The European Patent Office has granted the Swiss research institute Agroscope a patent (3 981 258) for a cheese ripening process in degradable packaging. The process promises faster ripening, less effort compared to traditional smear ripening, less water loss, a finer rind, more flavour and a softer texture. After ripening, the smear can be removed very easily. As a small proportion of the smear remains on the surface of the cheese, the cheeses retain their characteristic recognisable orange-brown rind.
After the brine bath, the cheeses are wrapped in a biodegradable material. The microflora on the surface of the cheese then grows on the fabric. At the end of the ripening process, the fabric can simply be removed.
