Patrick Oconnell
Cheese wax is a special type of wax used to coat and preserve cheese. It helps prevent unwanted mould growth and retains moisture while the cheese is aged. Cheese wax is typically paraffin-based, but it is better suited to preserving cheese than regular paraffin wax, which is crumbly and brittle. Cheese wax comes in a variety of colours, including red, yellow, and black, and can be made from different materials such as beeswax, microcrystalline wax, or paraffin. In this discussion, we will explore the different types of cheese wax, their benefits and drawbacks, and provide suggestions for using and reusing cheese wax.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To provide a safe coating for cheese, preventing unwanted mold growth and retaining moisture while the cheese is aged |
| Composition | Paraffin-based, sometimes mixed with microcrystalline wax or beeswax |
| Colour | Comes in every colour of the rainbow, but the most common are red, yellow, and black |
| Texture | Soft and pliable |
| Application | Brushed or dipped onto cheese |
| Storage | Should be stored in a cool place, away from high heat |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Cheese wax is made from paraffin, microcrystalline wax, or beeswax
Cheese wax is a special type of wax designed to preserve cheese. It acts as a seal, preventing unwanted mould growth and moisture loss while retaining the cheese's moisture and preventing it from drying out. Cheese wax is typically made from paraffin, microcrystalline wax, or beeswax, each with its own unique properties and advantages.
Paraffin-based cheese wax is a popular option due to its ability to provide an effective seal. It is softer and more pliable than pure paraffin wax, which can become brittle and crack easily. This makes it ideal for brushing or dipping onto cheese, creating a thick coating that protects the cheese from mould and ultraviolet light.
Microcrystalline wax is another option for cheese wax. It is known for its durability and ability to withstand cold conditions without becoming brittle. This makes it a suitable choice for coating cheese and ensuring a long-lasting seal.
Beeswax, a natural and renewable product, has been used for centuries to wax cheeses. It is appreciated for its sustainability and natural composition. However, beeswax can also become brittle when stored in cold conditions, potentially cracking and pulling away from the cheese. To counteract this, some cheese makers suggest adding vegetable shortening, coconut oil, or mineral oil to the beeswax to improve its pliability.
Regardless of the type of wax chosen, the process of waxing cheese involves either brushing or dipping the cheese to create a protective coating. This involves melting the wax, carefully applying it to the cheese, and allowing it to cool and harden, forming a safe and effective barrier that preserves the quality and flavour of the cheese.
The Making of La Bonne Vie Cheese: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
You may want to see also
It prevents unwanted mould growth
Cheese wax is designed to prevent the growth of unwanted mould while retaining the cheese's moisture and preventing it from drying out. It acts as a seal, locking out mould and bacteria while keeping the cheese inside fresh. Waxing homemade cheese requires melting the wax in a double boiler to avoid direct flame. The cheese should be dried and chilled before waxing, and the wax should be heated to 210ºF. The wax can be brushed onto the cheese with a natural bristle brush or carefully dipped, one side at a time.
To prevent mould growth, it is important to ensure that the cheese is not sitting in a warm area, as this can cause butterfat to leak through the wax. Additionally, stirring the curds longer, increasing the temperature, and adding enough culture to the milk can help prevent mould. If mould does develop, it is usually due to waxing at too low a temperature or leaving pinholes during the waxing process. In this case, the wax can be removed, the surface cleaned, and the cheese re-waxed.
While paraffin-based cheese wax is commonly used, it can become brittle and crack easily, especially when subjected to temperature changes. Beeswax is a natural alternative that has been used for centuries, but it too can become brittle and crack, leading to mould growth. To prevent this, some cheese makers add vegetable shortening, coconut oil, or mineral oil to the beeswax. However, others prefer to keep the beeswax pure and unaltered.
Overall, cheese wax is an effective way to prevent unwanted mould growth and maintain the freshness of cheese. By following proper waxing techniques and storing the cheese correctly, cheese makers can ensure the quality and longevity of their products.
Where Great Value Swiss Cheese Is Produced?
