texture and mouthfeel of a cheese. The term is associated with the chemical diacetyl, produced by some species of lactic acid bacteria
Buttery: Reference Point
Butter - both unsalted and salted; butter flavored popcorn
Buttery: Synonym/ Related Terms
Diacetyl
Creamy, lactic
Cabbage: Definition
Eyes are so numerous within the major part of the cheese that they crowd each other, leaving only a paper-thin layer of cheese between the eyes, causing the cheese to have a cabbage appearance and irregular eyes
Cabbage: Reference Point
The left image presented shows a slight extent of cabbage defect, the right image shows a more pronounced example
Cabbage: Style
Swiss
Cabbage: Defect
When Swiss-type cheeses lack the attractive eye appearance that is expected, they may be downgraded
Cabbage: Possible Causes
Late gas blowing because of the clostridia contamination; poor pressing of curds, which allows for the formation of large weak areas
Cabbage: Related terms
Blown, Collapsed, Eyes, Overset, Streuble
Calcium Lactate: Definition
Calcium lactate crystals (CLC) can appear as pinpoints or as a diffuse white haze on Cheddar-type cheeses. They can also be found on the interior in some cases (less common). Calcium lactate crystals are often confused with tyrosine crystals. Tyrsoine crystals are not the same thing and will not be found in young cheese.
Calcium Lactate: Reference Point
Calcium Lactate: Styles
Cheddars and Cheddar-types
Calcium Lactate: Defect
Consumers sometimes mistake calcium lactate crustals for mold, which results in lost sales
Calcium Lactate: Possible Causes
Calcium level is beyond saturation point, and precipitates out due to rapid, or excess acid production, free whey in package, or elevated storage temps. CLC may be found on young cheeses that have loose packaging and/or have undergone temperature fluctuations.
Calcium Lactate: Related Terms
Crystals
Caramel: definition
An aroma that is reminiscent of cooked sugar and milk
Caramel: Reference Point
Cooked sugar, brown sugar, toasted butter flavor
Caramel: Styles
Goudas, Cheddars, Alpine, Aged Parmesan
Caramel: Related Terms
Cooked, heated, scorched, sweet
Checks/Checked
Cracked, Slits
Cheesy: Definition
In butter, the term cheesy is considered a defect because butter should taste like butter, not cheese
Cheesy: Reference Point
Blend softened butter with any shredded or ground cheese to mimic the cheesy defect
Cheesy: Styles
Butter
Cheesy: Attribute/Defect
Interesting cheesy flavors in butter may not be considered objectionable in cultured cream butter, but are a defect in sweet cream butter
Cheesy: Possible Causes
Contamination with lactic acid bacteria; fermemtation of whey not removed during working
Cheesy: Related Terms
Acid, old cream, old milk, sour, unclean
Chemical
Medicinal
Closed: Definition
Closed, as opposed to Blind, is the term used to describe the ideal body of cheeses that are expected to have no gas formation or openings. Cheese is well known, with no mechanical or gas openings
Closed: Styles
Typically used in evaluating hard cheeses
Closed: Related Terms
Blind, eyes, open
Coarse: Definition
This term is used to describe the experience of flavor in butter. Sweet cream butter is expected to be delicate. Coarse means that the flavor is somewhat harsh or out of balance, but generally high quality
Coarse: Styles
The term in most commonly used for high quality butter that is not perfect
Coarse: Attribute/Defect
Coarse is not a serious defect in butter
Coarse: Possible Causes
Starting cream had flavor compounds from animal feed; slightly high salt in final product
Coarse: Related Terms
FLAT, High Salt
Collapsed: Definition
This term is used in relation to the appearance of a cheese. It refers to
1) cheese structure appears to have collapsed or flattened, or
2) eyes have not formed properly and do not appear round or slightly oval, but rather flattened
Collapsed: Reference Point
Collapsed: Styles
1) Possible in all cheeses
2) Swiss styles
Collapsed: Defect
When Swiss-type cheeses lack the attractive eye appearance that is expected, they may be downgraded
Collapsed: Possible Causes
Abnormal moisture/pH, presence of Clostridia bacteria, spontaneous fermentation, uneven moisture
Collapsed: Related Terms
BLOWN, CABBAGE, EYES, FROG MOUTH
