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Vacuum Packing Cheese for Maturation or Storage

01/11/2015 By Gavin Webber 7 Comments

Other than waxing, what other methods do I use to mature my cheese?  Well some cheese I allow to form a natural rind, and the remainder I vacuum package.

A picture is worth a thousand words, so here is a quick video tutorial that I just published.


I have been using the Sunbeam FoodSaver for about three years, and have never had any problems with the seal.  The plastic rolls are readily available online and are relatively inexpensive for the amount I use.  It has a cutting blade built into the unit and it can also be used to vacuum seal many other foods for long life preservation.  I mainly use it for cheese though.  There are many types of vacuum sealing units; I bought this one because it was available locally and less than AUD$200 when I bought it.

What I really like is that this method takes the guesswork out of maturation.  I turn my vac packed cheese once a week and that’s it.  It is protected from any unwanted moulds or bacteria.  You don’t have to worry if the cheese is seeping through the wax or the rind is getting too dry.

For long maturing times, I prefer vacuum packing cheese, however for cheese that matures in less than 3 months, I wax the cheese instead.  Just habit I suppose and the final result is amazing.  Fantastic tasting cheese without any issues.

Filed Under: Hardware, Video Tutorial Tagged With: Vacuum Packing

Swiss Cheese Testimonial (Emmental recipe)

17/08/2015 By Gavin Webber 3 Comments

Getting emails from fellow curd nerds is one of the highlights of my day.  Especially when it’s a swiss cheese testimonial like this one.

Swiss cheese testimonial

Today’s email comes from Philip Kean (South Carolina, USA) who writes;

Hi Gavin,

I have been interested in making soap,beer, wine, smoking meats and sausages and the like for years.  I just came across one of your YouTube videos early this year and thought that I would give it a try.

I had made some mozzarella and I love Swiss so after watching the video on Emmental cheese I decided to order the cultures and give it a go.

I purchased what I needed, thermophilic and shermanii, animal rennet, and some other cultures from New England Cheese Co. and went to work. I have a great source for fresh raw milk and have started to make my cheese in 8 gallon 30 L batches buying 16 gal 60 L at a time.

Swiss cheese slices on round

This I make in a 10 inch diameter or 25 centimeters stainless steel mold.

After brining it is about 7 centimeters thick. Then I simply leave on the counter for about three weeks at around 76-80°F (26°C) and wait for the gas to cause it to swell and produce the holes.

Really that is all there is to it. Please tell me what you think of these pics.

Regards, Phil

Well Phil, I think your Emmental is just amazing.  The rind and eye development looks perfect.

swiss cheese testimonial - cheese slice

The eye development is what you would expect with a cheese round that size.  It certainly beats the smaller sized wheels of swiss cheese that I make.  I believe that when making this cheese size does matter.  The bigger the wheel, the better the eye development.

Well done Phil!

Swiss cheese long shot

For all those who missed it, you can find my swiss cheese (Emmental style) video tutorial below.


The recipe is also available in my cheese making eBook, Keep Calm and Make Cheese.  If anyone else has made cheese at home using my video tutorials, I am sure your fellow curd nerds would love to see some pictures and a brief description of how you made it here on the blog.  Phil can’t be the only one out there.

Who’s going to take up the challenge?

Filed Under: Taste Test, Video Tutorial Tagged With: Emmentaler, Swiss

Manchego Style Cheese Video Tutorial

15/05/2015 By Gavin Webber Leave a Comment

This Manchego style cheese is made with cow’s milk.  Normally Manchego is a cheese made in the La Mancha region of Spain from the milk of sheep of the manchega breed.

Manchego style cheese
Queso tipo Manchego (Manchego style cheese)

However, this version is a close replica of the original that can be created by the home cheese maker.  Normally it is marketed in North America as Queso tipo Manchego.  I have not seen it for sale here in Australia.

I have adopted and modified this recipe that I found online, however I have kept to the traditional recipe and the cheese is salted via brining.  It can be matured by rubbing it with olive oil to allow for a natural rind.  I found that it was drying out too quickly for my liking so after two weeks of air drying, I vacuum packed the cheese.

Here is the direct link to the tutorial; https://youtu.be/dUyuiVno_EE

It matures for 2 months @ 13°C (55°F) in the cheese fridge.

For cheese making kits, supplies, and equipment to make this tasty cheese, visit our cheese supply store Little Green Workshops.

Until next time curd nerds, Keep Calm & Make Cheese!

Filed Under: Video Tutorial Tagged With: Manchego

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Podcast Reviews

  • Number One Cheese Podcast
    October 14, 2023 by Gene 321 from Australia

    Inspirational, motivational, incredible knowledge of cheese history and production, a great teacher with a twist of Aussie humor and an all round nice guy who knows his cheese. I’ve been listening to Gavin for many years now and gained so much knowledge and inspiration from just listening to his podcasts. If you’re interested in cheese, Gavin is your man.

  • I am so hooked on cheese making now.
    July 25, 2023 by Bennyssimoo from New Zealand

    Thank you Gavin. I feel like I know you as if you were my neighbor and you really got me lost in cheese now

  • Love it. Keep it up!
    February 12, 2022 by Corknip from Denmark

    Excellent podcast. Started the home making adventure last month and have been catching up on all the past episodes and YouTube videos. it is a gold mine of shared knowledge. Thank you!

  • So funny!!!!
    June 15, 2020 by purple quaqamale from United States

    Little green cheese is so funny

  • Great podcasts
    June 14, 2020 by Chrissy Curd Nurd from Australia

    I’ve just started cheese making at home,Gavin ‘s podcasts are so informative. I also watch his you tube tutorials. Thanks for your great work!!

  • An excellent guide to artisan cheese!
    January 14, 2020 by N.K.13 from Australia

    I recently became aware of Gavin’s lovely YouTube channel and podcast and it’s been incredible. His competence and comprehensive explanations leave you craving more. Much like a good cheese! Cheers Gavin!

  • Perfect for Cheesemakers of all levels!
    December 3, 2018 by Viki Leeasa from Thailand

    I love that this podcast does not just have helpful tips and tricks on cheese making, but also stories and news from the cheese world, as well as nice little anecdotes from the host.A big fan from Thailand!

  • If you think you want to make cheese, listen to this!
    November 30, 2018 by paulsaw from United States

    Gavin Webber’s Little Green Cheese is By Far the best podcast I have ever heard! A truly informative and quality production!

  • Great program
    October 9, 2018 by p37dg9q14 from United States

    Very informative and enjoyable podcast. I started at episode 1 and currently listening to 25. I’ll be giving cheesemaking a go in the next week. Mike J from Oceanside CA

  • Great podcast
    September 13, 2018 by nicole_elias from Australia

    I have a long commute to and from work and have worked my way through the back catalogue of these podcasts. Enjoyed every one of them and hope for many more to come. Thanks Gavin! Keep up the great work. Cheers, Nicole

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