The duration required for cold-smoking dairy products varies depending on the type of cheese, the ambient temperature, and the intensity of the smoke. For instance, a hard cheese like cheddar may withstand a longer exposure than a softer cheese such as brie, without suffering undesirable textural changes.
Controlling the smoking time is crucial for achieving the desired flavor profile and preventing the cheese from melting or absorbing an acrid, overpowering smoke flavor. Historically, food preservation techniques like smoking extended shelf life, and the practice imparted unique and appealing tastes to cheese.
