The curds prepared in the manner we have been describing for good milk, does not have a very promising look to an American cheese-maker. It is tough and stringy, and quite elastic. At least, such was the appearance of the curd which we saw. It is proper to state, however, that it was made of tainted milk, and the taint was quite marked in the curd. This, Mr. MACADAM told us, was the condition of most of the milk and curds for some weeks past in that factory; yet, the taint did not show in the cheese on the ranges, except in a few instances where the curd had been salted a little too sweet, as he thought.
The great secret of his success, he seemed to think, was in getting rid of the whey early, in allowing a good deal of acid to develop, especially in tainted curds, in airing the curds and allowing the gases to escape, and in salting well.
Mr. MACADAM'S cheese, as a general thing, tried splendidly. It was firm, flaky, buttery and fine-flavored. His opinion is, that American cheese is, as a general rule, salted too sweet and too low, for the purpose of having it cure quick for market; but it lacks good keeping qualities, and verifies the old adage, "Soon ripe, soon rotten." It is hard to overcome this desire for quick returns; but he would recommend those who wish to improve American cheese, to sour rather more, salt a little more, and color a little less--as little as the market will allow--as coloring is believed to be positively injurious to quality. The _tendency_ should be in these directions, in order to make a slower curing, better keeping and better flavored article.
But, it must be borne in mind, that Mr. MACADAM has in view his own process of manufacture, and that allowances must be made for different modes. Let each be ready to receive hints, make his own experiments, and abide by his own decisions.
[A] "A good cheese is rich, without being greasy, with a sweet, nutty flavor; clear, equal color throughout; of a compact, solid texture, without being waxy; firm, yet melting easily in the mouth, and leaving no rough flavor on the palate."
Possesses EXTENSIVE MODERN FACILITIES for all kinds of
And increased attention will be paid to this department, under the direction of