Is there a preferred order - culture THEN Ca Cl or does it not matter?

[Bernardsmith]

Is it best to add the culture and allow the milk to ripen and then add calcium chloride or can I add the calcium chloride to the milk as I am raising the temperature before I add the culture? If one way is better what is the reason? Thanks.

[tashad]

I'm no expert, but tend to add the CaCl to the cold milk as it's warming.  I don't know if it's better or not, but I've read to not add it too close to the rennet, so I add it first and then there's no conflict.  I have never noticed any problems caused by adding the calcium chloride too soon.

[Bernardsmith]

Tasha, Many thanks for this. But it IS interesting that most (all?) published recipes suggest the culture be added first and then the Ca Cl... They don't say why and they don't suggest that there is a recognized problem if it is added sooner. I think I will experiment with your approach given that you say you have never had any problem with it. Again - Thank you for your very quick response.

[AnnDee]

I have done both, to cold milk before warming it to temp and after culture before rennet. I don't see any significant difference really.

[Bernardsmith]

Thanks Ann.

[Stella]

I don't think that it matters if you add before or around/ with cultures, what does matter is that you add your CaCl at least 20 minutes before you rennet.
Good luck!

[Al Lewis]

I mix mine with some cool water and toss it in the pot before I put the milk in.  As you are just putting something back into the milk that was taken out during the PH procedure, and it should be there anyway to start with, why would you possibly need to wait as stated in so many of these recipes?  It wouldn't matter if I were using raw milk that the CaCl was still in it.  I get amazing curd doing it this way.

[GortKlaatu]

I agree completely Al.  It only makes sense.

[falinna]

I also add CaCl to cold milk right from the start to make sure I don't forget, and I get good results.

[Bernardsmith]

Thanks again to everyone who posted in response to my question. All very helpful - Let me wish everyone on this forum a very happy and safe New Year.