Mesophilic- Large Pack Item #:MM 100

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Share Description Recipe Choosing a culture Allergens Reviews Used in making a variety of soft ripened and fresh cheeses including Brie, Camembert, Gouda, Edam, Blue, Feta, Havarti and Chevre This is the mesophilic culture to use for a more pronounced butter like flavor and a somewhat more open texture.This culture contains the same two primary cultures of MA011 plus the diacetylactis which will produce CO2 and a butter like flavor/aroma. Cheese made with this culture will be somewhat more open in texture and in a cheese such as Gouda and Edam will provide the typical small round holes. CULTURE CONTAINS: Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis biovar diacetylactis YIELD: Will set up to 250 gallons of milk. Can be divided into 25 gallon batches for farmstead use and 8-10 gallon batches for home use. DIRECTIONS: 1/2 teaspoon will set approximately 6-12 gallons. When using raw milk, reduce amount of culture used by 25-50%. This is to be used as a guide since setting temperature, stage of milk and type of cheese will call for specific amounts to reach proper acidification rate. STORAGE: Store in the freezer. Culture will last up to one year if stored properly. NOTE: This product is Certified Kosher OU.  CLICK HERE to view a copy of the kosher certification of this product. Make a Cream Cheese Better than you can buy ! The recipe for this month will be another simple cheese to make in the kitchen. However, when I began researching this one in more detail I found a lot about this cheese that I did not know before. Cream cheese is similar to Neufchatel from France except that cream cheese has more butterfat - starting with a fat enriched milk of about 7-10%. When this has ripened and the whey drained, the final cheese will have a much higher butterfat content, depending on its final moisture. Cream cheese also has a fresh acidity, due to the dairy bacteria converting lactose to lactic acid. This helps to balance the rich flavors from the cream. However, if you are looking for a lighter cheese then you can easily make a leaner cheese by using less cream or a lower butterfat % cream (see my cream content chart here).   Lowering the fat content of the cream too much tends increasingly to cause grainy texture and crumbly body, while increasing the fat content excessively tends to cause excessive smoothness and stickiness. Cream cheese was originally produced in the US in New York State during the late 1800’s. It originally acquired its association with “Philadelphia,” not because it was made there but because at that time “Phillie” was known as the home of top quality food. In the commercial process, because cream cheese has a higher fat content than other cheeses, and fat repels water, which tends to separate from the cheese, stabilizers such as guar, xanthan gum, and carob gums are added to prolong its shelf life. The commercial version tends to be essentially an industrial concoction of milk, enough cream to claim it's there and all sorts of gums and stabilizers to make it appear like what it isn't. Here is an ingredient list from the industry standard Philadelphia Brand Cream Cheese: Pasteurized Nonfat Milk, and Milkfat, Cheese Culture, Salt, Stabilizers (Xanthan Gum, and/or Carob Bean Gum, and/or Guar Gum). It is also cooked to much higher temperatures commercially to speed the process up. This is good for the producer's cash flow but not so good for the final product. Because we try to keep these additions from our food sources here, our process will not include anything but great milk and cream, a traditional dairy culture and a few drops of rennet. You will also find in the process instructions a rough guide for ripening and draining time, but more importantly, I have provided descriptions and visual cues to: Accommodate the differences in milk quality as well as milk/cream content. Allow you to produce exactly the style of cream cheese you want A recipe for making your own cream cheese ..... ...In the style that best suits your taste. Before you begin: You will need: 1 gallon of whole milk (3.25%).  Make sure this is not ultra-pasturized, but homogenized is OK. Plus 1 pint of heavy cream (36-40%) Calcium chloride can be added for pasteurized cold stored milk and will help to form a firmer curd, using about 1/8-1/4 tsp per gallon of milk. 1 packet of Ricki's Buttermilk culture, 1/8 tsp. of MM100 culture, or the same of Flora Danica Liquid rennet (4-8 drops either animal or vegetable) Salt - about 1 teaspoon (more can be added to suit your taste) Herbs, etc. (optional and to your taste) A large pot to hold 1.5-2 gallons of milk/cream A good thermometer A knife to cut the curds, and a spoon or ladle to stir the curds Molds A colander and butter muslin to drain the curds Note: You can cut this recipe in half by using 1/2 of all