Color: Definition
Color is used by judges to describe a visual aspect of a cheese’s exterior/rind and interior appearance. it is desirable to have a cheese that exhibits bright, clear coloration that is uniform, and not mottled, seamy or uneven
Color: Styles
All fermented dairy products
Color: Attribute/Defect
Many products are judged by their color and color expectations are associated with specific products. Defective colors can result from spoilage bacteria, exposure of the annatto to oxygen, and’or exposure of the cheese to oxygen and/or light
Color: Possible Causes
Color in cheese comes from the type of dairy animal, their diet, or added ingredients like the colorant annatto
Color: Related Terms
ATYPICAL, BLEACHED, Bright, DULL, FADED, PINKING, MOTTLED, OXIDIZED, SEAMY
Color Leaching
Pigment trails or leaching of color from fruit into yogurt, herbs, or peppers into cheese, etc
Color Leaching: Reference Point
Color Leaching: Styles
Flavored dairy products
Color Leaching: Defect
Color leaching is relatively common, particularly in light yogurts. It is not as objectionable to consumers as some other defects
Color Leaching: Possible Cause
Low pH; poor stabilization or incomplete blending of yogurt base with fruit material.
Color Leaching
BLEACHED, MOTTLED
Cooked: Definition
A somewhat nutty, custard-like aroma and sweet taste may be notable; sulfide compounds may arise with excessive heating
Cooked: Reference Point
Ultrapasteurized milk; ultra-high temperature processing (UHT) milk
Cooked: Styles
Cottage Cheese
Cooked: Attribute/Defect
Considered an attribute in some applications and to some cultures; considered a defect if extreme
Cooked: Synonym/Related Terms
HEATED
CARAMEL, NUTTY, SCORCHED, SULFIDE, SWEET
Corky: Definition
The description of a hard, touch, and overly rubbery cheese texture/body characterized by failure of the cheese to break down when worked between the thumb and fingers. Corky is a more extreme, drier characteristic than curdy
Corky: Reference Point
Wine cork, rubber stopped
Corky: Styles
Cheddar and other aged cheeses
Corky: Defect
If the body is very tough and dry, corky can be quite objectionable
Corky: Possible Cause
Dehydration, lack of acid development, salt too high, too much CaCl2, not enough coagulant, overcooking
Corky: Synonyms/Related Terms
Tough, Woody
CURDY, Dry, GRAINY, Hard, MEALY, TEXTURE
Cracked/Cracks: Definition
This term is used when evaluating the appearance of a cheese. It refers to openings in the exterior wax or rind and/or interior cheese structure. The terms CHECKED, CHECKS, or picks might be used to indicate smaller-sized cracks. The term splits refers to severe cases, when portions of cheese appear to split apart from the piece
Cracked/Cracks: Reference Point
Externally left and internally right
Cracked/Cracks: Styles
All fermented dairy products
Cracked/Cracks: Defect
The appearance of the cheese and internal integrity is compromised to varying degrees, progressing from picks to checks to cracks to splits
Cracked/Cracks: Possible Causes
Poor workmanship, affinage issues, cheese too dry, gas production
Cracked/Cracks: Related Terms
CHECKED, CHECKS, Disturbed, Open rind, Picks, SLITS, Splits
Creamy
Buttery, Lactic, Texture, Weak
Crooked
Uneven
Crumbly: Definition
Describes the texture of a cheese body that breaks during plugging and/or falls apart upon working between thumb and fingers
Cracked/Cracks: Reference Point
Queso fresco or feta The image below exhibits crumbly body that is not expected in an aged cheese
Cracked/Cracks: Styles
Many styles of cheeses, potentially butter
Cracked/Cracks: Attribute/Defect
Considered an attribute in some applications and to some cultures (queso fresco, feta); considered a defect if extreme and in most cheese applications
Crumbly: Possible Causes
Body of cheese is not knit together well because of low moisture, excessive salt, low or high acid production, low proteolysis
Crumbly: Synonym/Related Terms
Friable
GRAINY, MEALY, SHORT, TEXTURE
Crystals
Calcium Lactate, Tyrosine crystals
Curdy:
Describes the texture/body of a cheese that is firm and slightly resistant to compression if worked between the fingers. it is rubbery, not waxy and is somewhat resistant to working into a smooth ball.
