Evaluation of the ability of Yarrowia lipolytica to impart strain-dependent characteristics to cheese when used as a ripening adjunct

Four Yarrowia lipolytica strains were tested as cheese-ripening adjuncts with milk culture in cheese production to evaluate their effects on the microbiological and biochemical features of the cheeses. The Y. lipolytica strains were able to overcome the other naturally occurring yeasts and were compatible with lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) profiles and analysis of free fatty acids (FFAs) released during ripening showed that the strains induced a marked lipolysis and gave rise to different FFAs accumulation over time with respect to the control. Strain-dependent protein breakdown patterns were identified and these biochemical differences resulted in different cheese organoleptic characteristics.