Changes in viscoelastic properties during the ripening of Arzua-Ulloa cheese.: Effect of proteolysis

Changes in viscoelastic properties during the ripening of three different batches of Arzua-Ulloa cheese, a traditional Spanish variety, were studied. Proteolysis changes were determined in terms of the typical nitrogen fractions, these fractions were significantly correlated with the measured viscoelastic properties. Substantial changes in stress amplitude over the linear viscoelastic range were observed at 20C, as were significant differences in storage modulus (G') and viscous modulus (G") throughout the ripening period. Both moduli decreased markedly over the first two weeks, but exhibited an opposite trend from the third week. Mechanical spectra were recorded at 20, 25, 30 and 35C throughout the ripening period. The viscous component significantly increased compared to the elastic one as function of temperature and ripening time.