Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria Autolysis on Sensorial Characteristics of Fermented Foods

Abstract

Lactic acid bacteria autolysis is due to intracellular hydrolytic enzymes that act on specific parts of the cell wall causing the release of biologically active compounds, in particular enzymes, to the medium. Consequently, the role of lactic acid bacteria in the transformation of foodstuffs does not involve merely the fermentation stage but also the later maturation and aging stage thanks to the compounds released to the medium that combine in order to change the sensorial profile of the product. This phenomenon is particularly important for cheese types subjected to very long aging, for salami ripening and for red aged wines.

Keywords

• lactic acid bacteria autolysis
• sensorial characteristics
• cheese
• salami
• wine