Pepper Jack drying

[Neil]

This is a pepper jack I made this weekend and it's on its second day of drying (out of the press yesterday).  When I flipped it this morning I didn't notice any wet spots on it anywhere.  Should I go ahead and wax it or let it dry out a bit more?

Thanks!
Neil

[Spoons]

Great looking cheese, Neil! I would wait a bit, especially since you're waxing. If you were bagging, I'd say take a chance if you want and re-bag if you see any whey build-up, but you can't do that with wax (you can with transparent wax, but it's such a pain).

[jwalker]

Nice looking cheese there !

I just coated and waxed a pepper jack yesterday , I let it dry for 5 days.

1 day is probably a little early.

[Neil]

Thanks.

When I turned it this evening the bottom side had some light/damp areas so I'll keep airing it out. 
Should I be looking for a dryness similar to a slice of cheese that has been left out and dried up prior to waxing...?


Neil

[Spoons]

Should I be looking for a dryness similar to a slice of cheese that has been left out and dried up prior to waxing...?

One method I've been using to know when it's time to seal is; when you gently rub the bottom side with your hand and it produces a "gritty sand-paper-like sound", then you're safe to wax. I usually get that at around 5-7 days.

There are times I've lost patience and sealed prior to that "test". I'd say 80% of those times I've had weeping problems within a week's time.

[Matthewcraig]

I would recommend leaving it for about 4-8 days depending on how you are drying it, as said by spoons look for a sand paper feel. Good luck

[Neil]

Thanks for the feedback.  When I flipped this morning I noticed a slight sandpaper feel around the sides.  Each time I've flipped it there is slight moisture on the bottom (even if it was dry when it was flipped prior).  I will continue until the whole thing has a sandpaper feel.

Thanks!