Mastering Cheese Storage: Tips & Tricks

Cheese, a beloved staple in many diets, offers an incredible diversity of flavours and textures. From the crumbly Cheddar to the creamy Brie, each cheese has unique characteristics that can be enhanced or diminished by how it's stored. Understanding the best practices for keeping your cheese fresh is crucial for enjoying its full potential. This guide will delve into the intricacies of cheese storage, covering optimal fridge placement, effective wrapping methods, and the longevity of various cheese types. We'll also address the common question of whether freezing cheese is a viable option.

The Importance of Proper Cheese Storage

Cheese is a living product, and like any natural food, it requires careful handling to maintain its quality. Improper storage can lead to rapid spoilage, loss of flavour, and undesirable textural changes. The primary goal of cheese storage is to create an environment that slows down the aging process without completely halting it, while also preventing it from drying out or absorbing unwanted odours from other foods.

Where to Store Cheese in the Fridge

The refrigerator is essential for preserving cheese, but not all shelves are created equal. The ideal location for most cheeses is towards the bottom of the fridge, often in the vegetable drawer. This area typically maintains a slightly higher and more consistent temperature compared to the upper shelves, which is beneficial for cheese.

However, there are exceptions to this rule:

• Fresh Cheeses, Blue Cheeses, and Very Matured Cheeses: These types of cheese tend to fare better in the upper part of the fridge. The slightly colder environment helps to slow down their ripening process and prevent them from becoming too soft or developing an overly strong aroma.
• General Rule: For most other cheeses, the vegetable drawer or the lowest shelf is the preferred spot due to its stable, slightly warmer temperature. This helps maintain the cheese's moisture and flavour without encouraging excessive mould growth.

The Art of Wrapping Cheese

How you wrap your cheese significantly impacts its longevity and quality. The aim is to allow the cheese to breathe while protecting it from drying out and absorbing other fridge odours.

What to Use:

• Cheese Paper: This is the gold standard for cheese storage. Cheese paper is typically made of two layers: a porous inner layer that wicks away moisture and prevents mould, and an outer layer that prevents the cheese from drying out.
• Parchment Paper (Baking Paper): If cheese paper isn't available, parchment paper is an excellent alternative. It allows the cheese to breathe and helps manage moisture, thus preventing mould.
• Cheese Bags: Specially designed cheese bags offer a good balance of breathability and protection.

What to Avoid:

• Plastic Wrap (Cling Film): While convenient, plastic wrap traps moisture, creating an environment where mould can thrive. It also prevents the cheese from breathing, which can negatively affect its flavour and texture.
• Aluminium Foil: Similar to plastic wrap, aluminium foil can trap moisture and impart a metallic taste to the cheese.

Re-wrapping Leftovers:

If you've already unwrapped your cheese to serve it, and you have leftovers, it's best to re-wrap them. If you still have the original cheese paper, use that. If not, opt for fresh parchment paper. Ensure the cheese is snugly wrapped to minimise air exposure.

Storing Cheese to Prevent Odour Absorption

Cheese, particularly strong-smelling varieties, can easily absorb odours from other foods in the refrigerator. To prevent this, it's advisable to:

• Ensure the cheese is well-wrapped in cheese paper or parchment paper.
• Consider storing cheese in a dedicated cheese container or a sealed plastic container.
• If you have separate vegetable drawers, dedicate one to cheese and the other to vegetables to minimise odour transfer.

How Long Can You Store Cheese?

The shelf life of cheese varies greatly depending on its type and how it's stored. Always check the expiry date on the packaging while it's sealed. Once opened, the following are general guidelines:

Hard Cheeses (e.g., Cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyère)

• Unopened: Typically 2-4 months.
• Opened: Up to 6 weeks when stored properly in cheese paper or parchment paper. These cheeses are more resilient due to their lower moisture content.

Semi-Hard Cheeses (e.g., Gouda, Edam, Provolone)

• Unopened: 1-2 months.
• Opened: Up to 3 weeks when stored correctly.

Soft Cheeses (e.g., Brie, Camembert, Goat Cheese) and Fresh Cheeses (e.g., Cream Cheese, Ricotta)

• These cheeses have a higher moisture content and are more perishable.
• Storage: Typically 1-2 weeks, preferably in their original packaging or wrapped in parchment paper. They are best consumed sooner rather than later.

Blue Cheeses (e.g., Roquefort, Stilton)

• Blue cheeses are best stored in the upper part of the fridge, wrapped in cheese paper or foil.
• Storage: They can last for several weeks when stored correctly.

Can You Freeze Cheese?

Freezing cheese is possible, but it's not always recommended as it can alter the texture and, to some extent, the flavour. Freezing is best suited for hard cheeses, but even then, expect some crumbling upon thawing.

Best Cheeses for Freezing:

• Hard Cheeses: These are the most suitable for freezing due to their low moisture content.

Cheeses to Avoid Freezing:

• Fresh Cheeses: Freezing will significantly damage their delicate texture.
• Soft Cheeses: The high moisture content can lead to a mushy texture after thawing.
• Blue Cheeses: While possible, the texture and flavour may be compromised.

Tips for Freezing Cheese:

• Grate First: It's often best to freeze cheese in grated form. Grated cheese thaws more evenly and is ready to use in cooking, such as for sauces or gratins.
• Portioning: Freeze cheese in manageable portions to avoid thawing more than you need.
• Packaging: Use airtight freezer bags or containers to prevent freezer burn.
• Thawing: Thaw frozen cheese slowly in the refrigerator. Avoid thawing at room temperature.
• Usage: Frozen and thawed cheese is best used in cooked dishes rather than eaten on a cheese board, as its texture may be compromised.

Important Note: While hard cheeses can last up to 8 months in the freezer, be aware that the quality will degrade over time.

Serving Cheese: The Final Touch

To truly appreciate the flavour of cheese, serving it at the correct temperature is vital.

• General Rule: Take most cheeses out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes to an hour before serving. This allows them to come to room temperature, which enhances their aroma and flavour profile.
• Exceptions: Creamy cheeses and fresh cheeses (like cottage cheese or quark) can often be served directly from the fridge or shortly after removal, as their texture is optimal at cooler temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I store cheese in its original plastic packaging?

A1: It's generally not recommended for long-term storage. While convenient, plastic wrap traps moisture and prevents breathing. For best results, transfer the cheese to cheese paper, parchment paper, or a breathable container.

Q2: My cheese has a bit of white mould on it. Is it still edible?

A2: For hard cheeses like Cheddar or Parmesan, small spots of white mould can often be safely cut off (about an inch around the mould). However, for soft cheeses, mould is a sign of spoilage, and the entire piece should be discarded.

Q3: How do I prevent my cheese from drying out in the fridge?

A3: Ensure your cheese is properly wrapped. Using cheese paper or parchment paper is key. Storing it in a cheese drawer or container also helps maintain humidity levels.

Q4: Can I freeze grated cheese?

A4: Yes, freezing grated cheese is a practical option. It thaws quickly and is convenient for cooking. Ensure it's stored in an airtight container or bag.

Q5: What's the best way to store blue cheese?

A5: Blue cheese should ideally be stored in the upper part of the fridge, wrapped in cheese paper or aluminium foil (though cheese paper is preferred). This helps contain its strong aroma and prevents it from affecting other foods.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of cheese storage is a rewarding endeavour that ensures you can savour the full spectrum of flavours and textures that cheese has to offer. By understanding the nuances of temperature, wrapping, and the specific needs of different cheese varieties, you can extend their life and elevate your culinary experiences. Remember to always prioritise breathability and moisture management for optimal results.