FR2830414A1 - Maturing procedure for cheeses and cheese products uses boxes with insulated walls and lids/bases perforated for ventilation - Google Patents

Abstract

Maturing procedure for cheeses and cheese products uses boxes with walls of a thermal insulation material and lids (2) and/or bases (4) with perforations (3) for ventilation. The lids and/or bases are square in shape and have circular perforations about 2 mm in diameter, distributed evenly over a first part (5) of the surface covered by the cheese (F) and a second part (5') that is not covered. Maturing procedure for cheeses and cheese products uses boxes with walls of a thermal insulation material and lids (2) and/or bases (4) with perforations (3) for ventilation. The lids and/or bases are square in shape, about 13 cm per side, and have between 36 and 64 circular perforations about 2 mm in diameter, distributed evenly over a first part (5) of the surface covered by the cheese (F) and a second part (5') that is not covered. The boxes are made with a stacking system, e.g. by having the base of one box fitting into the top of one below it and forming its lid. The cheeses placed in the boxes are matured for 3 - 10 days, e.g. in a cellar, where the temperature is between 8 and 14 degrees C and humidity if over 90 percent.

Description

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DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to the field of agrifood, more particularly that of the manufacture of cheese products or cheeses and more precisely that of the ripening of cheeses, in particular with washed rind.

 It relates to a ripening box for cheeses, a set or module for ripening, the use of these containers for ripening, a process for ripening washed rind cheeses, the cheeses or cheese products thus obtained as well. only packaging for said cheeses or cheese products.

 The present invention applies equally to cheeses and derived cheese products, insofar as the latter also require ripening before consumption. In all that follows, the term cheese therefore also includes the abovementioned cheese products.

 Currently, the cheese ripening operation consists of storing said products to be ripened on stainless steel racks in a cellar or ripening chamber in which precise temperature and hygrometry conditions prevail adapted to said cheeses.

 However, this method has the drawback of drying, during ripening, the cheeses or cheese products which must therefore be closely monitored and regularly rewetted, for example by means of successive washes. In particular, washed rind cheeses, such as for example Munster, generally require 3 to 5 washes spaced about a week before being marketed.

 Once the ripening is finished, the cheeses obtained must still be individually wrapped and packaged for transport to consumers.

 However, all these handling operations are long and tedious to carry out, in particular in the case of industrial productions where large quantities of products are produced at a sustained rate. They also represent an expenditure of time, energy and money which must be passed on to the final sale price and therefore to the manufacturer's margin.

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 In addition, repeated handling of cheeses increases the risk of accidental bacterial contamination of part or all of a production.

 The problem posed by the present invention consists in overcoming some if not all of the aforementioned drawbacks and in proposing a box or a set of boxes for the refining of cheese products or cheeses as well as a simplified refining process making it possible to reduce the various handling operations necessary until the marketing of the refined product while obtaining cheese or cheese products whose organoleptic and / or preservation properties are at least as good or even better than those of products known from the prior art .

 To this end, the present invention relates to a box for ripening cheeses or cheese products characterized in that it is produced in the form of a hollow tray cooperating with a closure means so as to define a volume closed not sealed and in that at least the tray is made in one piece, the walls forming said box being made of a thermally insulating material, at least one of said walls being provided with at least one through perforation allowing aeration of the contents of said box.

 It also relates to an assembly or refining module characterized in that it is formed by an assembly of at least two trays according to the invention as well as the use of a box or a set of boxes according to the invention for the refining of cheese products or cheeses.

