First Cold Smoke

[ov10fac]

I did my first Cold Smoke today. Smoked Mild Chedder, Swiss, Gouda, and Colby. I did a quick taste test and to be honest did not get a lot of smoke. I smoked for 3 hours. Starting temp was 66 and end temp was 80. But my wife says I have lost my sense of taste, so may have to wait for someone else to do a taste test. Well, wife just came home and can smell the smoke in the cheese, so guess its me. Anyway here are a few photos.

Start of Smoke:

Smoke about half way through

Just before removal.

 

[DougE]

May of been where you were around the smoker and exposed to the smoke. Let it mellow over night and taste again.

 

[jnh2022]

Just for science of smoked cheese, why would your wife think you may have compromised smell?

 

[jnh2022]

Just for science of smoked cheese, why would your wife think you may have compromised smell?

I do a minimum of a 4 hours cold smoke on cheese or bacon, or nuts, or salt, or pastrami, etc, etc,. I myself prefer an 8 hour smoke as a minimum, but we must cater to those we love. It seems to me that 3 hours is a bare minimum and unless you have COVID or some other sense reducing issue, you have a normal differential in smoke preference. Err on the side of the person that makes you happy.

 

[ov10fac]

I do a minimum of a 4 hours cold smoke on cheese or bacon, or nuts, or salt, or pastrami, etc, etc,. I myself prefer an 8 hour smoke as a minimum, but we must cater to those we love. It seems to me that 3 hours is a bare minimum and unless you have COVID or some other sense reducing issue, you have a normal differential in smoke preference. Err on the side of the person that makes you happy.

Well, I can't smell things that other people can. So my sense of smell isn't what it used to be. I can walk in a pine forest after a rain and not smell the pine. That used to be one of my favorite smells. But interestingly I can still smell wet leaves in the fall. Strange.

 

[ov10fac]

Just for science of smoked cheese, why would your wife think you may have compromised smell?

Mainly because she can smell things I can't, and I can't smell some things that others can. So.....

 

[Colin1230]

The color on that cheese looks just right for my taste. Good job!
After smoking I let it rest in the refrigerator for a few hours then vac seal. Then it's in the bottom drawer of the frig for thirty days to mellow. I have a batch now that will be ready for Christmas gifts. The kids and neighbors love it.

 

[hoity toit]

I did my first Cold Smoke today. Smoked Mild Chedder, Swiss, Gouda, and Colby. I did a quick taste test and to be honest did not get a lot of smoke. I smoked for 3 hours. Starting temp was 66 and end temp was 80. But my wife says I have lost my sense of taste, so may have to wait for someone else to do a taste test. Well, wife just came home and can smell the smoke in the cheese, so guess its me. Anyway here are a few photos.

Start of Smoke:
View attachment 708634View attachment 708636View attachment 708632

Smoke about half way through

View attachment 708631

Just before removal.
View attachment 708633

Certainly has that nice color. Good job!

HT

 

[hoity toit]

The color on that cheese looks just right for my taste. Good job!
After smoking I let it rest in the refrigerator for a few hours then vac seal. Then it's in the bottom drawer of the frig for thirty days to mellow. I have a batch now that will be ready for Christmas gifts. The kids and neighbors love it.

I do the same thing, I have some of mine that has rested almost a year. They sure are good.

HT

 

[ov10fac]

I do the same thing, I have some of mine that has rested almost a year. They sure are good.

HT

Thanks, been in fridg since about 6 last night. Plan on pulling it tonight about 6 then vacuum seal for Christmas. I will have to do a taste test before sealing of course

 

[DougE]

Constant exposure to scents deaden the ability to smell them. As an arborist, my company had me spraying pesticides part of the year. Most of them stink to high heaven, but after years of doing it, I lost the ability to smell them.

When I was training a new spray man, they would always comment on how bad the smell was. Told them it would pass. I'm around cattle all the time and don't smell cow manure anymore either.

 

[ov10fac]

Constant exposure to scents deaden the ability to smell them. As an arborist, my company had me spraying pesticides part of the year. Most of them stink to high heaven, but after years of doing it, I lost the ability to smell them.

When I was training a new spray man, they would always comment on how bad the smell was. Told them it would pass. I'm around cattle all the time and don't smell cow manure anymore either.

DougE, thanks that may be the issue, that and spending 20+ years sucking oxygen through an Oxygen mask are probably all contributors.

 

[ov10fac]

Pulled the cheese for Christmas Eve with the Family. After a little over two weeks aging in vacuum packed bag, it was very good. Lots of good comments from my family. In fact I have requests for more and specific kinds now. Just put second batch in the smoker and looking forward to this when it comes out of aging in a few weeks for another family get-together.

 

[gmc2003]

In fact I have requests for more and specific kinds now.

That's always a good sign right there. Congratulations.

Chris

 

[jnh2022]

Just put second batch in the smoker and looking forward to this when it comes out of aging in a few weeks for another family get-together.

It looks and sounds good. I need to take advantage of our warm temperatures right now (-10 to +3 Celsius) to do some cold smoking for cheese and stuff. Although I did some smoked cured turkey for Christmas - turned out good! Keep up the great work!

 

[Fueling Around]

Missed this until today.
Original batch looked great. If I stay too close to the smoker or even grill I get nose blind as well. Wife has acknowledged this as sometimes I cannot eat what has been cooked for supper.

I put smoked cheese in the fridge in a air packed zipper bag to avoid perfuming the whole contents.

Well, I can't smell things that other people can. So my sense of smell isn't what it used to be. I can walk in a pine forest after a rain and not smell the pine. That used to be one of my favorite smells. But interestingly I can still smell wet leaves in the fall. Strange.

My sense of smell and taste changes often. Does that mean Covid? Probably not. Just the natural revolution of your body

 

[crazymoon]

OV10, Good color on your cheese !

 

[uncle eddie]

Mainly because she can smell things I can't, and I can't smell some things that others can. So.....

Reverse is true in my house...I have the sniffer, she does not.