Question

The temperature range of liquid paraffin used for cheese wax coating is

• A. 94-101\(^\circ\)C
• B. 70-90\(^\circ\)C
• C. 140-150\(^\circ\)C
• D. 104-121\(^\circ\)C

Hint:

An application temperature of \(104\text{--}121^\circ\text{C}\) ensures that the wax is highly fluid and hot enough to kill surface mold spores on contact.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Waxing is a traditional method used to seal hard cheeses, preventing moisture loss and protecting the surface from mold and bacterial contamination during ripening.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Liquid paraffin or cheese wax must be heated to an optimal temperature range before application.
- The standard recommended temperature range is \(104^\circ\text{C}\) to \(121^\circ\text{C}\) (or approximately \(110^\circ\text{C}\) to \(120^\circ\text{C}\)).
- This temperature range is chosen for two reasons:
1. It makes the wax sufficiently fluid to form a thin, uniform, and flexible coating on the cheese.
2. The heat instantly sanitizes the cheese surface, killing any active mold spores or surface contaminants.
- Lower temperatures (\(<90^\circ\text{C}\)) result in a thick, brittle wax coat that cracks easily, while higher temperatures (\(>130^\circ\text{C}\)) can melt the cheese fat, causing oiling off and ruining the wax seal.

Step 3: Final Answer
The temperature range for cheese wax coating is 104-121\(^\circ\)C.