The Difference between Rennet Tablets and Cheese Rennet

Cheese is one of the popular and diverse dairy products that has many enthusiasts worldwide. For years, various types of cheeses have become an integral part of breakfast. The methods of cheese production, much like its various types, are highly diverse, and different regions of the world have their specific techniques for making cheese. Due to the various production methods, cheeses come in different colours, flavours, and serve different purposes, which setting them apart from each other.

In general, cheeses are produced by acidifying milk through the action of lactic acid bacteria, and then, with the help of enzymes, curd is formed. After curd formation, through a ripening period, the desired cheese will be ready. As evident from this brief explanation, cheese production requires specific ingredients, often referred to as cheese rennet. Therefore, if you intend to make homemade cheese, you'll need to obtain this substance and become familiar with the cheese-making process. In this article from the iPars website, we will introduce cheese rennet, powdered and cheese rennet tablets, as well as the difference between rennet tablets and cheese rennet. Stay with us for more information.

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What is Cheese Rennet?

Cheese rennet is one of the primary ingredients used in cheese production. In traditional methods, rennet is derived from the bodies of animals. An enzyme known as chymosin or rennet is extracted from the stomach of young animals such as calves and lambs and is used in the cheese-making process. Some believe that in ancient times, people first discovered rennet by storing fresh milk in a bag made from the stomach lining of a young animal like a calf or a lamb. Later, they realized that there was something in the inner lining of the fourth stomach of ruminant animals that transformed milk into a curd-like substance. Since then, the use of this substance, known as rennet, became widespread.The age of the animal is crucial in obtaining rennet because this substance is only produced in the bodies of animals whose primary diet is milk and consuming other food can hinder the production of this enzyme in their bodies.

Despite the special properties of rennet, it's important to note that there are various types of cheese that are produced without the use of rennet. While using rennet enhances the quality of cheese production, it is not an absolute necessity for all cheese types. Some individuals prepare homemade cheese using ingredients like yogurt, vinegar, and lemon juice instead of rennet.

Cheese Rennet Suitable for Vegetarians

Some vegetarians cannot use products of animal origin, so they require a plant-based rennet. Fortunately, today, plant-based rennet is produced from a variety of plants and are available in the market. In fact, plant-based rennet are extracted from plants capable of producing specific enzymes with coagulating properties. However, it's worth mentioning that sometimes, due to the direct use and minimal processing of the plant itself, this may have undesirable effects on the aroma and flavour of the final product.

Plants such as cardoon thistle, fig sap, artichoke and fig tree bark contain a type of enzyme used for creating plant-based rennet and are utilized in the production of plant-based cheeses. These ingredients are the primary choice for many traditional cheese makers in various regions of Spain and Portugal. However, it's important to note that rennet derived from animal sources tend to have better longevity, making them more suitable for aging cheeses. If a plant-based rennet is not used for a long time, it can lead to the development of a bitter taste in the product. This is why plant-based cheeses are often recommended for quicker consumption.

General Types of Cheese Rennet

Cheese rennet is produced in three different types, each with its specific applications. This allows consumers to more easily choose their desired product when making a purchase. The types of rennet include:

Rennet Tablets
Liquid Cheese Rennet
Cheese Rennet Powder

Liquid Cheese Rennet

In terms of the difference between liquid Cheese rennet and rennet tablet, it's important to know that liquid Cheese rennet is the most well-known and simplest type of cheese rennet, commonly used by professional cheese makers. The amount of liquid cheese rennet can be measured with more precision, but its shelf life is shorter compared to rennet tablet and cheese rennet powder. Nevertheless, it remains the first choice for many cheese producers.

What is Cheese Rennet Powder?

Cheese rennet powder, like rennet tablet, can have a longer shelf life and is more stable in warm climates compared to liquid cheese rennet. Using cheese rennet powder is convenient and easy, and measuring this product is also straightforward. These characteristics make powdered rennet an excellent choice for cheese producers in warm climates.

What is Rennet Tablets?

In most cheese-making methods, rennet is added to milk in liquid or paste form. However, in newer methods, rennet is prepared in the form of tablets or powder and then mixed with milk. This method allows for a longer shelf life, especially in warmer climates. Rennet tablets are recognized as a suitable and practical option for coagulating cheese. These tablets have special properties that make them the best choice for homemade cheese production. Temperature has the least impact on rennet tablets, and this substance has a long shelf life. Most rennet tablets are of fungal and plant origin. Plant-based cheese rennet tablets can last up to one year outside the refrigerator and up to five years in the freezer and remain usable. Additionally, rennet tablets are used in the preparation of various cheeses, including cream cheese, curd cheese, hard cheeses like cheddar or Swiss, and even a type of pudding called Junket.

The Problem of Not Achieving Curd Formation with the Rennet Tablet

Sometimes when using rennet tablets, we encounter an issue referred to as "failing to set the cheese with rennet tablets." This means that after adding the rennet tablet to the milk, the milk doesn't coagulate or the curd doesn't form properly. This issue can occur in two situations:

If the cheese rennet tablet you've used is expired.
If the milk you're using has passed its expiration date.

So, it's better to check the expiry dates of both ingredients before making cheese. However, if you encounter this issue, remember that you can resolve it in subsequent attempts by replacing the rennet tablet, using fresh milk, and increasing the milk's heating time.

The Visual Appearance of a Rennet Tablet

The colour of rennet tablets is white, and they bear a strong resemblance to many tablets produced for medicinal purposes. They are typically presented in plastic or aluminium foil blister packs and then placed in a box for sale in the market. You can mostly acquire this product from baking and pastry supply stores, herbal shops, as well as grocery stores for use in cheese production and other recipes.

Also read: What is Lecithin, and What Are Its Types?

How to Make Homemade Cheese Using a Rennet Tablet

To make homemade cheese using rennet tablets, first, you need to heat the milk in a stainless steel container over low heat until it becomes warm (be careful not to let the milk boil). In a separate stainless steel container, dissolve water, salt, and the rennet tablet, and wait for the tablet to completely dissolve in the water. When the milk reaches 40 degrees Celsius, stir it gently to ensure the temperature is uniform throughout the milk, then turn off the heat. Mix the prepared cheese rennet mixture into the milk. Cover the container and place it in a warm spot. After an hour, cut the formed curds into pieces and cover the container again. Then, place a thin cloth inside a colander and gently pour the curds into it, tying the cloth tightly around them. Place a heavy object on top of the cheese for one to two hours to remove excess whey. Once the cheese has expelled an adequate and acceptable amount of whey, cut the cheese into pieces and soak them in a saltwater solution.

Final Words

Cheese is one of the famous and beloved dairy products, and its plant-based varieties also have many fans. Making cheese at home is a delightful experience for many people. Using cheese rennet makes the cheese-making process easier, but to choose the right type of cheese rennet, you should examine the different characteristics of its various types and then select the best option. In this article from the iPars Group, we have thoroughly examined cheese rennet, its types, and its characteristics, and we have also introduced you the difference between cheese rennet and rennet tablets. Contact our experts for more information.