An enzyme that degrades sulfur-containing amino acids was purified from Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris B78; this strain was isolated from a mixed-strain, mesophilic starter culture used for the production of Gouda cheese. The enzyme has features of a cystathionine (beta)-lyase (EC 4.4.1.8), a pyridoxal-5(prm1)-phosphate-dependent enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of methionine and catalyzing an (alpha),(beta)-elimination reaction. It is able to catalyze an (alpha),(gamma)-elimination reaction as well, which in the case of methionine, results in the production of methanethiol, a putative precursor of important flavor compounds in cheese. The native enzyme has a molecular mass of approximately 130 to 165 kDa and consists of four identical subunits of 35 to 40 kDa. The enzyme is relatively thermostable and has a pH optimum for activity around 8.0; it is still active under cheese-ripening conditions, viz., pH 5.2 to 5.4 and 4% (wt/vol) NaCl. A possible essential role of the enzyme in flavor development in cheese is suggested.