Cheese Waxing: How To Seal In Deliciousness

Waxing cheese is a process that helps to preserve and protect the cheese until it ages. The first commercially waxed cheeses were from the Netherlands, including Dutch Gouda (or Edam), which was traded or sold as early as the 12th century. Waxing cheese involves melting cheese wax, which typically contains paraffin, microcrystalline waxes, and colouring, in a pot or bowl placed inside a larger pot filled with water. Once the wax is melted, it is applied to the surface of the cheese, which has been formed, pressed, and dried, using a natural-bristled brush. Multiple coats of wax may be applied to create a good protective layer. The wax helps prevent the growth of unwanted mould, retains moisture, and protects the cheese from bacteria and airborne diseases.

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Preparing the cheese

Firstly, ensure your cheese is formed and pressed. This step is important as it gives the cheese its shape and helps remove excess moisture, which can affect the waxing process and the overall quality of the cheese. Once the cheese is formed, it needs to dry off for a few days in a cool, well-ventilated area. Maintaining a cool temperature is essential to slow down the growth of mould and bacteria.

During the drying process, use a loose piece of cheesecloth to cover the cheese. This simple measure will protect the cheese from dust and debris, but it may not prevent mould growth. If mould develops, it is important to remove it before waxing. You can do this by using a brine or vinegar wash. A brine wash is made by dissolving approximately one teaspoon of salt in a cup of cool water. Apply the brine or vinegar solution to the cheese, and the mould will wipe away easily.

After removing any mould and ensuring the cheese is dry, it is now ready for waxing. However, it is important to note that even with these preparations, mould may still develop under the wax due to the low heat used in the waxing process.

If you are experiencing persistent mould issues, you may want to consider alternative methods such as vacuum packing or freezing the cheese in plastic bags. These methods can halt mould growth and allow you to cut off the wax and mould when you are ready to use the cheese.

In conclusion, preparing cheese for waxing involves drying, mould removal, and ensuring the cheese is at the optimal temperature and humidity levels. By following these steps, you will be able to create a safe and protective coating for your cheese during the waxing process.

Melting the wax

Melting wax requires caution to avoid burns or injuries. Cheese wax typically contains paraffin, a petroleum-based solid, and is therefore not compostable. Natural wax alternatives, such as beeswax, are available but may be more brittle and require a higher melting temperature.

To melt cheese wax, you can use a crock pot, a small electric cooker with temperature control, or a double boiler method. The double boiler method involves heating the wax in a pot or bowl placed inside a larger pot filled with water on the stove. This method is safer, as the wax never reaches dangerous temperatures, but it may not be hot enough to destroy mould on the cheese surface. To effectively kill mould spores, the wax should reach a temperature between 225-240°F.

When melting wax, it is important to control the temperature to prevent the wax from reaching its flashpoint and catching fire. Wax fires are extremely dangerous and cannot be extinguished with water. Once the wax is melted, you can begin applying it to the cheese surface with a natural-bristled brush, working quickly to ensure a good cover coat.

Applying the wax

When waxing cheese, it is crucial to be mindful of the temperature of the wax. The wax should be heated to a temperature high enough to destroy any mould on the cheese surface and prevent its growth underneath the wax. The recommended temperature range is 225-240°F, as wax can ignite if it exceeds its flashpoint of 400°F. To achieve the desired temperature, you can use a crockpot, an electric cooker with temperature control, or the double boiler method. However, maintaining the correct temperature with the double boiler method can be challenging.

Once the wax is melted, place a piece of aluminium foil under the cheese to catch any drips. Use a natural-bristled brush to apply the wax to the cheese, working quickly and using enough wax to create a good cover coat. Start by waxing the top surface and one side, letting the wax harden before waxing the remaining surfaces. Repeat the process to ensure a protective layer is formed, and apply a third coat if necessary.

After waxing, let the wax harden, and store the leftover wax, brush, and any utensils in the same container used for melting, covering it with a lid. It is important to note that cheese wax is not edible and should be removed before consuming the cheese.

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Waxing pitfalls

Waxing cheese is a great way to preserve and protect your cheese until it ages. However, there are some common pitfalls to be aware of when waxing cheese at home.

Firstly, it is important to ensure that your cheese is free of mould before waxing. If there is mould on the cheese before waxing, it will continue to grow while the cheese ages. To avoid this, use a brine or vinegar wash to clean and remove mould from your cheese before coating it. You can also use salt brine, apple cider vinegar, or olive oil to keep the cheese clean before waxing. It is also important to remove excess moisture from your cheese with a lint-free cloth before dipping it into the wax, as this will help the wax adhere to the cheese.

Secondly, controlling the temperature of the wax is crucial. The wax needs to reach a temperature of 224-240°F to prevent mould growth. However, if the wax gets too hot, it may reach its flashpoint and catch on fire. Therefore, it is important to constantly monitor the temperature of the wax and work cautiously when dipping the cheese. An electric deep cooker with temperature control can be a safer option than the double boiler method.

Thirdly, some types of wax may not be suitable for waxing cheese. While paraffin wax is commonly used, it tends to crack during ageing, allowing mould to enter and grow on the cheese surface. Beeswax is a natural alternative but may not have the strength to survive the ageing process unless handled carefully.

Finally, consider the utensils and containers used for waxing. Wax can be difficult to clean and may ruin your utensils and containers for other uses. It is recommended to use cheap utensils and pots dedicated solely to waxing cheese.

Waxing alternatives

While cheese wax is a popular method for preserving cheese, some people may prefer to explore other options. Here are some alternatives to waxing cheese:

• Vacuum sealing: Vacuum sealing can be an effective way to store cheese, especially if you are looking for a mess-free alternative to waxing. However, it's important to note that vacuum sealing can stall the aging process as it prevents air and gas exchange, which is necessary for the aging process.
• Refrigeration and freezing: Keeping cheese in the refrigerator or freezer can help prevent mould and drying out. However, this method takes up valuable storage space, and cheese will not continue to age and develop flavour in a frozen state.
• Natural coatings: Some natural coatings can be used instead of wax. For example, you can rub the outside of the cheese with raw apple cider vinegar to discourage mould. Olive oil can also be used as a coating, although it may not be ideal in humid environments as it can eventually lead to mould growth.
• Oil: Storing cheese in a bowl of oil is another alternative to waxing. However, this method may not be suitable for everyone, and it is important to research the specific considerations and potential challenges of this preservation technique.
• Beeswax: Beeswax can be used as a coating for cheese, providing a natural alternative to petroleum-based waxes. However, there are a few things to consider when using beeswax, such as its melting temperature, pliability, and the need to ensure it is heated sufficiently to kill unwanted bacteria.

These alternatives to waxing cheese can provide options for those who are unable or unwilling to use cheese wax. Each method has its own advantages and considerations, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your specific needs and preferences.

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