Protective Coating for Hard Cheese

Protective coating for hard cheese is a food grade water-based polymer emulsion coating for hard cheese, applied to a young cheese to protect from unwanted moulds whilst the cheese ages. This is a commercial grade cheese product that allows the cheese to continue to breathe whilst it matures promoting natural flavour development; unlike a wax coating or vacuum seal that create an anaerobic environment and slow down maturation and flavour development.  It is the clear stretchy film that you often find on aged commercial hard cheeses.

Products specifications state that it should be applied to a cheese with a ‘less than 40% moisture content’.  For the home cheese maker this practically means that it is best applied to a hard cheese that has been air dried and then allowed to develop a young natural rind.  To ensure the moisture content of your cheese stays evenly distributed the cheese still needs to be turned periodically as it ages.

Apply the emulsion to the cheese surface by direct hand spreading or with a sterile brush or pad.  I use my hand.  A little goes a long way.  I drop around 1tsp (sterilised prior to use) of the product onto the top of a 2kg round of hard cheese and then spread it over the top and sides with one finger.  Allow this to air dry which is not always quick. Turn the cheese over and then drop a much smaller amount on the base and spread to cover.  It is easy to see initially where you have been as the product is a viscose white, only turning clear once dry.  You can also use this product to seal a cut surface of a large round of cheese to protect the curd from fungal attack and excessive drying out too.  Do not leave the emulsion container open to the air, close it as soon as you have taken out the emulsion you need.  Store the container in a cool place.  Clean up with warm soapy water.

The dried coating is not intended to be eaten with the cheese, but it is easy to cut with a cheese wire or knife. Discard it with the cheese rind.

Available in the following sizes: 220g pottle expected to cover around 1m² and 400g pottle expected to cover around 2 m²

Storage: Cool location and can be stored in the fridge

Caution: The wet adhesive contains anti-fungal agents which may cause skin contact irritation in some individuals.  If this applies to you wear gloves or apply with a brush and wear eye protection.  If you do get it in your eyes rinse out with continuously running water for 15 minutes.  Once dry the product poses no known chemical hazard.  It is graded a GRAS product – Generally Recognised As Safe – as this type of coating has a long history of use in cheese making.