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GENERAL CHEESE MAKING BOARDS (Specific Cheese Making in Boards above) => INGREDIENTS - Lactic Acid Starter Cultures => Topic started by: Nicki on November 30, 2011, 09:17:19 AM

Title: Freeze Dried Starters Cultures - Shelf Life In Freezer?
Post by: Nicki on November 30, 2011, 09:17:19 AM

Hi

I was wondering if anyone could tell me how long you can store starter cultures in the freezer? I bought some different kinds 2 years ago when I started cheese making but had to take a break for a year. I still have most of my cultures and am wondering if I need to buy new ones or I can use these up first?

Title: Re: Freeze Dried Starters Cultures - Shelf Life In Freezer?
Post by: FRANCOIS on November 30, 2011, 10:32:22 AM

Starters don't go "bad" but lose effectivity.  Just use a bit more of them.  I have used freeze dried cultures that were 5 years old and they still worked, just had to use lots of them.

Title: Re: Freeze Dried Starters Cultures - Shelf Life In Freezer?
Post by: Nicki on November 30, 2011, 05:58:36 PM

Thanks for that. I was a bit worried about spending a lot of money when it wasn't necessary. :)

Title: Re: Freeze Dried Starters Cultures - Shelf Life In Freezer?
Post by: dthelmers on November 30, 2011, 06:01:16 PM

It might be a good time to make some mother cultures from them. That way you don't have to guess at the strength when you make your cheese.

Title: Re: Freeze Dried Starters Cultures - Shelf Life In Freezer?
Post by: Nicki on December 01, 2011, 09:51:37 AM

Good idea. I will do that. Thanks