use of helveticus starter

Started by broombank, July 17, 2023, 06:48:11 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

broombank

does anyone know which commercial British cheddars use a Helveticus starter? Use of this starter imparts a sweeter fruitier element to the taste. Artisanal producers don't use it. It's the big commercial dairies which do but i can't find out which ones. I am required to taste a helveticus started cheddar as part of the Academy of Cheese part 2 training course.

Aris

Commercial L. Helveticus is an adjunct starter culture (LH 100 or Flav 54) which doesn't produce enough lactic acid so it is paired with a starter culture that produce lactic acid (Flora Danica, MM 100 or MA 11). I think Old Winchester fits the bill. I have a hunch it has L. Helveticus.
https://www.thecourtyarddairy.co.uk/shop/buy-cheese/hard-cheese/buy-old-winchester-cheese/

Pitchfork, Montgomery, Cheddar Gorge and Westcombe cheddars probably have L. Helveticus because they use raw milk.