Cheesecloth is a loosely-woven cotton fabric used mostly in cheese making, to separate whey from curds. The whey/curd mixture is gathered in the cloth, and then squeezed around it to push out the liquid and hold the curds together, forming a lump of cheese.
Cheesecloth is also used to strain other foods like custards and stocks, or to wring out moisture in other foods.
Don't have a cheesecloth?
Unless you're a cheese maker, a cheesecloth is one of those things you don't use very often. If you're looking for a cheesecloth substitute, try one of these:
- Paper coffee filter
- A clean, lint-free, white cotton handkerchief with a fine weave.
