Red culture and enzymes

Enzymes ripen the cheese from the outside to the inside

Red smear is a surface threatment method used during cheese making and maturing.

So-called red culturesAerobic cheese ripening means cheese ripening with oxygen. » More info are brushed together with salt water on the cheese to colonize the surface of the cheese with these bacteriaBacterium Linens (red culture bacteria) are brushed with salt water on the cheese..

These bacteria or enzymesEnzymes are special proteins (biocatalysts) formed in living cells (lab) that accelerate the biochemical conversion of milk. » More info are responsible for the maturity and give the cheese a more or less pronounced seasoning, depending on the intensity of the treatment. The result is some preservation of the cheese surface by forming an orange-reddish, slightly greasy-crumbly bark.

The cheese rindTo protect the cheese wheel, it is put into salt bath or turned into dry salt. The salt removes water from the cheese and it dries faster. So the rind is formed. » More info is usually not eaten except the young, soft cheese varieties, because it sometimes develops a too sharp aroma and gives – if enjoyed with wines – a metallic taste.