Importance of Sodium Nitrate in the Maturation Process of Gouda Cheese

The aim of this study was to observe the dynamics of sodium nitrate during ripening, in was introduced in different amounts in the recipe. Sodium nitrate is the chemical compound also known as Chile saltpeter or Peru saltpeter, is used as an ingredient as a food preservative. Sodium nitrate should not be confused with the related compound, sodium nitrite. Sodium nitrate in the cheese gives a longer time of preservation (Moore J.C., 2010).