Cheese Making is an art form that allows us to preserve the economic and nutritional value of milk. The process can be easily done at home, but there are several important things to know before you start. In this article, we will discuss the ingredients and steps involved. We will also cover the necessary equipment. In addition, we will cover how to store and protect cheese in the refrigerator.
Process
The process of cheese making involves heating the curds at temperatures of about 35 to 55 degC. Heating the curds forces more whey to be extracted from the cut curd. It also speeds up certain chemical reactions and encourages the growth of certain microorganisms, which improve the cheese’s flavour. During the cheese-making process, the curds may also be salted, which adds flavour and lifts the texture. Adding salt to the cheese also extends its shelf life, preventing the growth of microorganisms that can cause spoilage.
The first step in cheese making is acidification of the milk. This can be done with the use of citric acid or vinegar. This method leads to the production of ricotta and mascarpone. Other types of cheese require a more prolonged ripening period, usually over a year. During this time, enzymes continue to work on the curds, more moisture may evaporate, and other chemical reactions occur.
Ingredients
To make a great cheese, you need the right ingredients. First, you need milk. Then, you need to add starter cultures, which are bacteria that increase the acidity of milk. These cultures kick start a series of processes that determine the final texture and flavor of your cheese. They also help your curds ripen and add acidity.
Many cheeses contain spices and herbs to give them a unique flavor. Others use a variety of salt to enhance their flavor. The possibilities are nearly endless.
Steps
The first step in cheese making is coagulation, which removes water content and prepares the cheese for the next step. Once this step is completed, the cheese is ready for the next step, which is the addition of secondary microorganisms to produce flavour, texture, and colour. Once the cheese has reached its final production stage, it is packaged and sold in the market.
The liquid used in cheese-making is made of micellar casein, which is composed of about 90 percent of total protein, and the remaining components are lactose and inorganic salts. It is possible to vary the fat content of the liquid used to make cheese by adjusting its proportions with the other components. The ideal liquid for cheese making contains about 15 to 40% solids and water in the ratio of water to casein.
Equipment
When you are making your own cheese, you will need a few essential items. These tools include a thermometer and a butter muslin, which is an important part of the process. Other items you will want to use include cheese molds and ladles. A slotted spoon is also useful for pressing and draining the whey.
You will also need a cheese vat. These are usually cylindrical in shape and have an open bottom. The inside is lined with cheese cloth. The external surface is waxed and pressed for around 12 to 16 hours. This process will allow you to achieve the desired moisture level in your cheese.
Sterilization
Sterilisation is a process to make processed cheese. It involves melting a mass of lactic ingredients at a temperature above 120deg C, developing it to the normal texture of processed cheese, and adding a texturising agent. Sterilisation occurs when the casein in the cheese is melted above 120deg C, and then reducing the temperature below this level to about sixty to one hundred degrees. Once this step is complete, the mass is stirred in a Stephan apparatus until it reaches the desired texture. Once the mass is the right consistency, a sample of the starting mixture is removed and transferred to the analogous sterile mixture.
Sterilization is necessary during the cheese-making process in order to protect the bacteria and enzymes that are necessary for the process. When rennet is used, proper sanitation is essential. When it is used incorrectly, it can become ineffective and cause an off-flavoured cheese.
