Randy Chandler
The need to refrigerate cheese depends on its type. Soft cheeses like cottage cheese, cream cheese, brie, and mozzarella are highly perishable and susceptible to bacterial growth due to their high moisture content. Therefore, they should be refrigerated. Hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and gouda have a lower moisture content, making them less prone to bacterial growth and spoilage. While they can be stored outside the fridge, refrigeration prolongs their shelf life. Freezing cheese is not recommended, as it negatively impacts flavor and texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storing cheese | Wrapping in paper and plastic wrap |
| Storing soft, creamy cheeses | Resealable container |
| Storing soft and semi-soft cheeses | Natural liquid in a plastic container |
| Storing cheese in the fridge | Place in a drawer, not on a shelf |
| Storing cheese in the fridge | Place in a dark, cool, and humid space |
| Storing cheese in the freezer | Not recommended |
| Storing cheese at room temperature | Not recommended for more than 2 hours |
| Storing hard cheeses at room temperature | Can be left out for up to 4 hours |
| Storing cheese in plastic wrap | Not recommended |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Soft cheeses should be stored in the fridge
To prepare soft cheeses for storage in the fridge, they should be removed from their original plastic packaging. They can then be wrapped in paper—such as wax paper, parchment paper, or cheese paper—before being placed in the container. The paper wrapping helps to prevent the cheese from absorbing other flavours in the fridge. It is important that the wrapping is not too tight, as this can prevent the cheese from breathing and increase the likelihood of bacterial growth.
Soft cheeses can also be stored in their natural liquid, which can help to lock in moisture. If the cheese is stored in liquid, the container should be filled with new liquid if the original liquid is contaminated by a dirty spoon or hand. A brine solution can be created by dissolving one tablespoon of salt in three cups of water. However, a stronger brine will make the cheese taste saltier.
Soft cheeses should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours, as they are highly perishable. If left out for longer than this, they may need to be discarded.
Mac and Cheese: Should You Add Eggs?
You may want to see also
Hard cheeses don't need refrigeration
While most cheeses should be stored in the fridge, hard cheeses don't need to be refrigerated. Hard cheeses are those with very little moisture, such as aged cheddar, gouda, and parmesan. These cheeses can be stored at room temperature and will last longer than softer cheeses.
Hard cheeses can be stored by wrapping them tightly in paper and then in plastic wrap or an airtight container. This will prevent them from developing a harder consistency than intended. It's important to note that while hard cheeses can be left out of the fridge, this may impact their quality over time. For the best taste and quality, hard cheeses should not be left out for longer than two hours at room temperature.
If you're storing hard cheese in the fridge, it's recommended to keep it in a drawer, as these tend to be warmer and more humid than the shelves. This will help prevent the cheese from drying out. It's also important to loosely wrap the cheese in plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing the flavors of other foods in the fridge.
Additionally, hard cheeses that have already been opened should be wrapped tightly and stored in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. You can also store hard cheese in the freezer by cutting it in half, wrapping one half in foil, and defrosting it when needed.
In summary, while hard cheeses don't require refrigeration, proper storage is necessary to maintain their quality and freshness.
Creating the Ultimate Meat and Cheese Platter
You may want to see also
How to wrap cheese for the fridge
To wrap cheese for the fridge, you will need paper and plastic wrap. First, unwrap the cheese from its original plastic packaging. Leaving cheese in its original wrapper is a bad idea as it can suffocate the cheese and give it a plastic flavour.
Next, place a clean sheet of paper on a flat surface. You can use cheese paper, wax paper, parchment paper, or a paper towel. Arrange the cheese on the paper and wrap it up, creasing as you go to make neat, clean folds. You can use tape to secure the paper if you like.
Then, add another layer of protection by wrapping the cheese in plastic wrap. This will help to keep fridge odours from seeping into the cheese. Finally, label the cheese with the type and date of purchase. You can write directly on the paper with a permanent marker or stick a label on it.
It is important to note that cheese should be stored in the warmest part of the refrigerator, such as the cheese or vegetable drawer. If you have multiple types of cheese, it is a good idea to use a large Tupperware container to store them all together. This will help to maintain a cold, stable temperature and prevent the cheese from drying out.
Cheese and Vodka: Agent Moulder's Secret Cocktail
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How long cheese can be left out of the fridge
Whether or not cheese needs to be stored in the fridge depends on its type, how it's made, and how fresh it is. Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan can be left out of the fridge for longer than soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and Mozzarella. This is because hard cheeses have lower moisture content, making them less susceptible to bacterial growth.
The U.S. Department of Health recommends that cheese should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. If the temperature is above 90°F (32°C), this duration is reduced to one hour. Exceeding these limits may impact the quality and taste of the cheese, and may even pose a health risk, especially for soft cheeses.
Some sources suggest that hard cheeses can be left out for up to four hours and still be safe to eat, provided they are properly wrapped and stored afterward. However, it is important to inspect all cheeses for signs of spoilage, such as a bad smell, slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks, or mold.
For optimal food safety, it is recommended to let cheese sit out at room temperature for only 20-30 minutes before serving, as this allows the cheese to develop its best flavor without compromising safety.
Some cheeses, like feta, can be stored in brine and kept at room temperature. However, even in these cases, there is a risk of bacterial growth, and refrigeration is generally recommended for longer preservation.
Cheese on Fajitas: A Culinary Conundrum
You may want to see also
The best place in the fridge to store cheese
It is important to store cheese properly to keep it fresh and delicious. The best place to store cheese in the fridge is in a drawer, preferably the one closest to the bottom of the fridge. The drawers in a refrigerator have the most consistent temperature and humidity, so the cheese won't get too cold or dry out. It is recommended to keep cheese in a dark, cool, and humid space, and the produce storage container in your fridge can also serve this purpose.
When storing cheese, it is important to wrap it properly. Firstly, remove the cheese from its original plastic packaging, as leaving it vacuum-sealed can give it a plastic flavour. Wrap the cheese in a clean sheet of cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper, ensuring that it is completely covered. Then, loosely wrap the paper-covered cheese in plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing the flavours of the fridge. If you don't have plastic wrap, a partially sealed plastic bag can be used. Place the cheese in the drawer, and it should last for up to a month. Harder cheeses will last longer than softer ones.
If you have soft or semi-soft cheeses, such as mozzarella or feta, it is best to leave them in their original packaging and change the water every few days. These cheeses should last between 7 to 10 days in the fridge. For softer, creamier cheeses like goat cheese or fresh mozzarella in liquid, use a resealable container.
To further extend the shelf life of cheese, you can freeze it. Cut the block of cheese in half, wrap the portion you won't be using in foil, and place it in the freezer. When you're ready to use it, defrost it slowly at room temperature or in the fridge.
Freezing Cheese: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, brie, and mozzarella, should be stored in the refrigerator. Hard cheeses, like cheddar, parmesan, or gouda, can be left out of the fridge but will last longer if stored in a cool, dark place.
Soft cheeses should not be left unrefrigerated for more than two hours, as they have a higher moisture content and are more susceptible to bacterial growth.
Hard cheeses can be wrapped in paper and plastic wrap and stored in a cool, dark, and humid place, such as the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator. Alternatively, they can be stored in an airtight container in a cellar or another cool, dark place.
Hard cheeses can last for over a month in the fridge when properly stored.
