starter-cultures

Vocabulary Word

Definition

'Starter cultures' are specific types of microorganisms used in the food industry. They help kick-start change in foods like cheese, wine, and beer to give them their unique tastes.

Examples in Different Contexts

In food fermentation, starter cultures are specific strains of bacteria or yeast used to initiate the fermentation process in products like yogurt, cheese, and sourdough bread. A food scientist might say, 'Starter cultures are essential for consistent quality and flavor development in fermented foods.'

Practice Scenarios

Beverage-Industry

Scenario:

I've noticed a change in the taste and color of our latest wine batch. Let's check the entire fermentation process.

Response:

You're right! Perhaps the quality of our starter cultures may be affecting the wine fermentation.

Food-Industry

Scenario:

The flavor of our cheese isn't as sharp as our competitors. We may need to review our mixing formula.

Response:

Do we need to consider a newer strain of starter cultures to enhance the cheese flavour?