Are you a fan of Italian cuisine? Do you enjoy the nutty and savory flavors of Grana Padano cheese? If so, have you ever wondered how this delicious cheese is made? In this guide, we will walk you through the process of crafting authentic Grana Padano cheese from scratch.

What is Grana Padano?

Grana Padano is a hard Italian cheese that comes from the Po River Valley region. It is made from cow's milk and aged for a minimum of 9 months, although some versions can be aged for up to 24 months. The cheese is known for its granular texture and rich, complex flavors.

Ingredients

  • 10 liters of cow's milk
  • 1.5 grams of calf rennet
  • Salt to taste

Step 1: Milk Pasteurization

The first step in making Grana Padano is to pasteurize the milk. Heat the milk to 72°C (162°F) and maintain this temperature for 15 seconds. Then, cool the milk to 35°C (95°F).

Step 2: Adding Rennet

Add the calf rennet to the milk and stir gently for 1 minute. Let the milk rest for 45 minutes to coagulate.

Step 3: Cutting the Curd

Once the curd has formed, cut it into small, uniform pieces using a long knife. Aim for approximately 5mm (0.2 inches) cubes. Allow the curds to rest for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Heating and Stirring

Heat the curds and whey mixture gradually to 53°C (127°F). Stir gently to avoid breaking the curds. Maintain this temperature for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Draining and Pressing

Transfer the curds to a cheesecloth-lined mold and gently press. Increase the pressure gradually, reaching a weight of 11 kg (24 lbs) over the course of 48 hours. Flip the cheese regularly during this time.

Step 6: Salting and Aging

After 48 hours, remove the cheese from the mold and immerse it in a brine solution for 16-20 days. Then, transfer it to an aging room with controlled temperature and humidity. Age the Grana Padano cheese for a minimum of 9 months, turning it periodically.

Step 7: Enjoying Grana Padano

Once the aging process is complete, your Grana Padano cheese is ready to be enjoyed! It is delicious on its own, shaved over salads, or grated onto pasta dishes.

Now that you know how to make Grana Padano cheese, why not give it a try? Crafting your own authentic Italian cheese can be a rewarding and delicious experience.

Happy cheesemaking!

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