 Another subject of the invention is a method for refining a cheese product or a washed rind cheese using a box or a set of boxes according to the invention, characterized in that it essentially comprises the steps consisting in: : - receive said cheese product (s) or cheeses on a date ranging from 3 to 10 days after its manufacture by the cheese maker, - store said cheese product (s) in an atmosphere, for example a maturing cellar, in which a temperature prevails between 8 C and 14 C and an air humidity higher than 90%,

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 - after a first ripening period of between 3 and 7 days, wash the rind of the or each cheese product or cheese only once with water and then allow them to dry for at least 24 hours, - immediately after drying, transfer said cheese product (s) or cheeses in a box or set of boxes according to the invention, allow said cheese product (s) or cheese to stand for a second ripening period of between 10 and 30 days in an atmosphere, for example a cellar ripening, in which a temperature between 10 ° C. and 14 ° C. prevails and an air humidity greater than 90% until the desired final ripening of said cheese product or cheeses.

 The present invention also relates to the cheese product or washed rind cheese obtained by the above process.

 Finally, the present invention also relates to a packaging for a cheese or cheese product characterized in that it consists of a box according to the invention or characterized in that it is obtained by separation of a tray forming part of 'An assembly according to the invention then covering said tray by a removable closure means such as an individual cover, a glued film or the like.

 The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to a preferred embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a refining box according to the invention; Figure 2 is a side elevational view in section of the box of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a four tray refining assembly of the present invention, and Figure 4 is a side elevational view in section of three assemblies of Figure 3 stacked vertically.

 Referring to Figure 1, the present invention relates to a box for ripening cheeses or cheese products characterized in that it is produced in the form of a hollow container 1 cooperating with a closure means 2 so as to define a closed volume that is not leaktight and in that at least the tray 1 is made in one piece, the

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 walls forming said box being made of a thermally insulating material, at least one of said walls being provided with at least one through perforation 3 allowing the contents of said box to be ventilated.

 The tray 1 is advantageously made of a thermally insulating and hydrophobic material so that the temperature and the humidity in the box remain as constant as possible. Preferably, the tray 1 is made of expanded polystyrene. However, other materials such as food insulating materials, that is to say conforming, for the manufacture of cheeses and cheese products, to sanitary standards, may also be suitable.

 As can be seen in Figure 1, the box according to the invention is advantageously characterized in that the perforation (s) 3 are located on the walls constituting the bottom 4 and / or the closing means 2 of said box.

 These perforations 3 which can also be described as micro-perforations allow optimal ventilation of the contents of the boxes without drying the contents.

 In a particularly useful and preferred embodiment, the box according to the invention is characterized in that the wall of the bottom 4 and / or of the closure means 2 has a square or substantially square shape of approximately 13 cm in side, which is provided with a number of perforations 3 between 36 and 64, of circular diameter of approximately 2 mm, substantially uniformly distributed over a first portion 5 of the surface of said wall which will be brought into contact with the cheese F contained in the box and a second portion 5 ′ of the surface of said wall which is not covered by said cheese F.

 Advantageously, the bottom 4 thus has a first portion 5 of surface on which the cheese or cheese product F rests and a second portion 5 ′ of free surface, the perforations 3 present on said bottom being distributed so that an exchange limited but sufficient is ensured with the external atmosphere of the cellar or of another similar box fitted on the bottom 4 of the box in question. In other words, it is necessary to avoid that all the perforations 3 of the bottom 4 are obstructed by cheeses F so as not to completely block the air circulation. Additional perforations 3 can also be formed in the side walls of said boxes, for example in the case where the surface of the cheeses produced completely or almost covers the surface of the bottom 4.

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 Of course, it is also possible to provide for a non-uniform distribution of the aforementioned perforations 3 on the bottom 4 of said box 1 and to distribute the different cheeses F or cheese products according to the location of said perforations 3.

 In general, the boxes 1 according to the invention can have all the sizes and geometric shapes usually encountered in the field of manufacturing cheeses or cheese products, even if, for reasons of convenience and profitability, the square or rectangular shape may be preferred for the configuration of the bottom 4. The overall shape, the surface of the bottom 4 and the height of the boxes 1 are determined according to the dimensions of the cheese or cheeses F or cheese products which will be placed there. A circular (or rectangular shape with circular recesses) of the bottom 4 forming the base of a cylindrical box 1 can be particularly suitable for the refining of round cheeses or round millstones, as is the case for many kinds cheeses such as Camembert, Munster, goat cheeses ...

