In the world there are a large number of varieties of cheese. They differ among themselves both in cooking technology, and in appearance, and in taste. If bitterness in taste is the norm for one type of cheese, then for another variety this can only mean one thing - it is hopelessly spoiled and must be disposed of. How to understand the quality of the product? Why is cheese bitter? Answers to these questions can be obtained from the following article.
Why is cheese bitter?
Each product has its own specific taste. Some varieties of cheese, for example, with mold or hard, have a spicy bitterness, which does not at all indicate their poor quality. This is a feature of the product that some may like, but some may not. In other cases, bitterness may indicate poor product quality.
There may be several reasons why cheese is bitter:
- The product has deteriorated. Cream fats in the cheese, if storage conditions are not followed, are oxidized. As a result, the product acquires a specific aftertaste of bitterness. They also say that he is rancid.
- Violation of cheese technology. In particular, the product could ripen at a temperature above or below 9-10 ° C, which is unacceptable.
- Use for the preparation of low-quality cow's milk cheese. If the animal was fed wormwood, lupine or other plants that contain glucosides, milk acquires an unpleasant aftertaste. As a result, all products prepared from it will be bitter.
- Adding calcium chloride to milk, which contributes to better coagulability of the product, but at the same time makes it bitter.
How to prevent the appearance of a taste of bitterness?
The reasons why Russian cheese or suluguni is bitter can be different. In the latter case, the product during cooking can simply be re-salted, which will cause a further change in taste.
For Russian and most hard cheeses, bitterness almost always appears due to non-compliance with storage conditions. As you know, this product can be frozen for a period of not more than three months. But only after thawing it must be used immediately. If you neglect this rule and re-freeze the cheese, then with subsequent use it will become bitter.
You can prevent the appearance of bitterness in cheese as follows:
- store it separately from other products, wrapped in cling film;
- do not re-freeze, and use immediately after thawing;
- Do not keep the product in the refrigerator for too long, try to use it as soon as possible after purchase.
Why is Adyghe cheese bitter and how to fix it?
Each variety has its own storage order. Brine cheeses (feta cheese, feta, suluguni) are recommended to be kept in salted solution (strength 16-28%). This will increase their shelf life by several days. When stored in the refrigerator, Adyghe cheese must first be wrapped in a dense plastic bag and restrict air access to it.
The reasons why cheese is bitter (Adyghe, Brynza, Georgian) can be associated not only with violation of storage conditions, but also with non-compliance with production technology. As a result, the product may be oversaturated. Then it is recommended to place the cheese for 2 hours in a container with cold boiled water. This will allow you to adjust the amount of salt in the product and relieve it of a bitter taste. In the future, it will be possible to store it in the refrigerator.
The taste of bitterness in homemade cheese
Cottage cheese is a valuable source of diet food for adults and children. It has a short shelf life and, if stored improperly, can quickly go rancid. But there are other reasons why homemade cheese is bitter. These include:
- specific taste of milk from which cottage cheese is made;
- ingress of bitter components into the cheese from the starter or salt, which were used in its preparation.
Also, cottage cheese can become bitter if the technology was violated during its production. So, homemade cheese is sometimes made from sour milk, and not from specially fermented milk. In this case, putrefactive bacteria begin to multiply in it, which can be dangerous to humans.
If the cottage cheese is stored for a very long time and begins to deteriorate, then it is categorically not recommended to use it. Its bitter taste may be a signal that it is time to throw away the product.
What can be cooked from bitter cheese?
If the curd is not yet expired, but its shelf life is nearing its end, it can be used as a basis for baking. The bitter aftertaste of cheese in cheesecakes, cottage cheese pancakes or casserole is not at all felt. In addition, you can always add spices, for example, cinnamon or vanillin.
Hard cheese should be used similarly. If the expiration dates are normal, and the taste is not very pronounced, then the product can be grated and sprinkled with it, for example, pizza.
It is strictly forbidden to use expired or very bitter cheese for cooking other dishes, as it can harm health.