Author Topic: Haloumi falls apart when boiling  (Read 2491 times)

Sy

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Haloumi falls apart when boiling
« on: December 09, 2012, 09:40:56 AM »
Can anybody tell me why my haloumi falls apart when I boil it? I leave it in a press for a good 3 hours prior to boiling. Thanks

Offline Schnecken Slayer

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  • Location: Newcastle, Australia
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  • Making cheese since October 2012
Re: Haloumi falls apart when boiling
« Reply #1 on: December 09, 2012, 09:45:43 AM »
Hi,

As per the other thread.

You do not boil the cheese.
Simply:-
 Heat the collected whey to 80–90oC and place the curd pieces in the hot whey. At first the curd pieces sink but when properly textured they rise to the surface. Transfer the pieces to a draining table.
-Bill
One day I will add something here...

Banjoza

  • Guest
Re: Haloumi falls apart when boiling
« Reply #2 on: December 09, 2012, 01:17:13 PM »
Hi Sy,

Schenecken Slayer has given you the answer.  I too am in Fort Mistake - KZN - South Africa (where are you living?).

I make a lot of Halloumi and Ricotta and once the cheese floats in the hot (80 to 85degC) whey, I fish it out and split it to insert mint leaves. then leave it to cool down with a light weight on it, before putting it into the brine. It always comes out well. I only spoilt one batch when the brine was too hot - like yours. It didn't even turn into Mozzerella that time, just a complete failed-make!

Also don't press the curds too heavily when you first take them out of the pot (prior to "cooking") The time you mentioned (3 hours) is fine but the weight should be quite light. You will know it's too heavy if the whey that comes out of the curd is white like milk. It should be clear like lemon-juice (I amost said urine - the nurse in me!)

Good luck.