Catalyst Chronicles

Dairy has always been recognised as a valuable source of nutrition. Milk, yoghurt, cheese, and other dairy products provide essential proteins, minerals, and vitamins that support everyday health. Today, however, consumers expect much more from the foods they choose. Nutrition alone is no longer enough. Modern diets are increasingly shaped by personal health goals and dietary preferences. Some consumers seek products that support digestive comfort. Others prioritise protein intake, active lifestyles, or healthy ageing. At the same time, lactose intolerance and changing eating habits have encouraged manufacturers to rethink how dairy products are developed and processed. This shift has created new opportunities for enzyme technology. For many years, enzymes in dairy processing were primarily associated with lactose reduction. Lactase remains an important tool because it breaks lactose into simpler sugars that are easier to digest. Yet the role of enzymes now extends far beyond addressin...

  Tea has earned global recognition for both its flavour and its health benefits. Much of this value comes from naturally occurring antioxidants such as catechins, theaflavins, and thearubigins. These compounds contribute to the character of the beverage while also supporting overall wellbeing. However, preserving them throughout processing is far from simple. The journey from fresh tea leaf to finished brew involves a series of carefully managed transformations. Oxidation develops colour, aroma, and flavour. At the same time, it can influence the concentration of valuable antioxidants. Too much oxidation may reduce beneficial compounds. Too little can leave the tea lacking complexity and depth. Finding the right balance is therefore one of the most important challenges in tea production. This balance depends heavily on enzymes. Tea leaves naturally contain enzymes that drive many of the biochemical reactions responsible for flavour and colour development. These reactions are essen...