Calcium Chloride - Adding Before Or After Pre-Ripening?

[Zinger]

I am making a Manchego and I just inadvertantly added my calcium chloride before letting my milk ripen. Should I add more calcium chloride after ripening or just let it go?

[DeejayDebi]

Let it go. There are some schools of thought that the calcium chlride should be added first.

[Zinger]

Thanks Debi, I appeciate your answering in a timely manner. You confirmed my gut feeling.

Thanks again.

[wharris]

I add mine prior as well

[DeejayDebi]

I have done it both ways and I haven't noticed a significant difference although I haven't done much store bought milk lately.

[vogironface]

The other day I forgot to add the CaCl2 and did not remember until 5 minutes after adding rennet.  I very quickly measured it out, diluted it and mixed it in very quickly.  Had a great curd set.  This may illustrate that there is a wide window of opportunity for adding CaCl2.

[DeejayDebi]

More than one way to skin a cat or to make cheese!