Cheese Making: The Art of Pressing

Cheese Making: The Art of Pressing

Pressing is a crucial step in the cheese making process, where the curds are compacted to expel whey and form the final shape of the cheese. Different cheeses require varying degrees of pressure and time in the press to achieve the desired texture and flavor.

During pressing, the curds are placed in molds and a weight is applied on top to help expel excess whey and knit the curds together. The pressure helps to create a smooth texture and remove air pockets, resulting in a firm and cohesive cheese.

Hard cheeses like cheddar or parmesan require more pressure and time in the press, often up to 24 hours or more. Soft cheeses, on the other hand, may only need a few hours of pressing. The pressing process is a delicate balance of time, pressure, and temperature to achieve the perfect cheese.