Flavour release and sensory pereption in cheeses

During the eating of food, the in-mouth process leads to food breakdown which induces the release of flavour compounds. Volatile and non-volatile compounds are released into the saliva, and volatile compounds are transferred into the vapour phase to reach olfactory receptors in the nasal cavity. The aim of this chapter is to review the effects of changing the composition of cheeses on the mobility, release and perception of flavour molecules (salt, aroma compounds), and to discuss the results with respect to human physiology. Cheese is a good model because it is possible to vary its composition (in lipids, proteins, salt), in order to comply with nutritional guidelines (less salt, less fat)…