After Pressing - Cut Before Air Drying?

[bcoots76]

I'm new to cheese making so this is probably a stupid question.....

Can you cut a wheel of cheese, that is right out of the mold, in half before air drying? If so, how thin is too thin? An inch? Two inches? Three inches? It's Traditional Cheddar.

My reason behind this is so I can open one and try it at different aging stages. I know I could just cut a slice off and re-wax or get a trier but for some unknown reason I'd rather do it this way if possible.

Thanks!


Brian

[smilingcalico]

A couple folks have tried this, with some ill effects. For some reason, the cut side doesn't behave exactly like the other sides during the ageing process.

[Tomer1]

I suspect oxidation during pressing\molding alters the external part differently then the internal part.

[bcoots76]

I'll leave it be.

Thanks!