MA Series (MA 11)

Hi Barbara,

With any culture that is a blend of multiple species, you need to be careful when sizing down. If you size down too small, you won't get an adequate sample of each bacteria type into your milk and you could get a less-than-consistent result (said another way, by using too little, you are at risk of altering the ratio of the blend, which could affect your result). For this reason (and especially for complicated blends), there is basically a rock-bottom amount of culture you should use even for the smallest batches. In our experience, this minimum amount is 1/8 tsp for most blends. We also recommend that you give your culture pouch or bottle a good shake before each use.

Thanks!
GetCulture Staff

Hi Barbara,
In response to your question, the simple answer is yes. These cultures work very similar to each other. They are rotations to be used to help prevent bacteriophage infection. It is important to use them based on DCU and not just weight because the activity per gram is quite different between each. The typical usage rate is 250 DCU per 5000 pounds of milk (0.05 DCU/pound of milk).

There is no real advantage to using them together unless you are just trying to use up the remaining amount in one pouch before you switch to another rotation.

GetCulture Staff

Hello,
We can email you the kosher certificate. The picture corresponds with the small size package, 50 DCU, the Large is a 125 DCU.
Let us know if you have anymore questions.
Thanks,
GetCulture Satff

The ideal incubation temperature is 75* F. For a more in-depth answer see the Cream Cheese Recipe under our Resources tab.
Or here is a link that will take you right to the Recipe
https://www.getculture.com/cream-cheese-recipe.html
Hope this Helps!
Thanks for your question.
-GetCulture Support

Hi Erik,
All of our products are shipped at ambient temperatures. We feel they are safe for up to 5 to 7 days. That is why we normally ship via Priority Mail with the United States Postal Service.
Thanks!
GetCulture, Inc.

Hi Jodi,
It is a matter of personal preference to some degree, but I personally would probably opt for the Flora Danica or MM series for your purpose (more buttery notes than the MA series). They will all work well, but there will be differences in the final flavor -- you might want to experiment with your milk to see which you prefer.
Hope this helps!
GetCulture Support

Hello Sue,
Yes, all of our freeze-dried culture and culture blends are direct-set.
Thanks,
GetCulture Support

Hi Meg,
The number of batches will vary significantly depending on the type of cheese you are making using this culture, as well as your batch size, and even sometimes the milk being used. However, as a starting point for your reference, for most American-style cheeses (semi hard cheeses such as cheddar), a 50 DCU packet (Small) will contain enough culture to make approx 20 batches in the 2-3 gallon range. The Large packet (125 DCU) will do about 45-50 batches. Please note that this is assuming proper care of the cultures between uses: ensure that the cultures are protected from other bacteria (for example, never insert non-sanitized utensils into the original packet); guard against moisture and oxygen (fold packet and seal tightly within a freezer bag or sanitized glass jar with a tightly sealing lid), and always keep cultures in the freezer. For best results, be sure to shake the packet well before each use. I hope this answers your question!
GetCulture Support