Raw Materials for Cheesemaking Flashcards
Abomasum
The fourth compartment of the ruminant stomach
Acidification
The initial step in the souring of milk. During this process, lactose is converted into lactic acid
Affinage
The process of selecting, agin, and maturing cheeses.
Alpage
A French term for the alpine fields where animals graze in open air during the summer months. This rich, varied, seasonal diet contributes to milk (and cheese) that is considered superior for its depth, nuance, and complexity.
Ambient humidity
Water dispersed in the air
Annatto
A flavorless natural dye made from the seed or extract from the achiote tree, which is indigenous to Latin and South America.
Animal Rennet
An enzyme from the stomach lining of an unweaned ruminant’s abomasum
Ash
Minerals found in milk, assessed by the amount of ash left from incinerating a milk sample.
Bacterial Counts
Test used to assess microbial contamination in milk to indicate quality
Beta Carotene
A pigment in fruits and vegetables
Bovine
An animal subfamily classification that includes cattle, water buffalo, and yaks
Brine/Brining
Used in the washing process, this is a blend of water, salt, and sometimes additional items, such as spirits or cultures. Used to advance flavor development and impede mold growth
Bulk Set Cultures
Frozen concentrated culture starter kit
Butterfat
The natural fat of milk
Butyric Acid
A product of anaerobic fermentation that has an unpleasant smell and taste
Casein
A technical term for the proteins found in milk, known as alpha-, beta-, and kappa-
CHY-MAX
A FPC offering high milk-clotting specificity combined with reduced proteolytic activity. It is naturally produced through fermentation
Chymosin
A proteolytic enzyme that attacks casein causing coagulation
Coliform
Fecal bacteria used to measure the sanitary quality of foods and water
Coliform Count
Test of water contamination that indicates the extent of fecal matter present in it
Culture Houses
Dairy technology companies that make and sell cheese bacteria
Cultures
A combination of lactic acid, enzymes, or other microorganisms, bacterial, or mold spores, and natural elements that develop flavor in cheese in aging
Curd
Coagulated milk protein
Diacetyl
A flavor compound responsible for acidic and buttery flavors in fermented products such as cottage cheese, fromage frais, and quark
Direct Vat Innoculation Cultures (DVIs)
Freeze-dried powders or liquid frozen concentrate that can be sprinkled into the milk vat
Escherichia Coli (e. coli)
A type of bacteria that lives in your intestines and in the intestines of animals that can be harmless or cause sickness that can be fatal
Enzyme
Proteins or protein-like compounds that help the body digest foods. In cheese, these play an important role in breaking down fats and proteins to create flavor-giving volatile compounds.
Fermentation Produced Chymosin (FPC)
A bio-engineered product identical to calf chymosin
Free Fatty Acid (FFA)
Short chain acids which contribute to flavor and texture in cheese
Gas Production
Release of carbon dioxide during ripening
Grain Based Diet
A diet consisting of barley, wheat, corn, legume, and grass hay
Grass Fed
A diet consisting of all or a majority of grass or naturally grazed foilage