NEUTRALIZATION OF SOUR CREAM 173 



be handled in the proper manner, after it is made up and before 

 it is added, otherwise it cannot accomplish that for which it is 

 used. Lime settles to the bottom quickly, hence it must be stirred 

 thoroughly before use. It must be strained and diluted with 

 an equal volume of water before it is poured into the cream and 

 it must be sprinkled over the entire surface of the cream while 

 the cream is in agitation. Sediment of limy curd in the bottom 

 of the forewarmer or vat is a fairly conclusive proof that the lime 

 mix was not added as it should have been. 



In order to secure maximum reaction between the alkalinity 

 of the lime and the acid in the cream, the neutralizer must be 

 distributed thinly and uniformly throughout the entire batch of 

 cream. This is possible only when the lime mix is reasonably 

 diluted before it is poured into the vat, and when it is added, not 

 in one place, but over the entire vat, in the form of a small 

 stream, or a spray, and while the cream in the vat is vigorously 

 agitated. 



If the full strength of undiluted lime mix is "dumped" into the 

 vat all in one place, there is very intense action on the curd, a 

 portion of the lime mechanically combines with the curd and fat, 

 and will drop to the bottom of the vat in the form of lumps. In 

 this case the lime so fixed, fails to yield its full alkalinity to the 

 serum of the cream and the acid reduction falls short of that 

 calculated even when an excess of 16 to 20% of lime is used, and 

 accurate results from such procedure need not be expected. 

 This lack of proper distribution of the neutralizer in the cream 

 has the further disadvantage of causing excessive loss of fat, 

 the lumps of limy curd in the bottom of the vat being high in 

 fat content. 



To avoid this, the lime mix should be diluted with an equal 

 volume of water and its uniform distribution is facilitated by 

 spraying it over the vigorously agitated cream, from a flower 

 sprinkling can. 



Checking Results by Retesting. Finally, if the operator is 

 to do continuously accurate and reliable work, he must check 

 his work by retesting the cream for acid, after he has given 

 the neutralizer the proper time and condition for full action. 



