How to Store Cheese - The Ultimate Guide

Storing cheese properly is crucial to preserve its flavor, texture, and longevity. Cheese storage is a delicate dance of temperature, humidity, and careful wrapping. It involves understanding the unique needs of each variety, from the softest Brie to the hardest Parmigiano-Reggiano. By mastering the techniques of cheese preservation, enthusiasts can ensure their cheese remains in peak condition, ready to be enjoyed at its best.

We will cover the following:

• Refrigeration and Temperature Control

• Wrapping and Preparing Cheese for Storage

• Storage Solutions and Containers

• Preventing Cheese Desiccation and Odor Absorption

• Fresh Cheese and Special Varieties Storage

• Freezing Techniques and Thawing Cheese

• Cheese Storage Duration and Placement

• Handling Mold and Spoilage

• Interpreting Expiration Labels and Serving Cheese

• FAQs on Cheese Storage

Refrigeration and Temperature Control

Effective cheese preservation hinges on refrigeration and precise temperature management. Aim to replicate a cheese cave's environment, ensuring cool, humid conditions that inhibit bacterial growth while preserving cheese's moisture and taste.

Optimal Fridge Spots for Cheese

The produce drawer is the refrigerator's sweet spot for cheese, offering higher humidity and slightly warmer temperatures that help maintain cheese quality.

Consistent Temperature: Why It Matters

Temperature swings can harm cheese, leading to premature spoilage. A steady fridge environment, kept between 35°F and 45°F (1.7°C - 7.2°C), is ideal for prolonging cheese freshness.

Cheese Care: Clean, Cold, Covered

1. Clean: Handle cheese with clean hands and tools to prevent contamination.
2. Cold: Keep cheese in the fridge's coldest section, following a cheesemonger's guidance if available.
3. Covered: Wrap cheese appropriately and use a secondary container to shield it from fridge odors and flavors.

Proper wrapping is as critical as the storage temperature. Different cheeses need specific materials for optimal preservation, which we will discuss next.

Wrapping and Preparing Cheese for Storage

Wrapping cheese correctly is key to preserving its quality. Cheesemonger Carol Johnson highlights the need for materials that let cheese breathe, like cheese paper, to keep it flavorful.

Why Avoid Plastic Wrap

Plastic wrap harms cheese by trapping moisture and odors, which can alter flavor and kill beneficial bacteria.

Recommended Wrapping Materials

For a cave-like environment, cheese paper is ideal. Butcher or wax paper are also suitable.

Preparing Cheese for Storage

Cut cheese into pieces before wrapping each separately. Then, use a secondary container for air flow.

Materials and Methods for Different Cheese Types

Soft cheeses need airtight containers, while hard cheeses should have some air exchange. Semi-hard cheeses fall in between.

1. Soft Cheeses: Use Tupperware or similar containers.
2. Hard Cheeses: Wrap in cheese paper or parchment, then store in a container with air holes.
3. Semi-Hard Cheeses: Wax paper can be used, followed by a breathable bag.

Next, we'll examine storage solutions and containers that further safeguard your cheese.

Storage Solutions and Containers

Choosing the right storage solutions and containers is crucial for cheese preservation. Cheesemonger Carol Johnson recommends containers that protect while allowing the cheese to breathe, thus mimicking its original aging conditions.

Double-Layer Protection

A second layer of protection, such as a ventilated container or bag, is beneficial after wrapping to maintain an ideal microclimate.

Room Temperature Storage

Hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dark place, shielded from sunlight and odors.

Container Materials

Choose containers that guard against contaminants and allow airflow. Options include plastic containers with holes or specialty cheese storage bags.

Material Suitability for Cheese Varieties

Soft cheeses require airtight conditions, while hard cheeses need air exchange. Semi-hard cheeses demand a balance of the two.

Implementing these strategies helps prevent desiccation and odor absorption in cheese.

Preventing Cheese Desiccation and Odor Absorption

Desiccation and odor absorption can impair cheese quality. Cheesemonger Carol Johnson advises on moisture preservation and odor protection to maintain cheese's intended flavor profile.

Maintaining Cheese Moisture

For moist cheeses like mozzarella and feta, submerge in brine or wrap in damp cheesecloth within containers that limit air exposure.

Secondary Containers for Odor Protection

Secondary containers with partial ventilation safeguard cheese from absorbing strong odors while allowing it to breathe.

Material Choices to Retain Quality

Select materials like cheese paper that offer a balance of humidity and breathability, akin to a cheese cave's environment.

Fresh Cheese and Special Varieties Storage

Storing fresh cheese and special types demands attention to detail. Fresh cheeses, like ricotta or cottage cheese, are high in moisture and prone to spoilage. They should be kept in their original packaging or an airtight container in the coldest part of the fridge. On the other hand, special varieties such as blue-veined cheeses require environments that support their unique mold cultures without promoting unwanted mold growth.

Storing Fresh Cheese

Keep fresh cheese in the coldest part of your refrigerator, usually the bottom shelf, to protect its delicate flavor and texture. If the original packaging is not resealable, transfer the cheese to an airtight container.