Small curd particles are evident in a worked ball
Curdy: Reference Point
Very young Cheddar or Monterey Jack
Curdy: Styles
Cheddars, Jacks
Curdy: Attribute/Defect
While expected to some extent in young Cheddars, it is considered a defect if extreme
Curdy: Possible Causes
Either the cheese is very young or there have been issues in aging/ripening (lack of proteolysis)
Curdy: Related Terms
CORKY, MEALY, TEXTURE
Dull: Definition
1) Interior of eyes lack shiny quality and are dull, not glossy
2) The color of a cheese is not vibrant
Dull: Styles
1) Swiss
2) All dairy products
Dull: Defect
Dull makes the cheese look lifeless, limiting its aesthetic appeal
Dull: Possible Causes
1) Too much fat in milk and curd, poor whey drainage
2) Issues with pH
Dull: Related Terms
COLOR, EYES, FADED, Pale
Earthy: Definition
A flavor or aroma reminiscent of moist soil or slight mustiness
Earthy: Reference Point
Potting soil, mushrooms, potatoes
Earthy: Styles
All fermented dairy products
Earthy: Attribute/Defect
Defect in many styles but can be a positive attribute in cave-aged/mold ripened styles
Earthy: Possible Cause
Flavors or aromas could also come from affinage environment and techniques
Earthy: Related Terms
FEED, MOLDY, MUSHROOM
Elastic/Elasticity: Definition
Elasticity is a term used to describe the friability of a cheese’s texture. This is measured by the way the cheese reacts under pressure. During an evaluation, the manner in which a cheese bends and breaks is assessed, and the texture is described and given descriptive language that places it on the spectrum from short, dry and crumbly to supple and elastic in texture (desirable) or even weak/pasty (to the other extreme)
Elastic/Elasticity: Styles
Hard Cheeses
Elastic/Elasticity: Attribute/Defect
It is expected that Swiss styles, Alpine styles, Cheddars, and hard cheeses have some level of elasticity
Elastic/Elasticity: Synonyms
Flexible, Supple
Elastic/Elasticity: Related Terms
PASTY, SHORT, TEXTURE, WEAK
Eyes: Definition
Round open areas of varying size within the paste of a cheese, related to gas formation. This is different from OPEN, which refers to mechanical openings in a cheese. Swiss cheese has a well-defined lexicon, with many description of the various types of eyes that present as attributes of the style or as defects
Eyes: Reference point
Eyes: Attribute/Defect
Depending on the style of cheese, eyes can be considered a defect. In cheeses where eyes are expected, the size, shape, and concentration are evaluated based on what is typical of the style.
The ideal Swiss eye size is ¼ inch (0.6 cm) to ½ inch (1.27 cm) in diameter. Large is used to refer to cheeses where most eyes are more than 13/16 (2 cm) but less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Small is used when a majority of the eyes are less than 3/8-inch (1 cm) but more than 1/8 (0.38 cm) inch in diameter.
Eyes: Styles
Swiss styles, hard Alpine styles, other hard cheeses
Eyes: Possible Causes
Ideal eye formation results from carbon dioxide gas production in cheese. In Swiss style cheeses, eye formation is a desirable result of CO2 production that comes from the fermentation of
propionic acid. Eyes can also be formed by spoilage bacteria. These eyes tend to be misshapen, and the cheeses tend to have unclean or atypical flavor profiles.
Eyes: Related Term
BALANCED, BLIND, CABBAGE, CLOSED, COLLAPSED, DULL, FROG MOUTH, GASSY, IRREGULAR EYES, NESTY, ONE SIDED, OVERSET, STREUBLE, SWEET HOLES, UNDERSET, UNIFORM
Faded: Definition
Describes the color of the surface or interior of a cheese that has a bleached appearance or lacks a vibrant quality and luster.
