Who doesn’t love cheese? But when was the last time you bought a block of cheese?
Cheese has become so expensive that when you buy it, you want to make sure that it’s stored correctly to ensure that it stays fresh, flavourful, and safe to eat.
Whether it's a sharp cheddar, a creamy brie, or a pungent blue, each type of cheese requires specific storage conditions.
Here’s a guide on how to correctly store cheese to maximise its enjoyment.
Understand the cheese type
Different cheeses have different needs when it comes to storage.
The first step in storing cheese properly is understanding whether the cheese is hard, semi-hard, or soft.
Due to their low moisture content, hard cheeses (e.g., cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyère) are less prone to spoilage and can be stored in the refrigerator for longer periods.
Soft cheeses (e.g., brie, camembert, ricotta) have higher moisture content and are more susceptible to spoilage. They need to be eaten sooner and require more delicate handling.
Blue cheeses (e.g., Roquefort, gorgonzola) are often stored similarly to soft cheeses but may have specific needs due to the mould that is part of their structure.
Keep cheese at the right temperature
The ideal temperature for storing most cheeses is between 1.5°C to 7°C.
This range ensures that the cheese stays at a temperature cool enough to slow bacterial growth but not so cold that it affects the texture and flavour.
Refrigerator: Most cheeses should be stored in the refrigerator’s vegetable drawer, as this area tends to have a more stable temperature.
Avoid freezing: Freezing cheese is generally not recommended, as it alters its texture, often making it crumbly and less flavourful.
Wrap cheese properly
Proper wrapping is key to maintaining cheese's freshness.
Cheese needs to ‘breathe’ to avoid mould growth, but it should also be kept airtight to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours from other foods in the fridge.
Wax paper or parchment paper: These materials allow the cheese to breathe while preventing excessive moisture from escaping.
Wrapping in wax paper or parchment paper is a great option for semi-hard and hard cheeses.
Plastic wrap or foil: After wrapping with wax paper, you can then cover the cheese with plastic wrap or aluminium foil for an extra layer of protection.
Use airtight containers for soft cheeses
An airtight container is a good choice for soft cheeses that are especially creamy or wet (like cream cheese, goat cheese, or ricotta).
These cheeses are highly perishable and can quickly pick up odours from the refrigerator.
Using an airtight container will help preserve the texture and prevent cross-contamination from other foods.
Store cheese in its original packaging
If you purchase cheese that comes in a vacuum-sealed pack or a sealed plastic container, it’s generally best to keep it in that packaging until it’s opened.
These packages are designed to maintain the cheese’s freshness for as long as possible, protecting it from external elements.
Monitor cheese for spoilage
Even with proper storage, cheese can eventually spoil.
Be vigilant and look for signs of mould (not the kind that is part of the cheese's makeup, like in blue cheese), off smells, or changes in texture.
Hard cheeses may dry out or harden, while soft cheeses can become slimy or develop unpleasant odours.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to discard the cheese.
IOL Lifestyle