Why Some Cheeses Come in Wheels and Others in Blocks?

TL;DR

The shape of a cheese wheel is determined by factors such as salt absorption, even ripening, pressure, economics, and tradition.

Transcript

Whether a block, a wheel, a cylinder or a pyramid, a cheese’s shape is dictated by concerns with pressure, salt absorption, ripening, economics and/or tradition. Cheeses that are made in wheels, like creamy Brie and Camembert, need equal rates of salt uptake, as well as even ripening action from its molds (like P. camemberti and P. candidum) as the... Read More

Key Insights

• 🖐️ The shape of a cheese plays a crucial role in ensuring proper salt absorption and even ripening.
• 🧑‍🦼 Wheel-shaped cheeses, like Brie and Camembert, benefit from equal salt uptake and consistent ripening.
• 🧀 Pressure considerations in cheese making influence the choice of round molds for cheddars and other rind-covered cheeses.
• 🧑‍🦼 Large cheese wheels offer convenience in transportation and were historically sold in marketplaces.
• 🧀 Block-shaped cheeses are easier and more economical for stacking, storing, and long-distance transportation.
• 🧀 Cheese shapes can also be influenced by tradition and geographical origin identification.
• 🧀 Goat's milk cheeses often have specific shapes, such as cylinders and pyramids, which indicate their origins.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why are some cheeses made in wheel shapes?

Cheese wheels, like Brie and Camembert, need equal salt uptake and even ripening. The round shape encourages consistent absorption and prevents over-ripening of certain areas.

Q: Why is pressure a consideration in cheese making?

Traditional rind-covered cheddars, for example, require significant pressure to hold the curd together. The round molds provide extra strength during pressing, ensuring a compact shape.

Q: What is the advantage of making large cheese wheels?

Large cheese wheels can be easily rolled, making transportation more convenient. In the past, cheese was sold in large wheels, and customers had to request a specific portion to be cut off.

Q: Are there other shapes of cheese besides wheels?

Yes, besides wheels, cheese can also be made in block, cylinder, and pyramid shapes. These shapes may be chosen based on tradition, goat's milk cheese, and cheese origin identification.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Different cheese shapes, such as wheels, blocks, cylinders, and pyramids, are chosen based on considerations of salt uptake, even ripening, and economic factors.

• Wheels are preferred for cheeses like Brie and Camembert due to their ability to facilitate equal salt absorption and even ripening.

• The round shape of cheese wheels provides extra strength during pressing and allows for easier transportation in large sizes.