Antique cheese making table - French Alps - 45" x 17"

This rather primitive table dates from the nineteenth century. The top is carved from a single piece of meleze (mountain pine). It was used for making cheese in the Savoy region of the French Alps. Woodworm is present and has been treated. Ongoing treatment may be required with a suitable product.

Also known as a "fromageoir" it was used for the following stages of the cheese making process. Curd Draining and Shaping: After curdling the milk and separating the curds from the whey, the curds were placed on the cheese board. The board's indentations and grooves helped drain excess whey from the curds. Pressing: The board was used to press the curds, shaping them into a cohesive mass, which is crucial for achieving the desired texture and firmness of the cheese. Drying and Aging: Once shaped and pressed, the cheese might be left on the board to dry. The wooden surface allowed for air circulation, which is essential in the initial stages of cheese aging.