RQ - mould Penicillium roqueforti

RQ – blue-green mould for distinctive cheeses

RQ from the Aroma-Tek series is a concentrated pure-strain Penicillium roqueforti culture in freeze-dried powder form for direct milk inoculation. It is intended for blue-veined cheeses such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola and rokpol.

The role of the culture in cheese ripening

The characteristic blue-green colour develops as the mould grows. Its enzymes contribute to a piquant flavour and creamy consistency. Development of the desired culture also helps limit unwanted moulds.

In blue-veined cheeses, cheese-body structure, oxygen access and ripening conditions matter. Piercing as specified in the recipe helps oxygen reach the cheese interior. The culture working with a properly managed process shapes the flavour and the appearance of the cut surface.

Use together with a suitable acidifying bacterial culture selected for the cheese recipe.

Composition

Penicillium roqueforti

Available packs

• 10 g vial — for 100 litres of milk.
• 100 g sachet — for 1000 litres of milk.

Concentrated culture in freeze-dried powder form. The smaller pack is a screw-top vial from which the required portion can be measured before closing it again.

Applications

Before use, disinfect the packaging and the tool used to open it. When measuring portions, protect the contents from moisture and contamination.

Direct milk inoculation

Add the culture directly to milk without preliminary activation. Mix thoroughly to distribute the preparation evenly.

Culture characteristics

• Optimum growth temperature: 20–30°C
• Gas production: ++
• Proteolytic activity: +++
• Fermenting activity: −
• Salt tolerance at 50% inhibition of activity: no inhibition of activity

The optimum growth temperature describes conditions for culture growth — temperatures throughout the production process must follow the recipe.

Storage and transport

After measuring a portion, close the pack tightly and protect the contents from moisture. The culture withstands higher temperatures during transport.