Cheese Pre-Class Homework

Can you think of why salt is added to cheese?
      Salt can be added to cheese in order to preserve the curds for long periods of time. It probably can also be added to give it more flavor and help to solidify all the flavors in the cheese.

What is rennet?
       This was discovered by first someone figuring out that the most active portion of the young animal’s stomach to cause curdling was the abomasum. This part of the stomach was especially active in young calves. So, the abomasum was cut into strips and salted and dried. A small piece would be added to the curd so that the milk could be turned into curds and whey. This came to be known as rennen, which means to run together or to coagulate. This is used in the cheese making process in order to help the cheese to form and take its shape. It is an enzyme that produces a harder, more formed curd.

How long does it take to age cheese?
      Cheese can age for a wide variety of time. Cheese such as swiss cheese ages for about 6 months, but some cheese age for even a number of years. The aging process, also known as the ripening process, can range anywhere from a few days to several years. The longer the cheese ages, the longer the enzymes work and the more potent and intense the cheese flavor.

List the aromas your nose is able to identify in cheddar cheese:
- Pungent
- Buttery
- Sweet
- Creamy
- Blue cheese