The application is directed to a method to manufacture pasta-filata cheese based on cultures comprising or consisting of either 1) at least a galactose-positive Streptococcus thermophilus strain as defined herein or 2) at least a Streptococcus thermophilus strain and a Lactococcus lactis strain, and to a stretched curd or cheese produced by this method. The application is also directed to a culture or kit-of-part comprising or consisting of a) a galactose-positive Streptococcus thermophilus strain as defined herein, and b) Lactococcus strain(s) and/or Lactobacillus helveticus strain(s).

A novel and advantageous system and method for producing cheese is disclosed. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a novel and advantageous system and method for producing cheese wherein coagulation occurs while milk is moving. The system may include a tube or pipe and a grinder. Milk mixed with coagulant is pushed through the coagulation tube. The milk coagulates during transfer through the coagulation tube. Cheese curd is expelled from the coagulation tube and directed for further processing.