A Study of the Diacetyl in Cheese. I. Diacetyl Content and Flavor of Cheddar Cheese

Abstract

Diacetyl is a prominent element in the flavor of many food products. To determine its presence in cheese and to make quantitative measurements of it, the colorimetric method described by Prill and Hammer was modified. The color of the ammono-ferrous dimethylglyoximate formed in this procedure was measured spectrophotometrically. Diacetyl was found in all lots and kinds of cheese examined. The majority of the lots contained less than 0.05 mg. of diacetyl per 100 g. of cheese. The diacetyl content of Cheddar cheese ranged from 0.0016 mg. to 0.335 mg. per 100 g. of cheese. A small quantity of diacetyl probably contributes to the typical falvor of Cheddar cheese. The majority of the lots of Cheddar cheese with an excellent flavor had a diacetyl content of less than 0.05 mg. per 100 g. Larger amts. of diacetyl than this frequently appear to be associated with flavor defects.