Tapping a wheel of cheese is a traditional method used to assess its quality and maturity, particularly for hard cheeses like Parmesan. The process involves using a small hammer or tool to strike the wheel at various points, listening to the resulting sounds and vibrations. A trained ear can interpret these sounds to determine the presence of cracks, voids, or inconsistencies within the cheese, as well as gauge its texture and overall ripeness. While not a foolproof method, tapping provides valuable insights into the internal structure of the cheese without cutting into it, helping cheesemakers and affineurs ensure quality and select the best wheels.
Within the esteemed realm of cheesemaking, the act of tapping a wheel of cheese, far from being a whimsical gesture, constitutes a crucial diagnostic procedure employed by affineurs and other cheese professionals to ascertain the quality and maturity of a given cheese. This percussive examination, performed by gently striking the exterior of the cheese wheel with specialized tools or even knuckles, elicits subtle auditory clues that betray the inner workings of the cheese's ripening process. Specifically, the resulting sound, ranging from a dull thud to a resonant hollow tone, acts as an acoustic window into the cheese's texture and consistency.
A duller sound often indicates a denser, more compact cheese, potentially suggesting younger age or a specific cheesemaking style. Conversely, a hollower resonance can signify a greater degree of internal breakdown, characteristic of aged cheeses with increased proteolysis and the development of characteristic "eyes" or openings within the cheese matrix. This auditory information, when combined with other sensory assessments such as visual inspection and olfactory evaluation, provides a comprehensive understanding of the cheese's current state and allows the affineur to predict its future development. The process, requiring both experience and a nuanced understanding of the interplay between sound and cheese structure, is akin to a medical professional employing percussion to assess the condition of a patient's lungs. Thus, the seemingly simple act of tapping a wheel of cheese becomes a sophisticated method for evaluating the culmination of microbial activity, enzymatic processes, and time, ultimately informing decisions regarding aging, storage, and ultimately, the optimal moment for consumption.
Summary of Comments ( 17 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43644970
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and cultural significance of cheese wheel tapping. Some commenters debated the efficacy of tapping for assessing quality, suggesting other methods like drilling and plugging might be more reliable for determining internal defects. Others highlighted the performative aspect, arguing it's primarily for show or tradition, particularly for hard cheeses where tapping yields limited information. The rhythmic and visual appeal of the process was also noted, along with its potential to engage customers. A few users shared anecdotes about witnessing cheese tapping firsthand, and others wondered about regional variations in the practice. There was also brief discussion about the tools used, such as hammers and mallets, and the specific sounds produced.
The Hacker News post "Why Tap a Wheel of Cheese?" with the link to https://www.cheeseprofessor.com/blog/cheese-wheel-tapping has several comments discussing the cheese-tapping process.
Many commenters focused on the practicality and limitations of the tapping method. One commenter expressed skepticism about the reliability of tapping as a sole indicator of quality, especially given the variability in cheese wheels and the subjective nature of interpreting the sounds. They suggested tapping is more likely used in conjunction with other assessment techniques like coring. Another commenter with admitted limited experience echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that tapping is likely just one piece of the puzzle alongside visual inspection and smell. This commenter also highlighted the article's acknowledgment of tapping's limits.
The discussion also touched upon the tools used. One user inquired about the specific hammer used, pointing out the differences compared to a typical meat tenderizer. Another user hypothesized that the small hammer shown in the article's video might be insufficient for larger wheels, prompting speculation about the use of larger mallets and the potential risks of damaging the cheese with excessive force.
Some comments offered additional insights into the cheesemaking process. One commenter, identifying as a cheesemaker, described the use of tapping to detect unwanted gas formation during aging, specifically mentioning the issue of "blowing" in hard cheeses. Another user extrapolated this point, mentioning other defects that tapping might reveal, such as cracks, which could compromise the cheese's aging process or structural integrity.
The conversation expanded beyond the practicalities to include anecdotal experiences. One commenter shared a story about a broken cheese wheel that went unnoticed and ended up costing them significantly, adding a real-world consequence to the importance of cheese assessment.
Finally, a few comments injected a touch of humor. One commenter jokingly suggested using machine learning to analyze the tapping sounds, a nod to the tendency to apply technology to traditional practices. Another commenter quipped about using a more forceful "Hulk smash" approach to cheese inspection.
Overall, the comments section offers a range of perspectives, from skeptical inquiries to expert insights and humorous asides, creating a robust discussion around the seemingly simple act of tapping a cheese wheel.