Characterisation by SPME–GC–MS of the volatile profile of a Spanish soft cheese P.D.O. Torta del Casar during ripening

The volatile profile of the Spanish soft cheese of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Torta del Casar, made from raw ewes’ milk, was studied in four different stages of ripening (1, 30, 60 and 90 days) by the method of SPME–GC–MS. A total of 46 compounds were detected: 13 acids, 9 esters, 4 ketones, 7 alcohols, 3 aldehydes, 7 aromatic compounds and 3 compounds which could not be classified into those groups. Carboxylic acids were the most abundant group isolated; their levels significantly increased during ripening and comprised 61.5% of the total aroma extract at the end of ripening. At day 90, acids of microbial origin were the most abundant, followed by acids derived from amino acids while acids from lipolysis of triglycerides were the least abundant. Esters were the next most important group and their amount also increased significantly during maturation, as did ketones, while alcohols content slightly decreased at the end of the ripening. At day 90, the compounds at highest levels were acetic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, butanoic acid propyl ester and 2-butan-one; so these compounds, due to their high levels and their low threshold value could play an important role in the final aromatic profile of this cheese.