I would like to hear from others using rennet paste. What is your experience - does it change affinage? Can you taste a difference? What amount (milliliters) of rennet paste are you typically using for 4 liters or 1 gallon? Or what amounts are you using for larger makes?
I want to make two cheeses and compare the standard calf rennet to the calf rennet paste.... Maybe I should make a third and compare the veggie rennet.....
I am... :)
I think that the taste is a bit more complex than if I use normal rennet. I started using rennet paste a couple of months ago hence I don't know how it affects cheeses that are aged long.
Primarily I like the thought that the rennet paste is a bit more back to basics than normal rennet.
I'm using rennet paste from Bioren.
:) Danbo
Danbo----I know you are always a really helpful soul-----but please explain back to basics-----I know nothing about paste, even Susan's opening throws me off-----is this stuff a liquid or a paste? Is it some how more natural, stronger, longer lasting? Is it more expensive? Do you ride around on a camel with milk in the stomach of an unweaned calf ? ( just seeing if you're paying attention ) :)
Susan----if you do experiment----let us know the results----would be very interesting
Qdog.
Hi Qdog,
Riding a camel... ;) LOL...
Here is a lnk describing the rennet paste from Bioren: http://www.hundsbichler.com/paste (http://www.hundsbichler.com/paste)
The product is a light brown liquid solution that are a little bit thicker than normal rennet. The amounts to be used are like with normal rennet as this paste is normalized to 1:15000 strength. Traditional paste is more difficult to use as the strength can vary.
My paste is only good for 6 months and I can only get it in 1 liter bottles. I wish that I could just send some smaller bottles to you and everyone else who want to try the paste for free - I have both Dolce and Picante. But I assume that sending foodsubstances outside Europe would be difficult.
:) Danbo
Thanks Danbo-----once again helpful----with all that cheese you have made lately, you probably used a liter ;) International shipping is a nightmare sometimes------I sold a pair of antique brass head lights to a guy in Australia a couple years back----he paid $600.00 for the lights and $ 800.00 for shipping and duties---incredible!!!
Qdog
I know... If I buy something from the US at around USD 12 the VAT would be USD 3 but the cost of declaring the package would be USD 23... Total cost: USD 38 !!!!!
I am quite sure that Artisan Geek is selling the same product. It comes from Austria. The liquid rennet paste from calf is not yet on his website - you can send a message through the site if you want it. But he does have the liquid paste rennet from goat and sheep.
I wish that we had an Artisan Geek here in Europe...
If it comes from Austria, wouldn't it be possible to get it from Austria?
I buy it in Germany and the price is reasonable... I buy it when I buy cultures which makes shipping cheaper.