Microflora of Tafí Cheese: Changes During Manufacture and Maturation.

Changes in microbial flora during the manufacture and maturation of Argentine Tafí cheese was examined. The microbial flora was found to be predominantly mesophilic streptococci, leuconostocs and homofermentative lactobacilli. Streptococcus lactis predominated on the surface and in the internal portion of the cheese after pressing. Streptococcus cremoris reached its maximum population after salting. The main microbial types during maturation were Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum . Pathogenic microorganisms were not detected in any of the samples analyzed.