ingredients. Everything needs to be clean and sanitized. About the milk: The milk I have chosen to use here is a local milk, but it is also one of the milks that has been pasteurized at higher than normal temperatures (172F as opposed to 161F). I have selected this to use here because this is a milk that is becoming more and more common on store shelves. As you will see in the following photos this does form a very wonderful cream cheese with super flavor and texture. The cream is ultra-pasteurized, as you can see by the label here. This is not a problem, though, because the cream portion is just for the butterfat. The milk portion will provide the proteins for curd formation and should not be ultra-pasteurized. Some of our customers have tried using just half and half for their cream cheese but this often tends to be ultra-pasteurized and will not form a good solid curd since all of the proteins have been damaged in the process. If you do find half and half that is not ultra-pasteurized, that will work for a very rich cheese since it has a higher fat content than the recipe I provide. This may also be more difficult to drain since the butterfat holds the moisture. NOTE: If you do have access to raw milk, you will find that you may need to use less culture and that your ripening times are less. Your curd may also be firmer and you may find that the cheese drains faster. If you pay attention to the ripening and draining cues in the following process, you should be well on track to making a great cheese from your raw milk. If you care to make up a different milk/fat ratio, this table may help Cream % Content in Dairy Products Heavy Whipping Cream 36-40% Light Whipping Cream 30-36% Light or Coffee Cream 18-30% Single Cream  20% Half and Half 10.5% (10-18%) Sour Cream 18-20% Whole Pasteurized milk 3.25% Getting started: Pour the milk into your pot and slowly heat to 86F. Many recipes for this cheese suggest starting at room temperature, but the culture works best at 86F and I prefer to start it there. Happy culture always makes a better cheese. It is OK to allow the temperature to drop to room temperature over time. Add 1/4 tsp calcium chloride solution and stir into the milk. Add 1 packet of buttermilk culture (or 1/8 tsp of our MM100 culture). Allow this to rehydrate on the surface before stirring into the milk (keeps it from clumping).  Note:  Our C101 or MA011 cultures will not provide the added flavor from their ripening strains nor the lighter texture. Add 4 drops of single strength rennet (animal or vegetable). Initial ripening: Cover the pot and set aside for ripening. The milk now needs to sit quiet for 12-24 hours while the culture works and the rennet coagulates the curd. It is OK if the temperature drops to a temperature of 68-72F. The thermal mass of this milk should keep it warm for a while though. This is where your natural flavor is developed from the complex strains of lactic bacteria as they convert the milk sugars (lactose) to lactic acid. These cultures will produce a buttery flavored compound (Diacetyl) which is a natural byproduct of fermentation. Also a small amount of tiny gas holes (CO2) will be formed causing a lighter texture in the final cheese. Note- Our C101 or MA011 cultures will not provide the added flavor from their ripening strains nor the lighter texture. The higher process temperatures and thickener additions of commercial producers are needed for their shorter process and do not allow the use of this longer beneficial ripening time (this is the flavor development time). Ripening may take 12-24 hours depending on the milk quality and room temperature. My conditions here show this ripening phase in about 14-16 hours but you should watch for the proper ripening of your own milk. I encourage you to watch for this final ripening phase as described below. This final ripening can be determined visually because when the proper amount of acid has been produced, you will notice first small droplets of whey forming on the surface, then these will collect as small pools and then finally a thin layer of whey will cover the entire surface. I usually determine the readiness by watching for small pools about 2-3” in size. You may also see the curd mass pull slightly away from the sides of the pot. If you have a pH meter, the proper ripe state will measure about 5.1-4.9 pH or a titrateable acidity of .5% but there is no need to get that technical here. Too long a ripening may result in an over acid cheese.  Some acid production will continue during the draining stage so expect a bit more acid flavor while the whey drains off. Too short a time may result in a weak curd that may be hard to drain and may even run off through the cloth. Make sure the curd holds a good clean break when cut before transferring to the cloth for draining. Now for the draining: Once the final ripening of the milk has been reached, the curd mass should now be firm enough to be transferred with a slotted spoon to the draining cloth.  