Question: Mother Culture

[CheeWilly]

I have sterilized my milk and adding some mother cultures to create a starter.  After coagulation, my directions state to freeze the starter in ice cube trays.  My question is can I use the starter as soon as the it is finished, or do I need to freeze the starter and then use at a later date?  I will be making gouda, my first cheese, tomorrow if I can use the starter prior to freezing.

[linuxboy]

Using fresh and never freezing is best. Freezing is just a way to extend the life.

[CNYquesero]

how long can you keep it around unfrozen and reliably use it?

[linuxboy]

Using what process and methods? and what storage temps? Using the normal bulk culture technique, usable life is 4-5 days in fridge temps.