Cheese Production – Key Stages

Cheese production is a complex process, where success depends on precise control of various parameters at each stage. Here's a simplified overview of the key steps in cheese production, taking into account differences between various types.

Milk Preparation:

• Thermization: If the milk is not processed immediately after delivery, it is thermized to slow down bacterial growth and allow for longer storage.
• Standardization: Depending on the type of cheese, the milk may be standardized to adjust the fat and protein content to desired levels.

• Pasteurization: The milk is pasteurized to kill unwanted microorganisms and ensure food safety.
• Homogenization: For some types of cheese, such as semi-soft sliced cheese, the milk may be partially homogenized to alter the fat structure and ensure uniformity.

Additional Ingredients:

• Appropriate bacterial cultures and rennet are added to initiate the fermentation and milk coagulation processes.

Coagulation and Whey Draining:

• The coagulated milk transforms into curd, which is then cut with a cheese harp to facilitate the separation of whey from the curd mass.

Shaping and Pressing:

• Removing the whey allows for the formation of the curd mass, which is then pressed to give the cheese its final shape and remove excess fluids.

Salting:

• The cheese is salted, affecting its flavor, preservation, and texture. Parameters such as temperature, conductivity, and pH of the cheese are regulated to ensure the right conditions for this process.

Aging:

• Cheese matures under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity, which influence the development of flavor, texture, and aroma. Some cheeses, like cottage cheese or cream cheese, skip this stage.

Throughout the process, constant measurements and adjustments of temperature, pressure, and other parameters are essential, using controllers and recorders to comply with technological and quality regulations. These devices ensure that every stage—from milk storage, through pasteurization, to cheese aging—is precisely controlled, which is crucial for the production of high-quality cheese.

In this blog post, we will only discuss the production processes characteristic of cheese, which were not covered in the article: "From Separation to Filling: Pressure Measurement in the Dairy Industry.

Controlling temperature and pH in the cheese bath

In cheese production and quality control, pH and temperature determine the success of the final product. Optimal temperature is the foundation for efficient fermentation and curd formation, while precisely measured and controlled pH levels determine the texture, structure and final flavor profile of the cheese.

Stirring time must be adjusted to the desired acidity level. The longer the solution is stirred, the higher the acidity will be. Stirring time can vary depending on the grade of cheese and the production method. For example, in the case of cheddar cheese, the stirring time can take from 30 minutes to 2 hours, while in the case of mozzarella cheese it is only a few minutes. JUMO tecLine HD pH electrodes are the ideal solution for pH control in a cheese bath. These electrodes are characterized by remarkable robustness, stable and reliable measurement values and extended service life.

The temperature of the cheese mixture also has a significant effect on the acidity of the cheese. Too low a temperature can slow down the fermentation process, while too high a temperature can speed it up, which can lead to cheese with undesirable characteristics. The temperature/time graph illustrates how the temperature of the cheese mixture changes throughout the process. The shape of the graph depends on the heating method and cheese variety.

The use of a hygienic temperature sensor and compact controller of the JUMO dTRON series enables precise control of temperature and mixing time in real time. This allows the mixing process to be optimized, leading to cheese with the desired properties, such as the right acidity, taste, texture and appearance. In addition, the JUMO dTRON system saves energy by reducing heating and mixing times.

Monitoring salt concentration in salt bath solution using conductivity sensor

The cheese salting process is an important production step that affects taste, texture, shelf life and microflora development. In the cheese salting process, which appears to be a simple task, lies the essence of quality cheese. Measurements of conductivity, pH and temperature become key criteria that directly affect the quality and characteristics of the final product. Using inductive conductivity transducers such as the CTI-750 allows us to accurately determine the concentration of brine, which is essential for achieving the ideal balance of flavor and preservative properties of salt. Meanwhile, constant pH monitoring with systems such as AQUIS 500 pH value transmitters and JUMO tecLine pH conductivity electrodes ensures that the fermentation process is properly inhibited and the cheese acquires the desired flavor profile and texture. In addition, maintaining the optimal temperature during salting, controlled by resistance thermometers and their compact controllers, ensures the uniformity of the process, protecting against the growth of unwanted microorganisms and ensuring adequate salt absorption.

Measuring temperature and humidity during cheese ripening

Adequate temperature and humidity are two basic parameters that must be constantly observed and regulated to ensure optimal conditions for cheese ripening and storage. To do this, our customers use state-of-the-art systems such as resistance thermometers and advanced dTRON controllers, which not only closely track every temperature fluctuation, but also automatically adjust conditions to the ideal range. Data loggers, such as the JUMO LOGOSCREEN 700, collect all the key information, enabling us to create comprehensive reports on the ripening history of each batch.

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