Patrick Oconnell
Refrigeration is a common method of preserving food, with many Americans storing food in the fridge by default. However, not all food items require refrigeration, and cheese is one of them. The need for refrigeration depends on the type of cheese, with hard cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan being able to last longer at room temperature than soft cheeses like mozzarella or cream cheese. Aged cheeses, which are mostly hard and have low moisture content, can be stored at room temperature. Additionally, some cheeses are meant to be stored at room temperature to bring out their full flavor range.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Halts the aging process |
| Aging temperature | 50-60°F |
| Hard cheeses | Can be stored at room temperature |
| Soft cheeses | Should be refrigerated |
| Cheddar | Semi-hard cheese |
| Cheddar | Can be stored at room temperature for a short time |
| Cheddar | Aged similarly to hard cheeses |
| Cheddar | Aged for 2-3 months |
| Cheddar | Aged for up to 2 years |
| Plastic wrap | Reduces quality of flavor and shelf life |
| Plastic wrap | Increases unwanted bacteria |
| Refrigeration | Extends shelf life |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese
As a semi-hard cheese, Cheddar has a relatively low moisture content, which makes it less perishable than soft cheeses. However, it is still recommended to store Cheddar in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life. When stored properly in an airtight container, unopened packages of semi-hard cheese can last up to six months, while opened packages can last about four weeks in the refrigerator.
The process of making Cheddar involves several steps. First, the milk is heated, and rennet is added to thicken it. Then, the curds are cut into small pieces and cooked further to remove whey, the liquid component of milk. The curds are then salted and pressed into molds to remove any remaining moisture. Finally, the cheese is aged, which gives Cheddar its unique flavour and texture.
Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be found in blocks, slices, shredded, or even powdered form. It is commonly used in sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, casseroles, and is often enjoyed with fruits, crackers, and wine. When pairing Cheddar with wine, a dry red wine or a light white wine is recommended to complement the cheese's sharp and tangy flavour.
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Refrigeration is not always necessary
Aged cheddars, in particular, are semi-hard cheeses that have been aged for two to three months (mild cheddar) or upwards of two years (premium specialty cheddars). This aging process reduces their moisture content and makes them ideal for storage at room temperature. In fact, refrigeration can even negatively impact the aging process of cheese.
Other popular aged cheeses that can be stored at room temperature include aged gouda and processed cheeses like canned cheese, squeezable cheese, and sealed loaves or blocks of American cheese. These processed cheeses can be safely stored in a pantry until they are opened.
It is important to note that while hard cheeses can be stored at room temperature, they should be regularly checked for signs of spoilage, such as a bad smell, slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks, or mold. Additionally, once these cheeses are cut into, they have a larger surface area that can be exposed to bacteria, so it is recommended to wrap them properly and store them in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life.
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Hard cheeses last longer at room temperature
Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese that has a low moisture content, which means it can be stored at room temperature for longer than soft cheeses without spoiling. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, have a lower moisture content, which makes them less susceptible to bacterial growth and less likely to spoil when left out of the fridge. These cheeses are also aged, which contributes to their longer shelf life.
The safety of leaving cheese at room temperature depends on the type of cheese, the ambient temperature, and the duration of exposure. According to the U.S. Department of Health, cheese should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. However, this duration may vary depending on the type of cheese. Hard cheeses can typically be left out for longer, up to four hours, without becoming unsafe, but their quality and taste may be impacted.
Soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, and mozzarella, have a higher moisture content, which creates more opportunities for bacteria to grow, making them more perishable and prone to spoilage when left out of the refrigerator. These cheeses should be discarded if left unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
Some sources suggest that bringing cheese to room temperature before serving enhances its flavour and texture. This practice is especially beneficial for soft cheeses like Brie, which can be stiff when cold but become gooey and creamy at room temperature. However, once these cheeses are cut into, they should be stored in the fridge, as their protective coating has been breached.
It is important to note that the manufacturer's recommendations for storage should always be considered when deciding whether to refrigerate a particular type of cheese. Additionally, factors such as ambient temperature and humidity can impact the shelf life of cheese, and proper wrapping and storage are essential to maintain quality and prevent spoilage.
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Plastic wrap is not ideal for cheese
Cheddar cheese, like all other types of cheese, is best stored in the refrigerator. However, it is important to note that plastic wrap is not the ideal storage method for cheese.
Firstly, plastic wrap does not provide adequate airflow for cheese. Cheese is a living organism composed of many microbes, and it needs to breathe. Wrapping it tightly in plastic limits its exposure to air, which can promote the growth of unwanted microorganisms and cause the cheese to mould quickly.
Secondly, hazardous chemicals used in the manufacture of plastic can migrate into the cheese, especially when it is wrapped tightly in plastic. This is because cheese has a high fat content, which readily absorbs these chemicals. Researchers have identified approximately 16,000 chemicals used in plastic manufacturing, nearly half of which have never been tested for human safety. Of those tested, 4,200 are considered "highly hazardous" to human health and the environment. Some of these chemicals, such as benzophenone, are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and organ system toxicity.
Thirdly, plastic wrap can alter the taste of the cheese. Cheese is meant to have a certain level of moisture, and plastic wrap can trap too much moisture, making the cheese sweaty and affecting its flavour.
Finally, plastic wrap is not environmentally friendly. Single-use plastics, like plastic wrap, contribute to pollution and waste. There are more sustainable alternatives, such as paper, wax, foil, or reusable containers.
Therefore, it is recommended to store cheese in paper, wax, or parchment paper, which allows the cheese to breathe while inhibiting the growth of unwanted microbes. For soft cheeses, glass, Pyrex, ceramic, or stainless steel containers can be used. Additionally, when buying pre-sliced cheese, consider purchasing cheese that is sliced at a deli and wrapped in paper or purchasing packages of sliced cheese with paper between each slice.
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Cheddar can be stored in a pantry
Cheddar is a hard cheese, and hard cheeses do not always need to be refrigerated. In fact, according to cheesemaker Tatar, hard, aged cheeses were originally produced before refrigeration was available, to make fresh milk last longer and to provide food during the winter. These cheeses were stored for months in cool, humid places like caves or cellars.
Harder, drier cheeses are less likely to spoil when left out. This is because they have a low water content, so bacteria are less likely to grow. Cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino Romano are good examples of this, and mature cheddars can be stored in the same way. Younger cheddars, which are semi-hard and have a firm, rather than dry and flaky, texture should be refrigerated.
If you choose to store hard cheese in the fridge, it is recommended to keep it in the warmest part of the fridge, such as the vegetable drawer, and to ensure it is appropriately wrapped. Cheese paper is considered an ideal way to store cheese, as it is a composite material with porous plastic on the inside and a waxy paper on the outside. This allows the cheese to "breathe", which is necessary because cheese "is made with cultures (good bacteria) and desirable moulds", and some of these "friendly organisms" are still alive when you buy the cheese.
It is worth noting that the manufacturer's recommendations should be checked when deciding how to store your cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese that can be left unrefrigerated for a few hours. However, it is best stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in something that allows it to breathe, like cheese paper.
Hard cheeses like Parmesan, Grana Padano, and Pecorino Romano can be stored at room temperature.
Soft cheeses like mozzarella, cream cheese, and cottage cheese should be stored in the refrigerator.
Yes, leaving cheese out for too long can change its taste, flavour, quality, and texture. However, bringing cheese to room temperature before serving can help unlock its full range of flavours.
Check for signs of spoilage like a bad smell, slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks, or mould.
