Learn To Make Cheese

Leeners, based in Ohio sells kits and supplies for making everything from beer to bubble gum.  That includes cheese.   Their site also provides reliable, straightforward cheesemaking information from start to finish.  You’ll learn about the types of milk, kitchen equipment, recipes, and more.

Here’s an excerpt:

Starter Cultures

The acidification of milk in cheese making by means of bacteria is called ripening.  A variety of bacteria cultures are available for making specific cheese types.  These bacteria, commonly called starters, are added to the milk after pasteurization and at specific temperatures.  They are allowed to work for specific time periods depending on the type of cheese. During this period the bacteria consumes the lactose which is milk sugar.  The biological process is the same as the fermentation of beer or wine.  As the bacteria eat, they produce lactic acid which in turn causes the milk protein to develop into curd.  Other byproducts of this ripening stage provide flavor compounds which enhance the character of the finished cheese.

These cheese starter cultures are available in two forms.  They are defined as culturable and direct-to-vat.  culturable starters are similar to sourdough starters in that they are prepared in advanced and preserved for future use.  Direct-to-vat cultures are much more convenient for the home cheese maker.  No preparation of the culture is required.  These freeze dried cultures are added directly to the milk in the same way you would use bread yeast.

Information and instructions for ingredients used in cheese making.

Artisanal Cheese has its own blog where different staff members write about cheese.  They discuss things like cheeses and cocktail pairings and addressing misconceptions about mold on cheese.  Needless to say, it’s fascinating!

We particularly enjoyed the article on organic or genetically modified cheese. It discusses hormones, artificial flavors, homogenization and other unfortunate aspects of industrial cheese production.

Here’s an excerpt:

“No more smoked cheese in USA. All are produce with artificial flavor added, even those rewarded at the annual American Cheese Society competition.

Most of the cheeses produce in North America are with“engineering” rennet to avoid usage of animal rennet (natural). Engineering means laboratory reproduction. Naturalist considers those as genetically modified products (GMO). Most good producers make cheese with animal rennet which has very bad press with vegetarian.”

» Organic or Genetically Modified? » News From The Cheese Caves.

Practical Cheesemaking

Practical Cheesemaking gives detailed advice on all aspects of the complex cheesemaking process for both the commercial cheesemaker in the dairy and the enthusiastic amateur in the kitchen. Topics covered include necessary equipment and ingredients; scientific processes explained; hygiene and control tests; storage, grading, and packing; and some tempting cheese recipes. Whether you are making cheese for commercial reasons or simply for your own use, Practical Cheesemaking will help you to produce a cheese that you will be proud to serve or to sell.

The Wall Street Journal had an interesting article recently titled “Cheese Whizzes” on the growing popularity of cheesemaking.  Many  professionals and retirees are taking up this fascinating handcrafted practice  full-time.”

“Ms. Hanley and her husband, Leo Brooks, got into the cheese business after they moved to Westport Point, Mass., an old whaling village, in 1995. They were alarmed that local dairy farmers were struggling with low milk prices and selling their land to developers. To preserve the rural landscape, Ms. Hanley worked with one nearby dairy farmer, Karl Santos, and his three brothers, to convert some milk production to making cheese, which pays significantly better than fluid milk.”

Cheese is one of the most consumed milk product. The iron and calcium content of the food is ideal for bone development. No wonder then that a variety of cheese is available in the market, most of them as an ingredient for preparing dishes. However, for most people, cheese is best eaten as it is: for snack or to accompany bread or simply for munching something when there is nothing better to do. (more…)