Use of cheese-cloth in Gouda moulds

[george13]

Would someone please describe the process of using cloth inside a mold.  I have these Gouda molds which do have a bottom and a rounded edge follower.  How does one avoid the bunching of the cloth into the cheese, which causes uneven surfaces.  What would happen if a cheese-cloth was not used.  Thanks

[MrsKK]

I'll start with your last question - if you don't use cheesecloth for your early pressings, the curd will most likely stick to your mold and you'll have a heck of a time getting it out.

Based on a suggestion posted by FarmerJD< I use sheeting fabric to make curd bags that fit well into my mold, with the upper portion being wider so that it can fold down outside of the mold.  I then have a circle of fabric that goes on top of the curds before putting the follower on.  I still have a few wrinkle marks, but not many.

You can also press "naked" for your last pressing.  Some people have luck with it, but I haven't seen much of a difference, I think because the wheel is too cool by that point to press the marks out.

[george13]

Thank you so much, I figured there had to be someone here that had to overcome the same problem at one point or another.