The present invention is directed to a process for making a block of
cheese having reduced moisture variability. A bulk container having a
bottom and sidewalls, and a tube having a fill end and an opposite
discharge end, are provided. The discharge end of the tube is positioned
at an approximately central axial location of the container. Cheese curd
is introduced into the container, and the tube via its fill end. Then, a
chilled brine is introduced into the tube via its fill end to mix with
curd therein. Preferably, the chilled brine has a salt content which
approximately matches the salt content of the moisture phase of the
cheese curd. The tube is removed from the cheese curd in the container.
The cheese curd is pressed into a curd mass, and then cooled, and
thereafter cured, providing a cheese block having reduced moisture
variability.