Word Of The Day: Syneresis

Even though "Dirty Jobs" host Mike Rowe considers cheesemaking to be unsavory, we believe that it's just another adventure in the active life of a food lover, especially when it comes to syneresis.

Syneresis is the process of forming of curd and separating whey, which happens with an increase in the cooking temperature, reduction of pH level, and violent (or fun) stirring while cooking. This gives the cheesemaker control over the preliminary composition of the cheese. Affinage, on the other hand, gives the cheesemaker control over the overall composition.

Use today's Word of the Day: How to Make Ricotta