Theory 112/Cheese ripening/Rate lens
Ripening Follows Enzyme Rate
The claim
Cheese ripening rate is set by the rate of proteolysis rather than by age, so two cheeses of the same age differ in maturity.
01Mechanism
Texture and flavour develop as proteins break down; the rate of that breakdown sets maturity.
02Prediction
Maturity should track proteolysis.
03Refutation
Maturity tracking age would remove enzyme activity.