Prepare a sanitized colander. You need either 1 large or 2 medium sized since this will be a lot of curd to be drained. Line this with a double layer of the butter muslin. Make sure you have a container to collect the whey in. This can be used for cooking, drinking, etc. but not for making ricotta due to high acid. Transfer the curd to the cloth for draining (be careful since this is quite fragile at this point and may break)   Allow this to drain for 1-2 hours to release much of the whey- then pull all 4 corners of the cloth up and tie off with a string. Hang this in an area 68-74F to drain into a pot or sink for another 10-20 hours. During the draining time you should open the cloth every 3-4 hours and scrape the curd from the cloth- mixing the curds to encourage better whey drainage. If your schedule does not permit this it may just take longer to drain. Also, at the last mixing of the curds 1 tsp. salt can be added for flavor and to encourage the final whey release. The final draining time will depend on your preference for texture. The longer it drains, the drier and stiffer (less spreadable) the final cheese. I drain mine here about 16-20 hours for a nice firm cream cheese but still quite spreadable. If you find your cream cheese with too much moisture, then simply drain it a bit longer next time. Remember that warmer draining temperatures will drain moisture more quickly. Also, the rate of draining will depend on different milk qualities and higher fat milks will drain more slowly. Finishing the cream cheese: When the cheese has reached its final consistency, you can then use a spoon to blend it well in a bowl for a more homogenous cheese. This would be the time to add any herbs, spices, etc. and to adjust the salt to your taste. You may even use fresh herbs in this because it should all be eaten fresh within a few days. I transfer mine to small clean and sanitized plastic tubs with lids and store at fridge temps. Freshness is never a problem here because it's gone in just a few days. You should easily get 8-10 days or even more of storage for this cheese.   My yield is normally about 1.5-2 pints of cream cheese from the original 5 pints of milk/cream.  Tips: If your curd is too soft at the end of the initial ripening time, wait a few more hours (up to another 4-6 hrs). If this does not help, try keeping the milk 3-5F warmer on the next try. Also, you can increase the rennet up to double the recommendation. If your final cheese is too acid, then use less time in the initial ripening phase OR use a bit less culture. If your final cheese is too dry, use less draining time in the cloth. If too moist use more. That's it for this month. Enjoy your new adventure in cheese making. CHOOZIT  Culture Packs What are they and how will they affect the cheese we make ?? These larger packs of culture offer a greater choice in cultures but are intended for larger cheese batches. Guidelines suggest that they are quantities for much larger vat batches but we find that they can be divided easily for 25 Gal farmstead or even 8-10 Gal home cheese maker batches. MA011 • This is the mesophilic culture to use when you want a clean cheese flavor and a very close curd texture. These mesophilic cultures will provide the essential acidity without gas production sometimes referred to as homofermentive. Ideal for semi-soft and fresh cheeses such as: Cheddar, Colby, Monterrey Jack, Feta, Chevre, etc. Contains: Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris These are two primary lactic acid producing bacteria used for cheese making They are Homofermentive bacteria, primarily used for producing lactic acid. Temp growth range is 10° - 42°C (50°- 102° F.) with an Optimum growth rate = 25° - 30°C (77°- 88° F.) Cremoris is more salt sensitive [<4%] and more temperature sensitive [<40°C/102°F] MA4002 • This is a great choice for any of the cheeses made with MA011 but with the added thermophilis will aid in the ripening process.  This is what is commonly referred to as the 'Farmstead culture.' It is predominantly a blend of standard mesophilic lactic acid cultures similar to MA 011 to develop the primary acidity. It also contains a S.thermophilis which will serve as a ripening culture a bit later in the process. The Mesophilic cultures will produce the acidity during the first part of the process.Then, after the cheese is salted and in the cave, the Thermophilic cultures begin to work in a ripening capacity to break down the complex proteins into simpler components. Contains: Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris Lactococcus lactis subsp. diacetylactis Streptococcus thermophilus MM100 • This is the mesophilic culture to use for a more pronounced butter like flavor and a somewhat more open texture Another Mesophilic culture for soft ripened, and