I’m going to make a Manchego and season it with either oregano or caraway.  I’m wondering, however, just how much herb to put in a 4 gal. batch?  Both herbs are rather strong flavored, and I don’t want to overpower the cheese - just a hint of flavor.  Any suggestions?

totally depends on how fresh they are. Greek oregano is way stronger then domestic herbs, also depends on how much you like the flavor. 1 tsp can have more power then a tbsp of another brand.
The only thing i can suggest is take the same volume of water and make a tea of what you want to use and anticipate the end result to be 1/4 the strength depending on the type of cheese your making.

I went with the caraway, and used 2 tsp.  From the distribution of seed throughout the wheel, it looks like its going to be just about right.

I went with caraway after all.  I used 2 tsp, and from the distribution of seed in the finished wheel, it appears to be just about right.

if you really like caraway then maybe grow a bush of it in a pot. thats what im planning this year. I have a Hop plant growing like crazy and hopping for some Hops this year and make some Ginger beer

Would a caraway bush produce enough seed to make it worthwhile?  Or can the leaves also be used for seasoning?

Hops in ginger beer? I have not heard of that version.  Any chance of the recipe?

LOL, once i make it i will tell you, i love bitters.
Caraway bush will produce plenty, not to mention very powerful seeds compared what you can buy.

Hops
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33342457@N03/8735812964/in/photostream

So here’s the Caraway Manchego after 2 days in the cave.  It’s already developing a really nice rind.  The Manchego Fresco, which is what this was intended to be, is ready to eat after only a week; so I’ll be cutting into this one in just a few more days.

Looks good. Could you post the recipe for Manchego? I am not at all familiar with this variety.

It’s listed in the recipe section of this Forum.  Manchego, strictly speaking, should be made which sheep’s milk, but that is a non-starter around here.  So I use my regular raw cow’s milk.

Righto, I reckon I will give this one a go.

First sign of my caraways has popped up

Nice closeup.  Given the size of the seed, that has to be one tiny sprout.  What did it take to germinate?  About 2 weeks?  I have some now in pots, but they haven’t come up yet.

I think 10 days, its on the window sill so its very warm when the sun hits the west side.
Will log the progress.