Special Cheese Varieties

For cheeses with bloomy rinds or blue veins, like Camembert or Gorgonzola, slightly warmer and more humid conditions are beneficial. These can be loosely wrapped in wax or cheese paper and placed in a slightly ventilated container.

Why Humidity Matters

Humidity is vital for these cheeses to prevent drying out and to support the development of characteristic flavors and textures.

Examples and Storage Tips

Freezing Techniques and Thawing Cheese

While freezing cheese can extend its shelf life, it's important to note that not all cheeses are suitable for this method. Hard, aged cheeses such as Parmesan adapt better to freezing, whereas soft, creamy varieties like Brie may suffer in texture, becoming crumbly. To freeze cheese, first portion it into small sizes, wrap securely in cheese paper, and then place it in a freezer bag to reduce air contact.

Steps for Freezing Cheese

1. Portion cheese into small sizes.
2. Wrap securely in cheese paper or aluminum foil.
3. Encase wrapped cheese in a freezer bag, expelling excess air.
4. Mark the bag with the freezing date and cheese type.
5. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months to maintain quality.

Thawing cheese correctly is crucial to retain its quality. Shift the cheese from the freezer to the fridge and let it thaw gradually, typically overnight. For full flavor, bring cheese to room temperature about 30 minutes before serving.

Thawing Process for Frozen Cheese

1. Move frozen cheese to the refrigerator.
2. Allow slow thawing, preferably overnight.
3. Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes prior to serving.

Understanding the nuances of cheese storage duration and placement is next in ensuring freshness and flavor.

Cheese Storage Duration and Placement

Different cheeses have varying shelf lives, influenced by their aging processes and storage conditions.

Optimal Placement in the Refrigerator

Store most cheeses in the produce drawer for optimal humidity and temperature. Hard cheeses can be kept on a cool, dark kitchen counter.

Duration for Different Cheese Types

Hard cheeses may last up to six weeks, semi-hard up to four weeks, and soft cheeses should be consumed within two weeks.

Understanding Expiration Labels

Use "best if used by" dates as guidelines; many hard cheeses stay fresh beyond these dates with proper storage.

Handling Unrefrigerated Cheese

Cheese can stay out for two hours. After that, soft cheeses must be discarded, while hard cheeses can be refrigerated again.

When mold is present, hard cheeses can be salvaged by removing the moldy sections, but soft cheeses with mold should be thrown away.

Table: Cheese Storage Duration and Placement

Next, we will address how to handle mold and spoilage, ensuring you can enjoy your cheese without compromise.

Handling Mold and Spoilage

Mold on cheese isn't always a concern. For instance, Roquefort's flavor depends on mold. Yet, mold on other cheeses may suggest spoilage. Knowing how to manage mold is vital for cheese safety and taste.

Identifying and Managing Mold

For hard cheeses like Cheddar or Parmesan, cut out mold spots by slicing 1 inch around and below them, avoiding contact with the mold. If soft cheeses show mold, discard them, as mold can spread inside.

Signs of Spoilage

Discard cheese with an off smell, sliminess, or strange taste, as these indicate spoilage and potential health risks.

Table: Handling Cheese Mold and Spoilage

After addressing mold or spoilage, consider expiration labels and serving for the best cheese experience.

Interpreting Expiration Labels and Serving Cheese

Expiration labels on cheese packaging, particularly "Best if used by" dates, are not hard deadlines but indicators of when cheese may be at its prime. Hard cheeses often remain consumable beyond these dates with proper storage. Trust your senses: if the cheese looks, smells, and tastes fine, it likely is.

To fully savor cheese, let it warm to room temperature before serving, approximately 30 minutes after removing it from refrigeration. This step allows the cheese's fats to soften, enhancing its inherent flavors and aromas for a more pleasurable tasting experience.

Why "Best if Used By" Dates Matter

These dates guide consumers on when the cheese is expected to be at its freshest, based on the manufacturer's estimation.

Serving Cheese for Maximum Enjoyment

Room temperature is ideal for serving cheese, as it accentuates the cheese's taste and texture.

Table: Expiration Labels and Serving Tips

With this knowledge, confidently manage your cheese selection for both safety and enjoyment.

FAQs on Cheese Storage

Navigating cheese storage can prompt many questions. Below are answers to some of the most common inquiries, informed by cheesemonger expertise.

Common Questions on Cheese Storage

1. What are the three C's of cheese storage?
2. Why is plastic wrap unsuitable for cheese?
3. Which material is best for wrapping cheese?
4. How long can you store hard cheeses once opened?
5. What's the shelf life for semi-hard cheeses post-opening?
6. What are the storage guidelines for soft cheeses?
7. Where should cheese be placed in the fridge?
8. Is freezing cheese an option?
9. Can you eat cheese with mold on it?
10. What temperature is ideal for serving cheese?
11. Is cheese past its "best if used by" date safe to eat?
12. How long can cheese sit out?

With this knowledge, confidently maintain your cheese's quality for optimal enjoyment.