Abstract
Theoretical considerations and observations on model systems suggested that the Strecker degradation of amino acids to aldehydes plays a prominent role in the development of cheese flavor. Of the various aldehydes derived from the amino acids in casein, it appeared that methional (3-methyl-thiopropanal) from methionine was the most important flavor compound. Possible application of the findings in research and development work on cheese and cheese-flavored floods is mentioned.