Well, truth be told....I once had some pure raw milk and the same OKA culture we're talking about rigght here in my home. It wasgiven to me about 3.5 years ago, when I had first expressed an intrest in making cheese. I believe it was Father Alberiq, himslef, who had sent along the milk, culture, and even some rennet through mutual friends.
At that particular time, though, I had only ever made paneer cheese and had no idea on any other method. I was just starting. I recieved, along with the milk and culture, a small torn piece of paper with two short lines written in pencil on it - instructions! But I had no understanding of the cheesemaking process then. I also had no idea what the culture was about or how precious it was.
Instead of using the culture, I made my first mozzarella using instructions from the internet. It turned out so perfectly wonderful and set me off on my journey to learn more and to learn how to do it as a true artist (which I am in several mediums).
Where I live is so devoid of cheesemakers, artists and artisans, organic anything...I have always felt very isolated in my artistic endeavours.....most people I know physically nearby simply think it's weird to want to do things for yourself, let alone actually make cheese - especially wheen you can buy cheap cheese at the store! I truly had no idea what the monastery was doing, the tradition they are carrying on, the importance of it all. I wish I had known sooner. I have always said that I would LOVE to be in the presence of a cheesemaker making cheese even just ONCE! A dream yet to be fullfilled.
I am hoping that, somehow, I can visit there and see what we could "work out", if anything. Certainly, I would keep some culture alive if I were fortunate enough to receive some again!
If/when I do, I will certainly update this thread and let you all know what happened.
Meanwhile, if you know any potential monks who would enjoy a lifestyle like this, PLEASE let me (or the Monastery) know!!! Time is of the essence!