My First Parm

[LoftyNotions]

Jeff, I had sticking problems with my last Parmesan also. I tried Sailor's straight vinegar spray idea, and was able to continue on without further sticking.

Re: Gouda troubles
« Reply #11 on: April 25, 2010, 09:14:58 PM »
Quote
Dipping works well, but I find the spray REALLY handy when trying to get a cheese flipped quickly - especially on the last flip of the night when I spray the cheese itself. In a dip, I use diluted solution like LB suggests. However I use full strength vinegar in the spray because I am using a lot less. I'm sure it could still be diluted 50/50 with water, but I'm getting really good results. When cheese decides to stick to a Kadova, it's a huge mess, so I'm going for the overkill. The added CaCl2 seems to be just as important as the pH.

From this thread: https://cheeseforum.org/forum/index.php/topic,3718.msg29062.html#msg29062

HTH,

Larry

[JeffHamm]

Thanks for that Larry.  Will keep that in mind for the next time.

Here's the cheese out of the brine.  It's 1120g, and measures 14.5 x 5.2, the brine has caused it to "compress" on itself and it's footballed out a wee bit, so the measurements are a bit woobly and I get a density of 1.36g/cm3, which is the highest density cheese I've ever had.  If I use 15.5 x 5.2, closer to the original measurements pre-brine (assuming that if it were flat topped and not bowed it would be 15.5 across) then I get a density around 1.14, which is more typical.  Anyway, it's looking good so now it's just a matter of aging it for 8-12 months. 

- Jeff

[Al Lewis]

Looks great Jeff and besides the molds they use on parms in Italy are already bowed so that's the shape you're shooting for!  ;D

[Danbo]

Looks great! :-)

[JeffHamm]

Thanks Al and Danbo!  I think the official moulds in Italy are just hoops, so open top and bottom.  They don't get no nubbins, poor souls.

[Danbo]

LOL! :-)

[Beans]

Good Parm takes a lot of patience.  I have one in the cave that's 3 years old and is just now tasting right.  The first couple of years it was very mild.  Hope you have success.
C

[Danbo]

Beans: A cheese for you for great patience! :-)

[Flound]

AC4U!

Parm! At Xmas...I like that idea.

Can't wait to see you, old bean.