G’day, Curd Nerds.
Ever followed a cheesemaking recipe to the letter—added your culture, stirred lovingly, cut and drained beautifully—only to end up with a rubbery block or crumbly disappointment? The mystery often boils down to one hidden culprit: pH.
It’s not just a science thing. It’s the silent partner guiding your cheese from humble milk to aged perfection.
A Peek Behind the pH Curtain
pH, or potential hydrogen, measures acidity or alkalinity on a scale from 0 (acidic) to 14 (alkaline), with 7 as neutral. Fresh milk typically sits between pH 6.6 and 6.8. When you add starter cultures, those hardworking bacteria begin converting lactose into lactic acid, dropping the pH. That drop is the signal that kickstarts everything else.
Here’s why managing pH isn’t optional—it’s essential:
- Rennet activity depends on pH to coagulate properly.
- Moisture control hinges on how effectively curds expel whey.
- Texture and body are shaped by final acidity levels.
- Flavour development follows the acid curve during ripening.
- Food safety is reinforced by proper acidification, which inhibits unwanted bacteria.
Your Cheese’s pH Roadmap
Different cheese styles require unique acid profiles. These targets help shape texture, flavour, and shelf stability:
| Cheese Type | Drainage pH | Salting pH | Final/Aging pH | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheddar | 6.3–6.0 | ~5.3 | 5.3–5.2 | Firm texture with strong aging potential. |
| Brie / Camembert | 6.4–6.2 | ~4.7 | 6.8–7.4 (rises) | Controlled acidification is needed for a dry, grainy texture. |
| Feta | 4.7–4.6 | 4.6–4.4 | 4.6–4.4 | High acidity supports brine aging and distinctive tang. |
| Mozzarella | ~5.2 | N/A | 5.0–4.9 (stretching) | Precise pH yields proper elasticity. |
| Parmesan | ~6.3 | ~5.2 | 5.3–5.2 | Controlled acidification is needed for a dry, grainy texture. |
| Blue (Stilton, etc.) | ~6.3 | ~4.7 | 4.8–4.6 | Mould development thrives with balanced acidity. |
| Lactic Set (Chèvre) | 4.6 | N/A | 4.6–4.3 | Slow acidification defines the delicate structure of fresh cheeses. |
| Gouda | 6.5–6.4 | 5.4–5.2 | ~5.3 | Washed curds reduce early acid levels for a sweet finish. |
What pH Actually Impacts
Understanding acidity allows you to shape every curd and wheel with confidence.
Texture and Body
When curds drop below pH 5.0 too fast, they become dry and tight. If pH stays too high, they hold excess moisture and won’t age properly. Camembert benefits from moisture retention, but cheddar and hard cheeses do not.
Flavour Development
A balanced acid curve unlocks complexity. Fast acidification can result in sharp but shallow flavours. Slow acidification risks contamination before cultures can dominate.
Safety During Aging
A pH under 5.3 at salting helps prevent pathogens like Listeria and E. coli. During aging, pH influences protein breakdown and fat conversion, critical steps for developing distinctive texture and taste.
Salting and Rind Formation
Salt binds differently depending on acidity. Too much acid prevents rind formation; too little prevents microbes like B. linens or Geotrichum candidum from thriving.
How to Keep pH in Check
Here’s how to take control of the acid curve in your cheesemaking:
- Use a digital pH meter and calibrate before every batch with fresh buffers.
- Take measurements at key stages: before culture, before rennet, at clean break, post-drainage, and before pressing or salting.
- Know your culture types: mesophilic cultures acidify slowly at low temperatures; thermophilic cultures acidify quickly with heat.
- Adjust the temperature of your milk to slow or accelerate acidification as needed.
- Stir gently with even curd sizes to promote uniform whey expulsion.
- Don’t rush drainage or pressing; feel the curds and wait for ideal pH targets.
- Time your salting based on the pH level for optimal flavour and texture outcomes.
To simplify your process, download the free pH Management Checklist for Cheesemakers. It offers step-by-step pH tracking for better consistency and safer results.
Bonus for Australian Makers
If you’re looking for reliable pH gear, Hanna Instruments Australia offers 10% off for Little Green Cheese followers. Use the code CHEESEMAN at checkout. The Halo2 pH meter featured in the video is highly recommended.
Final Thoughts
Every curd you stir and wheel you press is guided by pH, your quiet companion behind the scenes. Respect it, measure it, and you’ll elevate your cheesemaking from good to exceptional.
