WASHING OF BUTTER 263 



later and it has relieved the whole condition. He is of the 

 opinion that if this is used when the butter shows any ten- 

 dency to stick to the churn, it will keep the churn in good con- 

 dition right along." 



WASHING OF BUTTER 



Purpose of Washing. The chief object of washing butter 

 is to remove as much buttermilk as possible. The more impure 

 the cream is, the greater is the importance of getting the butter 

 thoroughly washed. In the winter, when it is cold, and the 

 cream is in good condition, some makers do not wash the butter 

 at all. But this is not a safe method. The removal of the 

 buttermilk constituents should be as complete as conditions will 

 permit. 



Temperature of Wash-water. The temperature of wash- 

 water should be as nearly like that of the cream when churned 

 as is consistent with the other conditions. It is quite a regular 

 practice in many creameries, particularly in summer, to temper 

 the wash- water to about 2 below the churning temperature of 

 the cream. Extreme and rapid changes in temperature should 

 always be avoided. Occasionally it is necessary to use water 

 that is colder than the cream; at other times it is necessary to 

 use wash-water at a higher temperature than that of the cream. 

 If the butter churns soft, do not use ice-cold wash-water to chill 

 the butter, as it has a tendency to give butter a tallowy appear- 

 ance. Neither should hard butter be quickly softened by using 

 wash- water at & very high temperature, as it is likely to cause the 

 butter to assume a greasy and slushy texture. If it is necessary 

 to change the degree of hardness of the butter, change it grad- 

 ually by using water at a moderate temperature and allowing the 

 butter to be in contact with it a longer time without agitating 

 it much. 



The regulation of the condition or degree of firmness of butter, 

 for the proper working of it, should never have to be accom- 

 plished to any great extent by means of the wash-water. This 

 is not the real purpose of washing butter. If the churning tern- 



