Ever wondered what cheesecloth is, and why you hear so much about it? Surely it can’t be all about cheese? Well no, read on and it will become clear that cheesecloth is suitable for numerous cooking and fermentation techniques.

The history of cheese cloth

Cheesecloth has been used for centuries in food preparation and preservation, way back to the ancient Greeks, where it was used to strain liquids and wrap foods. The use of cheesecloth spread throughout Europe and eventually made its way to the Americas with European settlers.

In the 19th century, cheesecloth began to be produced on a large scale with the development of the cotton gin. This made it more widely available and affordable for use in households and in food production.

During World War II, cheesecloth was used for a variety of purposes, including bandages and filter material for gas masks. After the war, its use continued in the food industry, and it was also adopted by the cosmetic industry for use in beauty products.

Cheese cloth for cheese making

The best-known application of cheese cloths is cheese making. Especially cheeses that are pressed, such as Gouda cheeses, are wrapped for better drainage of whey during pressing and better closed rind formation. Even if you make vegan/vegetable cheese or softer goat cheeses, you need cheesecloth for moulding.

Using a cheese cloth for fermentation

In fermentation, cheese cloth is commonly used to cover and contain the fermenting food or liquid while allowing airflow, preventing contamination by unwanted microorganisms, and keeping the fermenting food or liquid inside while allowing the gases to escape.

Fermenting foods such as pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented vegetables are often covered with cheesecloth to keep the vegetables submerged in their own brine while allowing the gases produced by the fermentation process to escape. This allows the fermentation to continue while keeping the vegetables safe from mold and other contaminants.

Cheesecloth can also be used to strain yogurt, kefir, and other fermented dairy products to remove the whey, which is a byproduct of the fermentation process. This results in a thicker and more concentrated final product.

Additionally, cheesecloth can also be used to cover the surface of fermenting kombucha, beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages to keep out unwanted microorganisms while allowing the gases to escape.

 

 

In summary, Cheesecloth plays an important role in fermentation by allowing airflow, preventing contamination, and keeping the fermenting food or liquid inside while allowing the gases to escape. This helps to keep the fermenting foods or liquids safe and creates the ideal conditions for fermentation to occur.

The use of cheesecloth in a professional kitchen

In a professional restaurant setting, cheesecloth is often used for a variety of tasks, including:

• Straining stocks and broths: Cheesecloth is used to remove impurities and debris from stocks and broths, resulting in a clear, flavorful liquid that can be used as a base for soups and sauces.
• Making stocks: Cheesecloth is often used to make stocks by wrapping herbs and vegetables in it, creating a bouquet garni that can be simmered with meat and bones to create a rich, flavorful stock.
• Making sauces: Cheesecloth can be used to strain sauces, such as hollandaise or beurre blanc, to remove any lumps and make the sauce smooth and silky.
• Wrapping foods: Cheesecloth can be used to wrap foods, such as fish or poultry, before cooking. This allows the food to cook evenly and retain moisture, while also infusing it with flavors from the herbs or spices wrapped inside.
• Steaming foods: Cheesecloth can be used to create a “pouch” for steaming foods, such as dumplings or tamales, which allows the food to cook evenly and retain its shape.

“The difference between a cook and a chef is attention to detail. The little things, like fresh herbs, the perfect seasoning, and the use of a good quality cheesecloth, can elevate a dish to new heights.”
– Bobby Flay

In conclusion

Cheesecloth is widely used in food preparation and preservation, as well as in a variety of other industries and applications. It is a versatile and affordable material that has stood the test of time.

Want to know more?

If you want to know more about the cheesecloth, or just order it, please click the links below for the product on startercultures.eu