What Equipment Is Needed For Aging Cheese?

“Hey there! I’ve been trying my hand at making cheese at home in my little kitchen in Brisbane. I’ve got the basics down for making the cheese itself, but I’m totally lost when it comes to the aging process. There’s so much information out there, and I’m not sure what equipment I actually need to get started aging cheese properly. Could you give me a detailed rundown of everything I might need?” Cheers, Mark, Brisbane, Australia.

What Equipment Is Needed For Aging Cheese?

Hey Mark, aging cheese at home can be incredibly rewarding, but it does require some specific gear to ensure your cheese matures perfectly. Let’s break down everything you need to set up your very own cheese aging space, often referred to as a “cheese cave”.

1. Cheese Cave

A cheese cave is essentially a controlled environment where the temperature and humidity are regulated. This is very important because different cheeses require different aging conditions. While professional cheese caves can be costly, plenty of affordable alternatives work well for home cheesemakers:

• Wine Fridges or Beverage Coolers: They offer good control over temperature and usually have a range that is suitable for cheese aging (50-55°F or 10-13°C).
• Mini Fridges: If you’re starting small, a basic mini fridge fitted with a temperature regulator can do the trick.
• Modified Refrigerator: You can also convert an old refrigerator, using a temperature controller to maintain a steady aging temperature.

2. Temperature and Humidity Control

Precision in temperature and humidity settings cannot be overstated for aging cheese:

• Temperature Controller/Thermometer: Whether using a mini fridge or a repurposed wine cooler, a reliable external temperature controller ensures consistent conditions.
• Hygrometer: This device measures humidity levels, which generally should be between 80-90% for most cheeses. Consistent monitoring ensures your cheese doesn’t dry out or get too moist.

Examples of easy fixes include placing a small bowl of water in the fridge to increase humidity or silica gel packs to decrease it. Getting the balance right is key to avoiding cracked or overly damp cheese.

3. Cheese Mats and Shelving

Cheese needs proper airflow during aging. Cheese mats and suitable shelving help achieve this:

• Cheese Mats: These plastic mats allow air to circulate under the cheese, preventing unwanted moisture from accumulating on one side.
• Shelves: Wooden or wire shelves provide sturdy support, ensuring multiple cheeses can be aged simultaneously. If you’re using a mini-fridge or cooler, removable racks are beneficial for adjusting the space.

4. Cheese Paper and Wrapping Materials

Proper wrapping material is important for protecting the cheese surface while allowing it to breathe:

• Cheese Paper: Specially designed to allow gases to escape while maintaining humidity levels, perfect for soft and creamy cheeses.
• Wax and Vacuum Sealers: Semi-hard and hard cheeses often benefit from waxing or vacuum sealing to prevent contamination and moisture loss.

5. Weights and Cheese Press

If you’re getting serious about making and aging your own cheese, a cheese press will come in handy for compacting curds:

• Cheese Press: Key for shaping and pressing hard cheeses like cheddar or gouda. Some presses are adjustable, allowing for different pressures based on cheese type.
• Weights: If you don’t have a cheese press, improvise with weights (like books or hand weights) to apply the necessary pressure.

6. Aging Racks

Not to be confused with shelving, aging racks are specifically designed to support cheese during aging:

• Wooden Racks: Traditional and preferred by many cheesemakers for imparting subtle flavors during aging. They also naturally regulate humidity.
• Metal Racks: Easier to clean and less prone to harboring unwanted bacteria, making them great for smaller spaces.

7. Brine Tanks and Salting Tables

Salting is a critical process for cheese aging as it contributes to flavor development and preservation:

• Brine Tanks: Used for submerging cheese in a saltwater solution, crucial for rind development on cheeses like feta or halloumi.
• Salting Tables: For applying dry salt directly to the cheese. Stainless steel tables are ideal for their durability and ease of cleaning.

8. Aging Room Supplies

There are additional supplies that ensure a clean and organized cheese cave:

• Cleaning Supplies: Use food-grade sanitizers and surface cleaners to maintain hygiene in your aging area.
• Cheese Brushes: For brushing off molds or cleaning rinds effectively.
• Logbook or Digital Tracker: Keeping an aging log helps you track the development of your cheeses, noting conditions and any issues.

9. Cheese Maintenance Tools

Maintaining cheeses during their aging process requires specific tools:

• Cheese Turners: Regularly turning cheeses ensures even aging. For large wheels, specialized turners are beneficial.
• Cheese Trays: Collects whey and brine runoff, keeping your cave clean and tidy.

Mark, here are a few more tips to improve the aging process:

10. Temperature and Light Control

Direct light can degrade cheese, especially if aging takes a significant amount of time:

• Ensure your cheese cave has minimal light exposure. If it’s difficult to control, use dark cloth coverings.
• Maintain a steady ambient temperature around the cheese cave to minimize fluctuations inside.

11. Specific Cheese Tools for Specialty Cheeses

Some cheeses might need unique tools to aid in their aging:

• Cheese Iron: This tool samples the interior of large cheeses like parmigiano reggiano without cutting them open.
• Cheese Needles: Useful for piercing blue cheeses, fostering the right environment for mold development inside.

Putting it all together, Mark, you can start small and gradually expand your setup as you grow more confident in your cheese aging endeavors. Tailoring the environment to the needs of each cheese type ensures they develop their unique flavors and textures, turning your home-aged cheeses into culinary masterpieces.

Final Thoughts…

Mark, thanks for reaching out with such an interesting question. Setting up for aging cheese at home might seem daunting, but with the right equipment and attention to detail, it can become a fascinating and deeply satisfying venture. Remember the key elements: a controlled environment, proper humidity and temperature, and specific tools for specialized tasks. Happy cheese aging!