This is a pepper jack I made this weekend and it's on its second day of drying (out of the press yesterday). When I flipped it this morning I didn't notice any wet spots on it anywhere. Should I go ahead and wax it or let it dry out a bit more?
Thanks!
Neil
Great looking cheese, Neil! I would wait a bit, especially since you're waxing. If you were bagging, I'd say take a chance if you want and re-bag if you see any whey build-up, but you can't do that with wax (you can with transparent wax, but it's such a pain).
Nice looking cheese there ! ;D
I just coated and waxed a pepper jack yesterday , I let it dry for 5 days.
1 day is probably a little early.
Thanks.
When I turned it this evening the bottom side had some light/damp areas so I'll keep airing it out.
Should I be looking for a dryness similar to a slice of cheese that has been left out and dried up prior to waxing...?
Neil
Quote from: Neil on February 18, 2014, 12:34:11 AM
Should I be looking for a dryness similar to a slice of cheese that has been left out and dried up prior to waxing...?
One method I've been using to know when it's time to seal is; when you gently rub the bottom side with your hand and it produces a "gritty sand-paper-like sound", then you're safe to wax. I usually get that at around 5-7 days.
There are times I've lost patience and sealed prior to that "test". I'd say 80% of those times I've had weeping problems within a week's time.
I would recommend leaving it for about 4-8 days depending on how you are drying it, as said by spoons look for a sand paper feel. Good luck
Thanks for the feedback. When I flipped this morning I noticed a slight sandpaper feel around the sides. Each time I've flipped it there is slight moisture on the bottom (even if it was dry when it was flipped prior). I will continue until the whole thing has a sandpaper feel.
Thanks!