PARAFFIN IN THE DAIRY.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 20, 18 October 1907, Page 2

PARAFFIN IN THE DAIRY.

This familiar wax4ike substance, obtained from crudo petroleum," coal-bearing shales, and other sourcos ,has ; niuuerous practical uses._ In connection with dairying particular mention might be madb of the use of paraffin in coating cheese and butter tubs. In both cases its valuo depends'mainly upon its waterproof properties. For tho same reason, paper treated with parafrn is used extensively for wrapping purposes where it is desirable to prevent loss •of moisture'. A few years ago tho coating of chccso with paraffin was first tested experimentally. Tho results wero so encouraging that the method was taken up by practical chccsmakers, and now has a widespread use. A large amount of data has accumulated to show that paraffining chccso tends to prevent) the development of mould as well, as tho shrinking due to tho loss of moisture by evaporation. The shrinkage prevented is genorally more than sufficient to repay the chcesomaker for the cost of material and the labor involved in paraffining the cheese. In experiments in canning cheeso'at the Oregon station, the tin was very satisfactorily protected from tho action of the salt and acid by tho coating of paraffin. This was done by placing a' small amount of paraffin in tho can, heating it, and then revolving the can until tho cntiro interior surface was covered with a thin layer. In similar experiments at the Utah station the rusting : of the cans was likewise prevented by coating the interior with paraffin. V The paraffining of butter tubs will prevent the'growth of mould on the inside, thus eliminating a very annoying troublo frequently met with by buttor dealors. Tho paraffin may be applied with a brush, or a small quantity,,of the melted paraffin may be poured into the tub, and the tub rotated over steam until'.the entire surface is coated. A 601b. tub may be satisfactorily coated with COlb. of paraffin, costing less than two cents. This cost is .more than offset by reducing the, loss by evaporation from the outside, and tho absorption of water from tho butter by the tub. In some exporimonts it was found that 15 cents worth of paraffin saved in this way the price of six pounds of butter. Butter boxes may be obtained from the makers already paraffined.