Cheesemaking Is Fancy Composting: Why Milk Wants to Transform with Robyn Jackson

Cheese Making as an Act of Preservation

Robyn shared how cheese making, at its core, is about preserving milk in its purest form. Unlike store-bought options with additives and ultra-pasteurization, traditional cheese retains its natural nutrients and flavors.

The Journey to Traditional Cheese Making

Robyn explained how pasteurization reshaped the dairy industry, allowing poor farming practices to thrive. She advocates for using raw milk, which she describes as perfectly designed for cheese making, to produce superior results without chemical intervention.

A Beginner’s Guide to Cheese Making

If you’re new to cheese making, Robyn recommends starting with something simple, like yogurt or kefir. For those ready to dive into cheese, she suggests feta as a great entry point. It’s easy to make with basic equipment and can be aged for enhanced flavor.

Why This Matters to You

Whether you’re a homesteader or just curious about where your food comes from, cheese making is an empowering skill. It connects you to the past, reduces dependency on processed foods, and allows you to create nutritious, delicious dairy products right at home.

Actionable Advice

• Start Small: Begin your cheese-making journey with simple recipes like yogurt or kefir to build confidence and understand the process.
• Source High-Quality Milk: Use raw milk if available, or opt for low-temperature pasteurized milk to achieve the best results. Avoid ultra-pasteurized milk, as it won’t coagulate properly for cheese making.
• Choose Quality Store-Bought Cheese: When buying cheese, look for products with only four simple ingredients: milk, bacterial culture, rennet, and salt. Steer clear of cheeses with unnecessary additives or preservatives.

Robyn’s story is one of passion and resilience. What began as a hobby has evolved into a thriving business. Her Milkmaid Society membership offers a wealth of knowledge, while her upcoming book aims to inspire a new generation of cheese makers.

Links and Resources to Explore

• Find Robyn’s cheesemaking resources at Cheese from Scratch.
• Follow her for tutorials and tips: Instagram.
• Join the Milkmaid Society membership: Milkmaid Society.
• Discover raw milk sources: Real Milk.
• Explore cheese supplies: New England Cheesemaking (U.S.) and Glengarry Cheesemaking (Canada).
• Use code EA20 for 20% off Pluck Superfood Seasonings at Eat Pluck.

  Listen to the Full Episode – Available now on   Apple, Spotify, or YouTube.

  
  

Take the first step into the world of traditional cheese making by listening to this episode. Whether you’re curious or committed, Robyn’s insights will inspire you to try making your own dairy creations. Listen now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes!