Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Rennetability refers to the ability of milk to coagulate and form a firm, cohesive gel after the addition of rennet.
Monitoring the gelation process and measuring curd firmness in real time is critical in cheesemaking to determine the correct cutting time.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us review the listed instruments:
- Torsiometer: This instrument measures the change in rheological properties (rigidity and viscosity) of milk during coagulation.
It typically consists of a cylinder suspended in the milk that is subjected to small rotational oscillations.
As the milk coagulates into a gel, it resists this torsional movement, and the torque required to oscillate the cylinder increases.
This change in torque is used to determine the exact rennetability and coagulation time of the curd.
- Sectilometer: Used to measure the cutting resistance or hardness of solid foods like butter, rather than the initial coagulation of milk.
- Ball Compressor: Used to measure the elastic properties and firmness of hard cheese blocks, not the coagulation process of milk.
Therefore, the torsiometer is the instrument used to determine the rennetability of the curd.
Step 3: Final Answer
The correct option is (A).