I made my first Montasio Saturday, from a recipe in Rikki’s book.  It looks and smells great.  But now that its in the cave, the rind is starting to dry out.  The recipe didn’t mention whether I should do the brine wipe every day, oil it or wax it.  Anybody out there have any experience with this one???

if its drying out and u dont have the right humidity control (like most of us) then I would say wax it, or it will turn into a puck

I do have about 85% humidity but there’s quite a rind forming.

I would wax it and protect the innerds.

Hi-

I’ve made 2 3-4 pound Montasios and have one in my cave right now. I don’t wax them, but just keep the humidity high and turn them often.

You must have a humidistat; 85 should be good. I guess if the humidity is high but you’re still getting cracks you may have to wax. I only wax if I absolutely have to. I just wonder why cracks are forming?

Heather

Cracks are if its drying out, maybe too much salt will promote drying out also.

There are no cracks.  The rind is just drying rather faster than I expected in such a humid environment.  Heathers, you said you made some - how long did you age?  And did you just turn regularly?  No wiping or oiling?

Hi Rich-

I aged them a couple months. No oiling, no waxing. I turn all my cheeses 2-3 times per week when I check for funky molds growing. Montasio is a very nice and beautiful cheese.

Let us know how it turns out. I’m curious to know what you think!

Heather