My first hard cheese from milking my own cow. Made with 3 gallons of raw milk on 24th November, shop bought mesophilic culture (been growing my own clabber cultures for last 2 cheeses, so those will be even more exciting to taste). Pressed 12hrs at 50 pounds after slowly increasing pressure as per recipe. Vacuum packed and aged in wine fridge at 52F for 4 weeks. I was impatient for the first taste but mostly to check if anything had gone seriously wrong in the production. Some mechanical holes, very slightly crumbly but still quite a smooth texture. Taste is...underwhelming, but not bad. No off flavors or bitterness, just not very sharp or rich. I guess I can call it a success for a first attempt. Should I repack and continue aging or call it done and eat it as is?
I'd repack it and wait half a year, at this young stage there is neither sharpness nor richness to be expected. Nice that you're first try worked out!
Thanks, I'm thrilled it worked out first time. I didn't have high expectations but this gives me a little confidence boost!
It’s promising that it hasn’t developed any off flavors or contamination. I think 3 months is probably the minimum aging time. 6 is better.
Based on the fact that nothing went terribly wrong I think I'll age it for another 3 months. Don't know if I have the willpower yet to wait 6 months! It will be interesting to see how the flavors change with time.
Nicely done
https://preview.redd.it/f3cygt2rgy8g1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=507f04c635a58e131cb8ed62b949a544e0bcef4d