Proteolysis of Mahon cheese as affected by acoustic-assisted brining

Mahon cheeses were brined in the presence of an ultrasonic field and ripene d during 75 days at 12 degreesC and 85% RH. Secondary proteolysis (water-so luble N, non-protein N, and free amino acids) was measured and compared to that obtained for cheeses conventionally brined. There were no differences in water-soluble and non-protein N attributable to the brining treatment. H owever, cheeses acoustically brined exhibited higher concentrations of free amino acids. The release of total free amino acids was more pronounced dur ing the first 15 days of ripening for both types of brining treatments. The changes in proteolysis (free amino acids) during cheese ripening caused by acoustic-assisted brining are indicative of a higher extent of proteolysis and may also improve cheese flavor.