Make Your Own Cheese
Make your own cheese at home is an integral part of self-sufficiency and frugal living. There are a million ways of making homemade cheese, and each method has its own advantages and difficulty levels.
Here’s a table outlining various types of cheese and a brief description of how they are typically made:
| Cheese Type | Description | How to Make |
|---|---|---|
| Cheddar | Firm, smooth-textured cheese with varying sharpness levels. | Heat cow’s milk, add starter culture and rennet, cut curds, press, and age. |
| Mozzarella | Soft, mild, and slightly tangy cheese, often used in pizza and lasagna. | Use cow’s milk, add citric acid and rennet, cut curds, stretch and shape. |
| Parmesan | Hard, granular cheese with a nutty, savory flavor, often grated over dishes. | Use cow’s milk, heat and curdle, cut and cook curds, press and age for months. |
| Brie | Soft cheese with a creamy interior and edible rind. | Heat cow’s milk, add rennet, cut and ladle curds, drain, mold, and age. |
| Swiss (Emmental) | Hard, holey cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. | Use cow’s milk, add starter culture and rennet, cook curds, press, and age. |
| Blue Cheese (Roquefort) | Cheese with blue veins and a strong, tangy flavor. | Use cow’s milk, inoculate with Penicillium culture, pierce to allow mold growth, and age. |
| Ricotta | Soft, creamy, and slightly grainy cheese, often used in Italian cuisine. | Heat whey (from making other cheeses), reheat, collect curds, and drain. |
| Cottage Cheese | Soft, lumpy cheese with a mild flavor. | Curdle cow’s milk with acid or rennet, cut curds, cook, drain, and rinse. |
| Gouda | Semi-hard cheese with a mild, nutty flavor and smooth texture. | Use cow’s milk, add starter culture and rennet, cut and cook curds, press, and age. |
| Feta | Crumbly, tangy cheese typically made from sheep’s milk. | Use sheep’s or goat’s milk, add rennet, cut curds, drain, salt, and age. |
| Camembert | Soft, creamy, and ripened cheese with a strong flavor. | Heat cow’s milk, add rennet, ladle curds into molds, drain, and age. |
Note:
- The process of making cheese can vary slightly based on specific recipes, milk types, cultures, and aging conditions.
- The mentioned cheese-making process is a simplified overview; each cheese type may have its unique nuances and variations.
To make these cheeses, it’s advisable to follow detailed, tried-and-true recipes to achieve the best results.
Today, Farmvina will help you make 1 type of cheese easily at home! So, what do you need to make this delicious homemade cheese? You would need, one quarter fresh cream, 1/8 th teaspoon of mesophilic starter culture, a really fine cheesecloth and sea salt.
- Before you start making your own cheese, you should first make the mesophilic starter culture. You can use over the counter culture as well; however, it is better you make your own. In a clean and dry glass jar, add fresh and unpasteurized milk.
- Close the lid very loosely, making sure that you leave a slight crack open. Let this sit on the counter until the milk starts to thicken. If you are lucky, you might be able to get thick milk within 24 hours; however, sometimes, it might take more than 30 hours as well.
- Once the milk thickens, you should get it to look like yogurt. Once it comes to this consistency, you should stir it, and pour it into a fresh freezer cube tray.
- With each of these cubes, you get nearly one ounce of Mesophilic starter culture.
- Now take one quarter fresh cream in a clean bottle, and gently add the Mesophilic starter culture.
- Don’t close the bottle tightly; just let the cover sit loosely on the bottle.
- Leave this bottle to rest for at least 8 to 12 hours for culture to start developing.
- You would know that it is ready when the mixture starts resembling thick yogurt.
- Gently dump this thickened cream on to cheesecloth; make sure that the whey continues to drip for at least 10 to 12 hours. Remember that the longer you let the cream drip, the thicker and firmer your cheese will be.
- Now, slowly scrap the cheesecloth and sprinkle salt (as required).
- Store this creamy cheese in an airtight container for future use.
Hope these 11 steps will help you make your own cheese easily at home. Read more to discover other homesteading lessons.
The Benefits of Cheese:
Here are some notable benefits of cheese:
Rich Source of Nutrients:
Cheese is a good source of essential nutrients, including calcium, protein, phosphorus, vitamin B12, riboflavin, zinc, and selenium.
Bone Health:
Calcium, phosphorus, and protein in cheese are essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. Regular consumption can help prevent osteoporosis and fractures.
Protein Powerhouse:
Cheese is a high-quality protein source, aiding in muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. It is particularly beneficial for vegetarians and individuals who need to meet their protein needs.
Heart Health:
Despite being high in saturated fat, some studies suggest that moderate consumption of cheese may not significantly impact heart health and may even have a neutral or beneficial effect on cardiovascular risk factors.
Weight Management:
Cheese is satiating, helping to control appetite and reduce overall food intake. Protein in cheese can also contribute to a feeling of fullness and may support weight loss or weight management efforts.
Blood Pressure Regulation:
The potassium content in cheese can help regulate blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium and maintaining a healthy balance of electrolytes in the body.
Healthy Aging:
Nutrients like vitamin B12 and zinc in cheese play a vital role in cognitive function and may contribute to healthy aging, supporting memory and brain health.
Improved Gut Health:
Fermented cheeses, like yogurt and certain types of cheese, contain live bacteria (probiotics) that support a healthy gut microbiome, aiding digestion and promoting overall gut health.
Enhanced Nutrient Absorption:
The fat content in cheese can aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are crucial for various bodily functions.
Dental Health:
The calcium and phosphorus in cheese can contribute to stronger tooth enamel and dental health, reducing the risk of tooth decay.
Mood Booster:
Cheese contains amino acids that can increase the production of serotonin in the brain, potentially enhancing mood and reducing stress.
Versatile and Enjoyable:
Cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into a wide range of dishes, enhancing the taste and enjoyment of meals.
It’s important to note that while cheese offers various benefits, moderation is key due to its high calorie and fat content. Choosing lower-fat or reduced-sodium cheese options can be a healthier choice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.
Originally posted 2020-06-26 17:28:53.
