The bacteria that make cheese taste so good may also benefit your gut
Researchers at the University of Reading have identified specific bacteria in artisan cheeses that contribute to unique flavors and may offer probiotic health benefits. The study suggests that cheese can serve as an effective delivery system for beneficial gut microbes.
Why it matters
Understanding the microbial composition of food can lead to better dietary recommendations and the development of functional foods that support digestive health.
Scientists have identified the bacteria that help give three British artisan cheeses their distinctive flavors, and some of those microbes may also have potential benefits for human health.
Researchers in the Food Microbial Sciences Unit at the University of Reading tracked the microbial and biochemical changes that occurred as three locally made Oxfordshire cheeses matured. Their findings suggest that some of the bacteria responsible for developing each cheese's unique character may also be useful to the people who eat them.
The study, published in ACS Food Science & Technology , focused on three varieties made by Nettlebed Creamery in Oxfordshire. These included a soft white rind cheese aged for a little more than a week, a washed rind semi-soft cheese that matures over several weeks, and a semi-hard cheese aged in hay for about nine months.
Helpful Bacteria Shape Flavor and Texture
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in