 Advantageously, the box according to the invention is further characterized in that it comprises means 6 for vertical stacking of said tray 1 on one or more other similar trays 1 provided with stacking means of complementary shapes 6'cooperating with those in the first box.

 As can be seen in the embodiment illustrated by way of example in FIG. 2, the box according to the invention is characterized in that the stacking means 6 formed in the bottom 4 of said box is produced under the form of a peripheral edge 7 set back relative to the external face of said bottom 4 so as to form a peripheral recess of the bottom 4 relative to said peripheral edge 7. Obviously, the means 6,6 ′ can be produced in any profiled form adapted other than that, particularly simple, shown as an example in the appended figures. Stacking can be done as well with a passive physical connection (simple interlocking by contact) between the elements as with an active connection (interlocking with deformation, snap-fitting ...) in which the elements are physically retained between them.

 Thus, it is possible to carry out a nesting of several boxes 1 one on the other, the perforations 3 allowing the passage of air from one box to another in the formed stack.

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 Preferably, the total height of the stack does not exceed 2 meters, an aeration space being provided between the boxes 1 stacked approximately every 50 cm, for example, by inserting an empty box 1 in the stack or by providing an intermediate element open between two consecutive boxes 1 in the stack. This element can in particular be produced in the form of a shim made of material conforming to food hygiene standards.

 In a particularly economical and practical manner, the box according to the invention is characterized in that the closure means 2 of a first container 1 is at the same time the bottom 4 of another similar second container 1 vertically stacked on said first container 1 .

 In another embodiment, the closure means 2 is produced in the form of a removable cover.

 The present invention also relates to an assembly or refining module characterized in that it is formed by an assembly of at least two trays 1 according to the invention.

 In Figures 3 and 4 there is shown, by way of nonlimiting example, a set 8 formed by the union of 4 identical square trays 1 connected by common adjacent walls so as to form a square that can contain up to 4 cheeses F. The dimensions of the trays 1 are chosen so as to be able to accommodate units of cheese F whose round or square dimensions are fixed during their manufacture.

 Of course, an assembly 8 according to the invention can also consist of trays 1 having a different geometric shape (rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, circular sector, etc.) which are arranged in an odd or even number greater than 2, for example, a rectangle made up of 3 x 4 trays, a square formed by 9 smaller squares, a trapezoid formed by the assembly of 3 triangles, a hexagon formed by 6 triangles joined by their points, etc. Thus, the assembly 8 can adapt to the given geometry of the cellar or the ripening chamber.

 In a particularly advantageous variant (not shown), the trays 1 forming the assembly 8 are interconnected along at least one common edge by at least one preferential breaking line.

 This rupture line is intended to facilitate the separation of the various trays 1 constituting said assembly 8 and can be produced in the form of a break groove formed along an upper edge formed on the tray 1 (of the type of that used to gather a lot of pots

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 yoghurts), a material bridge connecting two trays 1 of sufficiently fine thickness to allow its rupture and therefore easy separation of said trays 1, or by any other device known to those skilled in the art suitable for this function.

 The present invention also relates to the use of a box or a set of boxes for the refining of cheese products or of cheeses F.

 Indeed, thanks to these, it becomes possible to refine cheese products or F cheeses without the latter drying out.