You may want to see also
It retains moisture while cheese is aged
Cheese wax is designed to retain moisture while the cheese is aged and prevent the growth of unwanted mould. It is a special type of wax, distinct from pure paraffin wax, which is specifically designed for preserving cheese. Cheese wax is softer and more pliable, preventing it from becoming brittle and cracking. It works as a seal, locking out bacteria and mould while keeping the cheese inside fresh.
Cheese wax comes in a variety of colours, with red, yellow, and black being the most common. The colour of the wax does not affect the cheese's composition or flavour. Instead, it can be used to indicate the type of cheese or the time of year. For example, black wax often indicates an aged cheese, while shamrock-shaped cheddars in bright green wax are popular around St. Patrick's Day.
Applying cheese wax involves either brushing or dipping the cheese into the wax. When dipping, it is important to allow the excess wax to drip off before flipping the cheese and holding it until the wax cools. The process may need to be repeated to ensure an even coat, and the cheese should be allowed to cool completely before handling.
Cheese wax can be made from a variety of materials, including paraffin, microcrystalline wax, and beeswax. Beeswax is a natural, renewable option that has been used for centuries, but it may crack and pull away from the cheese in cold conditions. To prevent this, some people add vegetable shortening, coconut oil, or mineral oil to the beeswax. Others prefer to keep the beeswax pure and unaltered.
Blue Cheese Dip: Creamy, Tangy, and Delicious
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$14.95
It comes in various colours
Cheese wax comes in a variety of colours, from red to purple, and every colour in the rainbow. The colour of the wax does not change the cheese's composition or flavour. The most common colours are red, yellow, and black. Black wax, for example, is often used to indicate the age of the cheese, with black-waxed cheeses tending to be older. Similarly, young cheddars are usually coated in red wax, while aged cheddars are coated in black wax.
Around St. Patrick's Day, shamrock-shaped cheddars coated in bright green wax are popular. Wax colour can also be coordinated with the time of year or an upcoming holiday.
Cheese wax colourants are made using pigments approved by the Food and Drug Administration, so they are all safe to use on cheese.
While cheese wax is paraffin-based, it is better suited to preserving cheese than regular paraffin wax, which is crumbly and brittle and does not provide an effective seal. Cheese wax is also much more durable than beeswax, which can become brittle and crack when set and stored in cold conditions.
Cheese Jokes: Backwards Humor for Foodies
You may want to see also
It can be melted down and reused
Cheese wax is a special kind of wax used to preserve cheese. It is designed to provide a safe coating that prevents unwanted mould growth while retaining the cheese's moisture. The wax is soft and pliable, and it can be brushed or dipped onto the cheese. Typically, cheese wax is paraffin-based, but it is also commonly made from beeswax, which is a natural, renewable, and sweet-smelling product.
If you have cheese wax left over from a previous block of cheese, you can melt it down and reuse it. This is a great way to save money and reduce waste. To reuse cheese wax, it is important to first melt it down safely. This can be done using a double boiler to avoid direct flame. The wax should be heated to around 190-210°F. Once melted, the wax should be strained through a cheesecloth to remove any remaining bits of cheese and ensure it is clean.
After the wax has been cleaned, it can be reused to coat new batches of cheese. It is important to note that the cheese should be dry and cold before applying the wax. The wax can be brushed onto the cheese with a natural bristle brush or carefully dipped into a wax pot one side at a time. This process can be repeated to add multiple coats of wax, filling in any bubbles or pin holes.
In addition to coating cheese, melted cheese wax can also be used for other purposes. For example, it can be moulded into various shapes or used to create candles. However, it is important to remove any remaining cheese to avoid creating cheese-smelling candles. Overall, reusing cheese wax is a great way to be creative and practical while reducing waste.
The Cheeses of New York: A Tasty Tour
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Cheese wax is typically made from paraffin with an extra ingredient to prevent it from becoming brittle and easily cracked. It can also be made from beeswax, which is a natural, renewable option, but this can be more high-maintenance.
Cheese wax is used to coat cheese and prevent unwanted mould growth while retaining moisture during the ageing process.
Cheese wax comes in every colour of the rainbow, although red, yellow and black are the most common.
Cheese wax can be applied by brushing it onto dried and chilled cheese, or by dipping the cheese into a pot of wax.
