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GENERAL CHEESE MAKING BOARDS (Specific Cheese Making in Boards above) => STANDARD METHODS - Making Cheese, Coagulation => Topic started by: janij on June 05, 2012, 06:21:18 PM

Title: Rennet - Varying Quantity To Meet Flocculation Time Target
Post by: janij on June 05, 2012, 06:21:18 PM
I am new to using the floc method.  The first time I did it I realized my milk set in about 4 minutes using the guidelines on the bottle.  So the next time I cut the amount in half.  My floc time was 8 min.  So today I cut it to 1/4 the original amount.  After 15 minutes nothing had happened.  So I added another 1/4 t and it flocced 2 minutes later.
So, I am wondering what is going to happen.  Can you add more rennet?  Should have I used the 15 minutes plus the 2 for my floc time?
I am thinking I should stay with 1/2 the amount of rennet.  Or should I try a different kind?
Title: Re: Rennet - Varying Quantity To Meet Flocculation Time Target
Post by: DeejayDebi on June 07, 2012, 12:40:54 AM
What were you making?
Title: Re: Rennet - Varying Quantity To Meet Flocculation Time Target
Post by: Sailor Con Queso on June 07, 2012, 12:44:04 AM
If you added rennet twice, floc time is meaningless. In general, decrease your rennet to achieve the desired (longer) floc time. Lots of discussion if you search the Forum.
Title: Re: Rennet - Varying Quantity To Meet Flocculation Time Target
Post by: janij on June 07, 2012, 01:05:13 AM
The first two times I was making Swiss.  The last time Colby.
I figured when I added more rennet it was pointless to even think about floc.  So I went with the cut time recommended.  The colby seems to have turned out fine out of the press.
My question is when I fine the right quantity  to hit the desired floc time will is be universal?  Or am I going to have to experiment with different types of cheeses as well?
Title: Re: Rennet - Varying Quantity To Meet Flocculation Time Target
Post by: DeejayDebi on June 07, 2012, 01:07:42 AM
Should be pretty close all other things being equal.
Title: Re: Rennet - Varying Quantity To Meet Flocculation Time Target
Post by: janij on June 07, 2012, 01:46:09 AM
On Saturday I will probably make colby again.  This time I will try 3/8 t rennet and see if I get closer. 
Was it totally wrong for me to add more after the first rennet addition?
Title: Re: Rennet - Varying Quantity To Meet Flocculation Time Target
Post by: linuxboy on June 07, 2012, 03:45:37 AM
the thing is, you don't know how close you are to the milk setting. and then it's harder to know when to cut. So usually, not recommended.
Title: Re: Rennet - Varying Quantity To Meet Flocculation Time Target
Post by: Sailor Con Queso on June 07, 2012, 04:43:22 PM
Janij - you never actually said how much rennet that you used the first time at 4 minutes or when you got an 8 minute floc time. In any case, I would cut the amount to 1/4 of your original (4 minute) dosage and see what happens. So if you used 1 tsp, then use 1/4 tsp this time. Do NOT add extra rennet during coagulation. The point is to see how your milk and rennet interact.

For Colby, I would use a multiplier of 3.5. So you add your rennet, wait for the floc time, and then multiply that times 3.5 to get your set time.

For example - If your milk takes 16 minutes to floc then 16 x 3.5 = 56 minutes. You will cut the curd at 56 minutes from the time you added the rennet.

FYI - just for clarity, most of us refer to "floc" time "set" time. Floc time is when your milk actually STARTS to set. The "set" time is when you actually cut the curd.

Good luck.
Title: Re: Rennet - Varying Quantity To Meet Flocculation Time Target
Post by: janij on June 07, 2012, 08:45:26 PM
Thanks Sailor Con Queso,
The first time I used 1 t and got the 4 minutes.  The second time 1/2 t and 8 min.  Third time 1/4 and no floc by 15 min.  I should have waited but I was on a time line.  So I know 1/4 is too little.  And 1/2 is still to high.  So when I make Colby Sat I will use 3/8 t and see.
Also thanks for the terminology info. 
Title: Re: Rennet - Varying Quantity To Meet Flocculation Time Target
Post by: Tomer1 on June 07, 2012, 09:46:48 PM
You sould use the recommended amount (give or take depending on what flac time your shooting for) according to the MCI of the rennet type your using.
Title: Re: Rennet - Varying Quantity To Meet Flocculation Time Target
Post by: janij on June 10, 2012, 10:51:50 PM
I am making colby again tonight.  I added 3/8 t rennet to 4 gallons this time and got a 12 minute floc.  So I think I have figured out about the right amount for my milk.  The manufacture says 1 t for 4 gallons.  Thanks for all the help.