Kamil Perry
Cheese wax is a traditional method of preserving cheese, preventing mould and other contaminants while allowing the flavour to develop. The wax is not meant to be eaten and can be difficult to remove. To remove wax from a cheese wooden box, one can use a cheese plane, a sharp knife, or peel it off with hot water, a hair dryer, or a hot towel. To prevent messes when waxing cheese, it is recommended to use cheap utensils and pots that can be dedicated to the task.
How to get wax out of a cheese wooden box
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Cheese plane, sharp knife, vegetable peeler, hair dryer, hot water, hot towel |
| Process | Cut a circle at the top of the wax, cut a circle around the circumference of the cheese, peel off wax |
| Tips | Avoid cutting the cheese itself, use a hair dryer 6 inches away and move in a circular motion, wrap cheese in a hot towel for a few minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Use a cheese plane to cut through the wax
If you have a block of waxed cheese and want to cut through the wax, the easiest and safest way to do this is to use a cheese plane. A cheese plane is a small, sharp metal device specifically designed for cutting cheese. It can be used to cut through the wax and open the cheese.
If you don't have a cheese plane, you can use a sharp knife. Start by cutting a circle at the top of the wax, then carefully cut a circle around the circumference of the cheese. Make sure to cut through the wax and not the cheese itself. Once you have cut through the wax, you can then peel it off to reveal the cheese inside.
Another option is to use a vegetable peeler to peel off layers of wax until you reach the cheese. However, if the wax layer is too thin, it may shred when you try to peel it off.
You can also use a hair dryer, a hot towel, or boiling water to melt the wax off the cheese, although this method is more time-consuming.
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Cut the wax with a sharp knife, then peel
To get wax out of a cheese wooden box, one effective method is to cut the wax with a sharp knife and then peel it off. This technique is especially useful when the wax layer is thick and firmly stuck to the cheese.
Firstly, ensure you have a sharp knife suitable for cutting through wax, such as a Stanley knife. A sharp knife is essential as it will provide more precision and control when cutting through the dense wax. Start by cutting a portion of the wax-covered cheese, depending on how much you want to consume. Cut a quarter or a half of the wheel of cheese, including the wax.
Next, carefully use the knife to cut into the wax, applying an up-and-down motion. Avoid pushing the knife through the wax in one go, as this may cause the wax to crack and crumble. Instead, slowly build up the cut by making multiple small cuts. Angle your first two cuts inward to create a V-shaped incision, and then gradually deepen the gap and straighten the walls of the cut.
Once you have made sufficient cuts into the wax, you can start peeling it off. Use your knife or a vegetable peeler to carefully lift and remove the wax from the cheese. Be gentle to avoid shredding the wax or accidentally cutting into the cheese. Clean the knife of any wax residue before using it to cut the cheese for consumption.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove wax from your cheese while preserving the edible portion. This method ensures you can enjoy your cheese while minimising waste and maintaining the presentation of the cheese wheel.
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Melt wax with hot water, then peel
To get wax out of a cheese wooden box, you can melt the wax with hot water and then peel it off. Here's a step-by-step guide:
First, fill a large pan with water and place it on your stove. Heat the water gently. You don't want to bring it to a boil; you just need it to be hot enough to melt the wax. Place the wax or the item with the wax residue into a smaller bowl and carefully set it inside the large pan, ensuring that the hot water does not get into the wax. The ideal temperature for melting wax is around 80 degrees Celsius or lower. If the wax gets too hot, it may scorch or even reach its flashpoint and catch fire, so always be cautious and never leave it unattended.
As the wax starts to melt, you can use a spoon or a similar utensil to help peel it away from the wooden box. Work carefully so that you don't damage the wood. Once most of the wax has melted, you can use paper towels to wipe away any remaining wax from the wooden box. Finally, you can clean the surface with a solvent like turpentine to ensure that all the wax residue is removed.
This method of melting wax with hot water is known as the double boiler method, and it's a safe and effective way to melt wax without overheating it. It's important to monitor the temperature of the wax as it heats up, and if you're adding any colours or fragrances, make sure to follow the specific instructions for those additions.
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Use a hair dryer to melt the wax
If you want to get wax off a cheese wooden box, one way to do it is to use a hair dryer. This method is more time-consuming than using a cheese plane or a sharp knife, but it can be a good option if you don't have those tools.
To use a hair dryer to melt the wax off a cheese wooden box, follow these steps:
- Hold the hair dryer about six inches away from the wax.
- Move the hair dryer in a circular motion.
- Continue until the wax has melted and can be easily peeled off.
The heat from the hair dryer will melt the wax, allowing it to be peeled off quite easily. This method is safe and effective, but it may take a little longer than other methods. It is important to be careful when handling the hair dryer and to avoid touching the hot wax with your hands.
Using a hair dryer to remove wax from a cheese wooden box is a convenient and effective method that can be easily performed at home. It may take a few tries to completely remove all the wax, but with patience and caution, you can successfully get the wax off without damaging the box or harming yourself.
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Avoid shredding the wax by ensuring it's thick enough
When removing wax from cheese, it's important to ensure that the wax layer is thick enough to avoid shredding. If the wax is too thin, it may stick to the cheese and shred when you try to peel it off, especially if the cheese has a textured surface.
To avoid this issue, you can try the following methods:
- Cut the wheel of cheese, wax and all, into quarters or halves. Then, you can simply peel the wax off of the cut surfaces. Remember to clean the knife of any wax before using it to cut the cheese you'll be eating.
- Use a vegetable peeler to peel off layers of wax until you reach the cheese.
- If you're waxing your own cheese, ensure you use plenty of wax to get a good cover coat. Wax the top surface and one side, let the wax harden, and then do the remaining surface. Repeat the process if needed to create a good protective layer.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that the wax layer is thick enough to be removed cleanly without shredding.
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Frequently asked questions
The wax on the cheese wooden box can be removed with hot water, a hair dryer, or a hot towel. If the wax is too thick, it may be easier to use a sharp knife or cheese plane to cut through the wax and then peel it off.
Using hot water is the safest method to remove wax from a cheese wooden box without causing damage. Simply pour hot water over the wax and it will melt and can be easily peeled off.
Cheese wax can be reused to seal bottles or jars, create candles or wax seals, or even as a substitute for dry kindling when camping.
To prevent wax from dripping onto your cheese wooden box, place a piece of aluminium foil between the waxing pot and the cheese to catch any drips.