 The present invention further relates to a process for ripening a cheese product or a washed rind cheese F using a box or a set 8 of boxes according to the invention, characterized in that it essentially comprises steps consisting in: - receiving said cheese product (s) or cheese F on a date ranging from 3 to 10 days after its manufacture by the cheese maker, - storing said cheese product (s) or cheese F in an atmosphere, for example a wine cellar ripening, where a temperature between 8 C and 14 C prevails and an air humidity higher than 90%, - after a first period of ripening between 3 and 7 days, wash the crust of the each cheese product or cheese F in water and then allow them to dry for at least 24 hours, - immediately after drying, transfer said cheese product (s) or cheese F to a box or a set of 8 boxes according to the invention, let said cheese product or cheeses F stand for a second ripening period of between 10 and 30 days in an atmosphere, for example a ripening cellar, in which a temperature of between 10 ° C. and 14 ° C. prevails. C and an air humidity greater than 90% until the desired final ripening of said cheese product (s) or cheeses F.

 According to another characteristic, the washing of the crust is preferably done with salt water. The salted washing solution is prepared in the usual way by the cheese maker.

 Furthermore, the method according to the invention is further characterized in that the second maturing period takes place in an atmosphere, for example a maturing cellar, in which there prevails a temperature between 12 C and 14 C and a humidity air greater than 95%.

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 Preferably, at least two sets 8 are stacked during the second ripening period, the top set 8 ′ of the stack containing cheese product or cheese F being covered by a suitable cover, if necessary by a set of top 8 'not containing cheese product (s) F.

 According to another characteristic, at the end of ripening, the stack or piles formed by a vertical superposition of sets 8 are undone, the trays 1 forming the different sets 8 and containing cheese products or cheeses F being detached from each other according to the or the preferential breaking lines then covered with a removable closure means 2 such as an individual cover, an adhesive film or the like.

 The present invention also relates to a washed rind cheese product or cheese F obtained by the process according to the invention.

 Although all washed rind cheeses can be refined by the process of the invention, a cheese or cheese product is particularly preferred, characterized in that it is chosen from the group formed by Munster, époisses or maroilles.

 Finally, the present invention also relates to a packaging for a cheese or cheese product F characterized in that it consists of a box according to the present invention.

 It also relates to a packaging for a cheese or cheese product F characterized in that it is obtained by separation of a tray 1 forming part of an assembly 8 according to the invention then covering of said tray 1 by means of removable closure 2 such as an individual cover, glued film or the like.

 The inventors of the present application have found, unexpectedly and surprisingly, that the method and the boxes 1 or sets according to the invention advantageously make it possible to refine the cheese products or cheeses F which are placed in said boxes 1 or in some, even all of the individual compartments of an aforementioned assembly without having to resort to tedious manipulations, in particular when the products are washed rind while guaranteeing organoleptic qualities, in particular taste, identical or superior to those of products refined in a conventional manner .

 Thanks to the present invention, it becomes possible to obtain cheeses F or ripened cheese products having less weight loss (due to drying) and an improved appearance and flavor. In

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 Indeed, the reduced air volume contained in the boxes 1 or the individual compartments of the sets, the limited exchanges with the external environment which guarantee increased stability of the temperature and humidity conditions stimulate the development of the lactic ferments contained in said cheeses. F or cheese products which is thus favored and accelerated.

 As a result, the latter are ripened more quickly and the shelf life of ripened cheese products or F cheeses in accordance with the present invention is increased by about one month (at 2 ° C.) compared to the ripened products in a conventional manner.

 Furthermore, the boxes 1 or sets 8 according to the invention can directly serve as the final packaging of the product when the refining of the latter is finished, thus avoiding an additional transfer operation. Such packaging also has the advantage, due to its constitution as a thermally insulating material, of reducing the risks of breaks in the cold chain.

 Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims (19)

1. Box for ripening cheeses or cheese products characterized in that it is produced in the form of a hollow container (1) cooperating with a closure means (2) so as to define a closed volume that is not leaktight and in that at least the tray (1) is made in one piece, the walls forming said box being made of a thermally insulating material, at least one of said walls being provided with at least one perforation (3 ) through allowing ventilation of the contents of said box.  2. Box according to claim 1, characterized in that the perforation (s) (3) are located on the walls constituting the bottom (4) and / or the closing means (2) of said box.  3. Box according to claim 2, characterized in that the bottom wall (4) and / or the closure means (2) has a square or substantially square shape of about 13 cm side, which is provided with a number of perforations (3) between 36 and 64, of circular diameter of about 2 mm, substantially uniformly distributed over a first portion (5) of the surface of said wall which will be brought into contact with the cheese (F) contained in the box and a second portion (5 ') of the surface of said wall which is not covered by said cheese (F).  4. Box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises means (6) for vertical stacking of said tray (1) on one or more other similar trays (1) provided with means 'stacking of complementary shape (6') cooperating with those of the first box.  5. Box according to claim 4, characterized in that the means (6) for stacking formed in the bottom (4) of said box is produced in the form of a peripheral edge (7) set back relative to the face external of said bottom (4) so as to form a peripheral recess of the bottom (4) relative to said peripheral edge (7).  6. Box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the closing means (2) of a first container (1) is at the same time the bottom (4) of another second container (1 ) similar vertically stacked on said first tray (1). <Desc / Clms Page number 11>  7. Box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the closure means (2) is produced in the form of a removable cover.  8. Refining assembly or module, characterized in that it is formed by an assembly of at least two trays (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.  9. An assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the trays (1) are interconnected along at least one common edge by at least one preferential breaking line.  10. Use of a box or a set (8) of boxes according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for the refining of cheese products or cheeses (F).  11. Method for refining a cheese product or a washed rind cheese (F) using a box or a set (8) of boxes according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it essentially comprises the steps of: - receiving said cheese product (s) or cheese (F) on a date ranging from 3 to 10 days after its manufacture by the cheese maker, - storing said cheese product (s) or cheese (F) in an atmosphere , for example a ripening cellar, in which there is a temperature between 8 C and 14 C and an air humidity higher than 90%, - after a first ripening period between 3 and 7 days, wash a only once the crust of or each cheese product or cheese (F) with water then let them dry for at least 24 hours, - immediately after drying, transfer said cheese product (s) or cheese (F) to a box or a set (8) of boxes according to any one of claims 1 to 8, allowing said cheese product or cheeses (F) to stand for a second ripening period of between 10 and 30 days in an atmosphere, for example a ripening cellar, in which reigns a temperature between 10 C and 14 C and an air humidity greater than 90% until the desired final ripening of said cheese product (s) or cheeses (F).  12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the washing of the crust is preferably done with salt water. <Desc / Clms Page number 12>  13. The method of claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the second ripening period takes place in an atmosphere, for example a ripening cellar, in which prevail a temperature between 12 C and 14 C and a humidity of air greater than 95%.  14. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, using a set (8) of boxes according to claim 8 or 9 insofar as they relate to claims 4 to 6, characterized in that at least two sets (8) are stacked during the second ripening period, the top assembly (8 ′) of the stack containing cheese or cheese product (F) being covered by a suitable cover, if necessary by a top assembly ( 8 ') not containing cheese product (s) (F).  15. The method of claim 14 using a set of boxes according to claim 9 provided that it relates to claims 4 to 6, characterized in that at the end of ripening, the pile or piles formed by a vertical superposition d 'sets (8) are undone, the trays (1) forming the different sets (8) and containing cheese or cheese products (F) being detached from each other according to the preferred breaking lines and then covered with a closure means (2 ) removable such as an individual cover, glued film or the like.  16. A washed rind cheese product or cheese (F) obtained by the process according to any one of claims 11 to 15.  17. Cheese product or cheese (F) according to claim 16, characterized in that it is chosen from the group formed by Munster, epoisses or maroilles.  18. Packaging for a cheese or cheese product (F) characterized in that it consists of a box according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or 7.  19. Packaging for a cheese or cheese product (F) characterized in that it is obtained by separation of a tray (1) forming part of an assembly (8) according to claim 8 or 9 then covering of said tray ( 1) by a removable closure means (2) such as an individual cover, an adhesive film or the like.