Effect of Strain of Starter Culture and of Manufacturing Procedure on Bitterness and Protein Breakdown in Cheddar Cheese

Abstract
Eleven strains of Streptococcus cremoris were used to make "acid", "normal" and "sweet" cheeses which were exam-ined at 6 mo. of age. Four strains produced nonbitter cheese. Lower acidity levels during manufacture decreased the intensity of bitterness in cheese made with the other 7 strains. Bitterness was closely correlated with average chain lengths of the TCA- soluble peptides in the cheese.