Faded: Reference Point
Faded: Styles
All fermented dairy products
Faded: Defect
Fading makes the cheese look lifeless, limiting its aesthetic appeal, particularly when next to cheeses of the same type that look normal.
Faded: Possible Causes
Excess fat in milk or curd, exposure to light or oxygen.
Faded: Related terms
BLEACHED, COLOR, DULL, PINKING, OXIDIZED
Feed: Definition
Presence of one or more feed flavors carried through the milk into the aromatics of the
finished product. In extreme cases, garlic and/or onion flavors may be noted.
Feed: Reference Point
Hay, dried grass, silage, spent grains, alfalfa, green grass, parsley, green pepper
Feed: Styles
All fermented dairy products
Feed: Attribute
It can be desirable or undesirable depending on the intensity and style of dairy product.
Feed: Possible Causes
Results from feeding a particularly pungent feed or silage, or not withdrawing the feed within a suitable time frame prior to milking.
Feed: Related Terms
Alfalfa, EARTHY, Garlic, Grassy, Green, Onion
Fermented: Definition
An aroma and flavor that is reminiscent of vinegar (acetic acid), fermented whey, or fermented fruit.
Fermented: Reference Point
Acetic acid, pineapple juice with vinegar, wines
Fermented: Styles
Cheddar styles, other fermented dairy products
Fermented: Attribute/Defect
Generally considered a defect in Cheddar styles, though some might find a fermented flavor interesting.
Fermented: Possible Causes
Low milk quality, non-starter lactic acid bacteria, excess moisture (free whey)
Fermented: Related Terms
FRUITY, GASSY, SOUR, WHEY/WHEY TAINT, YEASTY
Finish: Definition
Flavor that remains after chewing and swallowing cheese samples. In judging, it is typically used in conjunction with a description of the intensity/length of the aftertaste and may be associated with adjectives like “short” or “long.”
Finish: Styles
All fermented dairy products
Finish: Related Terms
AFTERTASTE, FLAVOR
Firm/Too Firm: Definition
In cottage cheese: Effort is needed to compress and break down the cottage cheese curds when pressed to the roof of the mouth; curds may resist compression (rubbery) or shatter. In yogurt: It
takes effort to penetrate the yogurt with the spoon, and the product gives a pudding or custard-like sensation in the mouth.
Firm/Too Firm: Reference Point
Greek yogurt or flan (in comparison to standard yogurt)
Firm/Too Firm: Styles
Cottage cheese, Yogurt
Firm/Too Firm: Attribute/Defect
Some level of firmness is expected in hard cheeses. In cottage cheese: curds should yield smoothly when pressed to the roof of the mouth. In yogurt: Although Greek yogurt is expected to be more firm than standard yogurt, if such body is experienced in a standard yogurt, it is considered a defect.
Firm/Too Firm: Possible Cause
Cottage cheese: Overcooked, dehydrated; Yogurt: Overstabilized
Firm/Too Firm: Synonym
Rubbery (in cottage cheese)
Firm/Too Firm: Related Terms
GRAINY, LUMPY, MEALY, OVERSTABILIZED, TEXTURE, Tough, Woody
Flat/Lacks Flavor: Definition
Dairy products that contain no undesirable flavor, but very little, if any, characteristic flavor are typically described as FLAT.
Flat/Lacks Flavor: Reference Point
Unsalted butter, mild Cheddar cheese
Flat/Lacks Flavor: Styles
All fermented dairy products
Flat/Lacks Flavor: Defect
Although not a serious defect, a dairy product faulted as flat does not meet expectations.
Flat/Lacks Flavor: Possible Cause
Low salt, early stages of ripening, improper culture selection
Flat/Lacks Flavor: Related Terms
ATYPICAL, COURSE
Flavor: Definition
Flavor is experienced as a combination of the basic tastes (sweet, sour (acid), salty, bitter, umami), volatile aromatics, mouthfeel, and aftertastes. Flavor can come from the natural cheesemaking
and aging process as well as added flavorings like non-milk ingredients such as herbs, spices, condiments, rubs, or washes and wash solutions. The experience of flavor can be measured by intensity and qualified with adjectives such as low or atypical.
