cheesecloth

Cheesecloth is a lightweight, loosely woven cotton fabric used in cooking and cheese making. The open weave allows liquid to pass through while trapping solids, making it suitable for draining, straining, and wrapping foods. It is usually made from natural cotton and sold in unbleached form. In consumer markets it comes in single-ply, double-ply, or multi-ply varieties, depending on the number of fabric layers used.

Common uses include straining stocks and broths, clarifying liquids, and draining custards. In cheesemaking, cheesecloth is used to drain curds to make products such as ricotta, paneer, and certain soft cheeses, as well as to line molds. It is also used to drain nut milks, wrap herbs and spices as sachets, and to wrap foods for steaming or roasting. Additional applications include tying bouquets garni and dusting surfaces or molds when a fine, permeable barrier is needed.

Care and maintenance: Rinse the cloth before first use. After use, rinse promptly to remove residue and wash in hot water with a mild detergent; avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can leave residues or alter the fabric’s texture. Cheesecloth can be boiled or simmered for sanitization between uses. Dry completely before storage to prevent mold. Store in a dry, clean place.

Alternatives include muslin or linen cloth, or using a fine mesh sieve lined with a clean cloth.