Acid-set cheese

Acid-set Cheese

Paneer in a sieve

Acid-set cheese is a type of cheese that is coagulated using an acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice, rather than rennet. This method of cheese-making is one of the simplest and oldest techniques, resulting in a variety of fresh cheeses that are often soft and crumbly in texture. Acid-set cheeses are typically made from cow's milk, but can also be made from goat's milk or sheep's milk.

Production Process

The production of acid-set cheese involves the direct addition of an acid to warm milk. The acid causes the milk proteins, primarily casein, to coagulate and form curds. This process is distinct from rennet-coagulated cheeses, where an enzyme is used to achieve coagulation.

1. Heating the Milk: The milk is gently heated to a temperature between 30°C and 40°C (86°F to 104°F). 2. Acid Addition: An acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar, is added to the milk. The acid lowers the pH of the milk, causing the proteins to precipitate and form curds. 3. Curd Formation: The curds are allowed to form and settle. This process can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the type of acid and the temperature. 4. Draining the Whey: The curds are then separated from the whey by draining them through a cheesecloth or a fine sieve. 5. Pressing and Shaping: The curds can be lightly pressed to remove excess whey and shaped into blocks or rounds. 6. Salting and Flavoring: Salt may be added to enhance flavor and preserve the cheese. Additional herbs or spices can also be incorporated.

Types of Acid-set Cheese

Xizhou Rushan cheese

Several well-known cheeses are made using the acid-set method:

• Paneer: A staple in Indian cuisine, paneer is a fresh cheese that is often used in curries and other dishes. It is known for its firm texture and ability to hold its shape when cooked.

• Queso Blanco: Common in Latin American cuisine, queso blanco is a mild, white cheese that is often used in cooking and as a topping for various dishes.

• Chhena: Similar to paneer, chhena is used in Bengali cuisine to make sweets such as rasgulla and sandesh.

• Rushan: A traditional cheese from Yunnan, China, rushan is made by stretching and folding the curds into thin sheets.

Characteristics

Acid-set cheeses are typically fresh and have a short shelf life. They are often consumed within a few days of production. These cheeses are usually white or pale in color and have a mild, slightly tangy flavor. The texture can range from soft and creamy to firm and crumbly, depending on the specific type of cheese and the method of preparation.

Culinary Uses

Acid-set cheeses are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They are often used in salads, sandwiches, and as a topping for pizzas and pastas. In Indian cuisine, paneer is commonly used in dishes such as palak paneer and paneer tikka. In Latin American cuisine, queso blanco is used in dishes like quesadillas and empanadas.

Related Pages

• Cheese
• Paneer
• Queso Blanco
• Chhena
• Rennet

Harzer Käse

See Also

• Cheese making
• Dairy product
• Fermentation