The content of free fatty acids in relation to electronic nose sensors responses and sensory evaluation of cheese in a lamb skin sack (Sir iz mišine) throughout ripening

The leading biochemical process during ripening of cheese in a lamb skin sack is lipolysis. In order to evaluate the influence of free fatty acids (FFA) liberated during lipolysis, on the cheese in a sack flavour and aroma, the relationship between sensory properties (odour, taste and total sensory score) and FFA content throughout ripening was determined. Additionally, differentiation of cheeses in various ripening stages was performed by analysis of specific profile of cheese volatile compounds using electronic nose. The obtained results demonstrated that the content of certain FFA is responsible for specific flavour and aroma in various ripening stages, which directly influence the consumers’ sensory scores of the cheese. The concentration of fatty acids C 14:0, C 14:1, C 17:0, C 18:0, C 18:2n-6 and C 23:0 (P