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Quality assurance for cheese?
Cheese is tested during the maturation period using a cheese iron. Once the affineur is happy with the quality, it is marked and sent on its way.
What is aged cheese?
A matured cheese is one that has been allowed to age. Ageing a cheese helps to enhance the flavor. Cheeses are matured in an aging room known as a cave. The cave holds a consistent temperature and has a natural dampness which is the ideal conditions for maturing cheese. The shelves in aging caves are traditionally made from wood because wood breathes and provides and facilitates a more sanitary surface. Wood also allows for even maturation. Sometimes a matured is not always favorable. It depends on the type of cheese. Cheeses that are to have a fresh brisk taste like some goat cheeses, ricotta, creamy farm cheeses. Imagine cream cheese aged. These types of cheese are made to to subtle. Other cheeses are made for maturing and the ripeness is coveted. This aging can enhance the flavor and increase the complexity. The length of time a cheese is matured can range from as little as a few months to a few years. Can you believe that in Europe there are people who hold the job of affineur. The affineur's job is to taste a variety of cheeses after they are first made (before the aging process) and purchases the cheeses he or she believes will mature the best and matures them his or herself. These cheeses are then sold to restaurants and cheese shops. With experience and practice one learns how a cheese will taste at varying lengths of the aging process. As well as the length of the aging time when the cheese will taste its best. Each cheese also has its perfect aging cave temperature. The goal when maturing a cheese is to achieve balance on the palate. Meaning the cheese should taste harmonious in the mouth.
