Bushra Griffith
Cheese is a delicate product that requires careful storage to maintain its freshness and flavour. While plastic wrap is a common and convenient way to store cheese, it is not always the best option. Plastic wrap can trap moisture, creating an ideal environment for undesirable bacteria to grow and affecting the flavour of the cheese. Therefore, it is recommended to store cheese in a way that allows it to breathe, such as in wax paper or specialised cheese paper, followed by placing it in a storage bag or container to maintain humidity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese storage | Avoid plastic wrap as it traps moisture, promotes bacterial growth, and affects flavour |
| Cheese paper | More expensive and less accessible than plastic, but allows cheese to breathe and prevents drying out |
| Wax paper | Allows cheese to breathe, preventing mould and prolonging taste |
| Plastic bags | Zip-top bags can be used if the cheese is wrapped in paper first, to prevent drying out |
| Fridge location | Use the cheese drawer to limit airflow and prevent dehydration |
| Hard cheeses | Can be kept at room temperature indefinitely, but plastic wrap should be avoided to preserve microorganisms |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic wrap traps moisture, promoting bacterial growth
Plastic wrap is the least desirable option for storing cheese. This is because it doesn't allow the cheese to breathe, which can cause the buildup of gases like ammonia and create unpleasant flavours and aromas. Plastic wrap also traps moisture, which can promote the growth of undesirable bacteria.
Cheese is a living organism, and wrapping it in plastic kills the good microorganisms that you want to keep propagating. Plastic wrap can also cause the cheese to absorb flavours and chemicals from the plastic, which can impact the taste of the cheese.
Instead of plastic wrap, it is recommended to store cheese in paper or a bag. Paper allows the cheese to breathe and provides some humidity, while a bag can protect the cheese from dryness without the need for a food storage container. Wax paper, in particular, is a good option as it can be wrapped tightly around the cheese to protect it while still allowing it to breathe.
Some people also recommend using a combination of paper and plastic, such as Formaticum's cheese paper and bags, which are made by combining a sheet of paper with a thin sheet of low-density polyethylene. This type of plastic is not a complete barrier, allowing the cheese to breathe while still providing some protection.
For short-term storage, plastic wrap can be used for some cheeses without any issues. For example, fresh mozzarella wrapped in plastic for consumption within a day or two is generally fine. Similarly, fresh cheeses like chevre or feta stored in a clear plastic tub of brine are also acceptable.
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Cheese needs to breathe, so use wax paper
Cheese is a delicate product that requires careful storage to maintain its quality and flavour. One of the key considerations when storing cheese is to ensure that it can breathe. Wrapping cheese in plastic is a common practice, but it is not the best method for preserving cheese quality. Plastic wrap creates an airtight seal that prevents the release of gases like ammonia, leading to unpleasant flavours and aromas. It also traps moisture, promoting the growth of undesirable bacteria and potentially causing food safety issues.
So, what is the best way to store cheese? Cheese needs to breathe, so using wax paper is an ideal solution. Wax paper, also known as parchment paper, allows cheese to breathe while providing a protective barrier. It is recommended to wrap the cheese loosely in wax paper and then place it in a lidded container to maintain humidity. This method ensures that the cheese can release gases and maintain its natural moisture content without drying out or becoming mouldy.
Additionally, wax paper can be used in combination with a storage bag. After wrapping the cheese in wax paper, place it in a loosely rolled, unsealed storage bag in the refrigerator. This method provides an extra layer of protection while still allowing airflow. It is important not to seal the bag completely, as the cheese needs some airflow to breathe and maintain its quality.
For those seeking a more sustainable option, reusable beeswax wraps are also an effective way to store cheese. These wraps, made from fabric coated with beeswax, resin, and jojoba oil, protect the cheese from air while allowing it to breathe. However, they require more maintenance as they need to be washed between uses and eventually lose their waxy coating.
In conclusion, cheese should be stored in a way that allows it to breathe and maintain its natural moisture content. Using wax paper, either on its own or in combination with a storage bag, is an effective and straightforward method to achieve this. By avoiding plastic wrap and utilising wax paper, cheese enthusiasts can enjoy their favourite cheeses at their very best.
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Refrigerate soft cheese, but hard cheese is fine at room temperature
Soft cheeses, such as cream cheese, cottage cheese, goat cheese, shredded cheese, mozzarella, and cream cheese, should be stored in the refrigerator. According to the USDA, soft cheeses should be discarded if left unrefrigerated for more than two hours. This is because soft cheeses have a higher moisture content, which creates more opportunities for bacteria to grow.
Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, Gouda, Gruyere, and processed cheeses, can be stored at room temperature. However, refrigerating hard cheeses can help them stay fresh for longer. If left unrefridged for a few hours, hard cheeses should be checked for signs of spoilage, such as an unpleasant smell, a slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks, or mould. If none of these signs are present, the cheese can be rewrapped and returned to the refrigerator.
When storing cheese, it is important to ensure that it can breathe but does not dry out. Cheese should be wrapped loosely in wax paper, parchment paper, cheese paper, or cheesecloth, and then placed in a lidded container for humidity. It can also be stored in a plastic bag, such as a zip-top bag or a ziplock bag, with a corner left open to allow for airflow. Alternatively, beeswax wraps can be used as a reusable and plastic-free option.
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Cheese paper is pricey and not reusable
While cheese paper is an effective way to store cheese, it does come with certain drawbacks. Firstly, it is relatively expensive, with prices ranging from $8.80 to $14 for a box of 15 sheets. This cost can add up, especially for those who go through a lot of cheese or require multiple boxes to store different varieties.
Additionally, cheese paper is not reusable, which can be a significant disadvantage for those concerned about waste and sustainability. While some users may be comfortable reusing the paper for the same type of cheese, it cannot be washed, and prolonged use may impact its effectiveness. This lack of reusability may deter those who prioritize eco-friendly options or seek more cost-effective solutions.
Some alternatives to cheese paper include using parchment paper, wax paper, or plastic wrap in combination with a zip-top bag. These options allow the cheese to breathe while maintaining humidity, thus preventing dryness. However, these alternatives may not offer the same level of specialty and protection as cheese paper, and users may need to experiment to find the best method for their specific needs.
Ultimately, while cheese paper is a purpose-built solution for storing cheese, its price and single-use nature may be off-putting to some consumers. Individuals will need to weigh the benefits of optimal cheese storage against the drawbacks of cost and reusability when deciding whether to invest in cheese paper.
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Plastic wrap is fine for commodity cheddar cheese
Plastic wrap is a convenient and accessible way to store cheese, and it is particularly suitable for commodity cheddar cheese. Here are some reasons why plastic wrap is a viable option for storing this variety of cheese:
Commodity cheddar cheese is often sold vacuum-sealed in plastic, and it can be safely stored this way for a short period. If you purchase cheddar cheese that is vacuum-sealed in plastic, it is perfectly fine to keep it in that packaging until you are ready to consume it. This type of packaging helps extend the shelf life of the cheese by creating an airtight barrier that prevents oxidation and moisture loss.
Plastic wrap can be used for short-term storage. If you have a block of cheddar cheese that you plan to consume within a few days, plastic wrap can be a practical option. Plastic wrap can help keep the cheese fresh and prevent it from drying out. However, it is important to note that plastic wrap should not be used for long-term storage as it can negatively impact the cheese's flavour and texture over time.
Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese, and hard cheeses have different storage requirements than soft cheeses. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, can tolerate limited airflow and lower humidity levels. Plastic wrap can provide an adequate barrier to prevent excessive moisture loss in these cheeses. Additionally, hard cheeses are less susceptible to mould and bacterial growth compared to soft cheeses, reducing the need for highly breathable storage materials.
Plastic wrap is widely available and affordable. It is a convenient option for those who do not have access to specialised cheese paper or storage bags. While cheese paper and bags are ideal for long-term storage and preserving the cheese's flavour and texture, they may not be easily accessible or cost-effective for everyone. In such cases, plastic wrap can be a suitable alternative for short-term storage.
It is important to note that when using plastic wrap for cheddar cheese, it is best to avoid tight wrapping. Loosely wrapping the cheese can help prevent the accumulation of unpleasant flavours and odours. Additionally, consider storing the wrapped cheese in a refrigerator drawer, as this can help maintain a stable temperature and humidity level, further preserving the quality of the cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
No, plastic wrap is the least desirable option for storing cheese. Plastic wrap traps moisture, which can promote the growth of undesirable bacteria, and it also stops the cheese from breathing. Cheese needs some porosity.
You can use wax paper, parchment paper, or butcher paper, then put the wrapped cheese in a storage bag in the refrigerator. Don't seal the bag, just roll it so that it kinda-sorta closes off the top.
A zip-top bag or ziplock bag is best. You can also use a glass container with a plastic lid or a Tupperware box.
