3.1.5. Aging
The purpose of aging is to make protein, lipid, emulsifier, and stabilizer fully expand with water, optimize the foamability of mixed materials, and increase viscosity. Time and temperature must be carefully monitored during the aging process. Pasteurized materials must be quickly cooled down to approximately 0–4°C. The aging process takes about 4–24 hours. Pathogens can grow in the temperature range of 20–38°C; therefore, the cooling rate must be maintained at a high level [17]. To prevent microorganism contamination, the aging facilities must be carefully sealed.