Flavor: Styles
All fermented dairy products
Flavor: Attribute/Defect
This can be a defect depending on what is expected for that style and age. Flavor defects are often described with the following terms: Low, high, lacking (flat), or atypical (not associated
with that style)
Flavor: Possible Causes
Flavor comes from the milk, cultures, production, and ripening (lipolysis, proteolysis as gateways to volatile aromas).
Flavor: Related Terms
AROMA, ATYPICAL, Excess, FINISH, Unbalanced, VOLATILES
Foreign: Definition
The term foreign may refer to a flavor that is not expected in a dairy product, or foreign matter (an unexpected ingredient or object).
Foreign: Reference Point
Hair, insect, herbs, metal fragment, etc.
Foreign: Styles
All fermented dairy products
Foreign: Attribute/Defect
Foreign flavors may not always be considered objectionable, if interesting. However, foreign matter is considered an adulterant (undeclared ingredients), so it is always a defect.
Foreign: Possible Causes
Foreign flavors can result from non-starter bacteria. Foreign matter results from contamination and lack of quality control.
Foreign: Related Terms
ATYPICAL, Chemical, MEDICINAL, METALLIC
Free Cream: Definition
The cream dressing does not cling to curds of cottage cheese when spooned onto a plate. It pulls away and separates from the curd.
Free Cream: Reference Point
Free Cream: Styles
Cottage cheese
Free Cream: Defect
Free cream is typically not noticeable immediately, so it is often overlooked by consumers. Technical judges will consider the product improperly stabilized and will consider it a defect.
Free Cream: Possible Causes
Improper use of stabilizers or lack of stabilization
Free Cream: Related Terms
FREE WHEY
Free Moisture/Free Whey: Definition
In yogurt: Whey release from yogurt curd. The defect is visualized when a container of yogurt is first opened. Whey may appear as a layer above the surface of the yogurt body. In cottage cheese:
Clear/yellow whey pulls from curds of cottage cheese when spooned onto a plate. In cheese: Beads of moisture on the surface of cheese or released from the body when the cheese is tempered and/or cut. Free moisture within the eyes of a cheese can be accompanied by flavor defects, such as whey taint or unclean.
Free Moisture/Free Whey: Reference Point
Free Moisture/Free Whey: Styles
Yogurt, aged cheese varieties
Free Moisture/Free Whey: Attribute/Defect
Free whey or moisture is typically considered objectionable because it detracts from the appearance and texture of a product. However, in the case of yogurt it is not always objectionable,
unless, which is often the case, it is associated with shrunken.
Free Moisture/Free Whey: Possible Causes
In yogurt: low milk solids, excess acid development, agitation during incubation, insufficient milk pasteurization temperature or holding time, poor product formulation, inadequate stabilizer(s), temperature fluctuations. In cheese: Curds are not washed adequately prior to creaming; pH continues to drop after creaming. In cheese: Can be a sign of temperature abuse or improper aging.
Free Moisture/Free Whey: Synonym
Syneresis
Free Moisture/Free Whey: Related Terms
FREE CREAM, SHRUNKEN, Weeping, Weepy
Frog Mouth: Definition
There are two definitions for Frog Mouth. 1) When interior of a wheel of cheese is split and looks like a frog’s open mouth, 2) When the eyes have developed into lenticular or spindle-shaped openings in cheese
Frog Mouth: Reference Point
Frog Mouth: Styles
1) Whole wheels of cheese like Gouda or Jack. 2) Interior of Swiss
Frog Mouth: Defect
Frog mouth is almost always considered a defect; when Swiss-type cheeses lack the attractive eye appearance that is expected, they may be downgraded.
Frog Mouth: Possible Causes
Poorly developed/weak rind, mishandling of cheese, improper cooling, or cheese becomes too cold
Frog Mouth: Related Terms
COLLAPSED, EYES, IRREGULAR EYES, OPEN
Fruity: Definition
Flavor or volatile aroma reminiscent of fruit.
Fruity: Reference Point
Fresh apples, grapes, pears, pineapple, and other tropical fruits.
Fruity: Styles
Cheddar, Swiss, aged Italian styles, goudas, Alpine styles