fresh cheeses such as: Brie, Camembert, Gouda, Edam, Blue, Feta, Havarti, Chevre, etc. This culture contains the 2 primary cultures of MA011 but the diacetylactis will produce CO2 and a butter like flavor/aroma. Cheese made with this culture will be somewhat more open in texture and in a cheese such as gouda/edam will provide the typical small round holes. Contains: (LL) Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis (LLC) Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris (LLD) Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis biovar diacetylactis TA061 • This culture works quite well for high temp scalded cheeses A Thermophilic acid producing culture for typical hard, Italian & Swiss cheeses such as Parmesan, Romano, Mozzarella, Provolone, Emmenthaler/Swiss. Contains: Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris Lactococcus lactis subsp. diacetylactis Streptococcus thermophilus Effective Temperature range is 68°- 125°F with an Optimum growth of 104°-108°F Many cheeses of this style are heated to very high temps(122°-128°F) and even though there is little to no acid produced in this range they will survive quite well and as soon as the temp of the cooling cheese falls into the optimum range they will begin their acid production. LH100 • Used in combination with TA 061 culture for hard mountain style cheeses Lactobacillus Helveticus is used in conjunction with other thermophilic cultures (such as TA061) in mountain style cheese such as: Emmenthaler and Gruyere etc. Contains: Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris Lactococcus lactis subsp. diacetylactis Streptococcus thermophilus This culture will begin it's role following pressing and cooling of the cheese and is a major factor in the flavor of theses mountain style cheeses. It's primary role is ripening in the breakdown of protein (Proteolysis) in the later stages of aging. This is of central importance for the development of cheese body characteristics and the formation of flavor. MD088 • This culture is usually used with other mesophilic cultures to enhance flavor (buttery) and produce some small eyes in fresh and soft ripened cheeses cheese such Edam or Havarti. We suggest you use it as a flavor enhancer for your cheese. Used in combination with other mesophilic cultures this culture is a very slow acid producer and is usually not used by itself but in combination with other mesophilic cultures such as MA 011. This culture is used to enhance flavor (buttery) and produce some small eyes in cheese such Edam or Havarti. Suggest use as a flavor enhancer for your cheese. It is often used to provide more openness in Blue cheese due to it's gas production. Contains: Lactococcus lactis subsp. biovar diacetylactis Using this in conjunction with MA 011 it will be similar to MM 100 but you will be able to control the flavor and gas producing aspects to your satisfaction by increasing or decreasing the amount of MD 088 used   How should we use them?? The key here is that a single culture pack will set many gallons of milk. So our task is to figure out how to section out just enough culture for the quantity of milk we are using and to get the right amount of activity for the cheese we plan to make. We offer 2 methods: Quick and Easy • each pack can be divided up so that 1/2 tsp will inoculate about 6-12 Gal of milk. If using raw milk that can be reduced by 25-50%. We do encourage everyone to use this only as a guide since setting temp, stage of milk, and type of cheese being made will call for specific amounts of culture to reach the proper acidification rate. Precise Method • An accurate scale is needed for this... The packs come marked in 'Units' of 10, 20, or 50 We find that utilization of 1-2 Units will set 10 Gallons of milk, depending on milk and activity of starter desired. So, how do we measure what we need? The standard rate of recomended use is 2 units per 26.4 Gallons of milk or 1 Unit per 13.2 Gallons. Since my last 20 Unit Pack of MA011 (less weight of package) was equal to 17.7 grams then 1 Unit was equal to .89 grams [17.7/20] Now I have determined that my rate of Utilization is a bit less at 1 Unit per 10 Gallons and have 18 gallons of milk to set. Therefore, I can calculate my culture needed as : .89 (weight of 1 U culture) x 18/10 = .89 x 1.8 = 1.6 grams of MA011 will set my 18 gallons of milk in the time I want Please do your own tests to find the utilization rate that works for your milk . Yes  No  Allergens  Description of Components   X Wheat      X Other Cereals containing gluten      X Crustaceans       X Eggs      X Fish      X Peanuts       X Soybeans      X Milk (including lactose)    X Nuts      X Celery      X Mustard      X Sesame Seeds      X Sulphur Dioxide & Sulphits (> 10 mg/kg)      X Lupin      X Molluscs     Product Reviews Write a review! Read all reviews

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