Andy Montoya
Cheese is best stored in the refrigerator to maintain its quality and safety. The type of cheese and the wrapping used will determine how long it lasts. Fresh cheeses like mozzarella and feta have the shortest shelf life, lasting up to 7-10 days. Hard cheeses like Parmesan can last for weeks or even months when stored properly. Soft cheeses like goat cheese, Camembert, and Brie must be refrigerated for safety and are best consumed soon after buying. Firm cheeses like Cheddar can last for months when vacuum-sealed and 3-4 weeks once opened. To extend the shelf life of cheese, it is recommended to wrap it in wax or parchment paper, then add a layer of plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator drawer with the most stable temperature and humidity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 35º to 45º F |
| Location in Fridge | Vegetable crisper or cheese drawer |
| Wrapping | Wax paper, parchment paper, plastic wrap, cheese paper, plastic bag, aluminium foil, freezer bag, airtight container, butcher paper, vacuum sealer |
| Cheese Type | Hard, semi-hard, soft, fresh |
| Slicing | Slice as needed |
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What You'll Learn
Wrapping cheese in plastic wrap is not recommended
Further, plastic wrap can cause moisture to be sealed in, leading to the acceleration of the moulding process. Plastic can also create unwanted flavours, which the cheese will absorb.
If you are concerned about airflow, you can use paper to wrap your cheese. Paper is a much better option as it allows the cheese to breathe. Cheese paper is a special type of thick paper coated on one side with a combination of wax and polyethylene. The coated side goes near the cheese so that it can resist sweating and condensation, and the paper is then folded around the cheese and taped or tied shut. This allows the cheese to continue maturing throughout its intended shelf life. Parchment paper is a good substitute for cheese paper. If you are worried about moisture escaping, you can use a layer of aluminium foil over the paper to prevent the cheese from drying out.
If you are buying pre-sliced cheese, consider switching to cheese that is sliced at a deli and wrapped in paper. Many brands also sell sliced cheese with a square of paper between each slice.
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Store cheese in the fridge's vegetable crisper
While storing cheese in the refrigerator, the best place to keep it is the vegetable crisper. This is because the vegetable crisper provides a cold and stable temperature, which is ideal for cheese. The higher humidity in the vegetable crisper also benefits the cheese.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, avoid storing cheese in plastic wrap or plastic bags as they can cause sweating and condensation, leading to a decrease in quality. Instead, use wax or parchment paper, or invest in specialty cheese paper, which is designed to let the cheese breathe and prevent it from drying out. If using plastic bags is unavoidable, ensure they are resealable and squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
Another important tip is to avoid pre-slicing the cheese. Only cut as much as you intend to use each time, as slicing increases the surface area exposed to possible contamination, oxidation, and dehydration, reducing the cheese's shelf life.
Additionally, different types of cheese have varying ideal storage conditions. For instance, fresh cheeses like mozzarella and feta have a shorter shelf life and are sometimes packaged in brine to prolong their quality. On the other hand, hard cheeses like Parmesan can last for weeks or even months when stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
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Use containers for soft cheeses
Soft cheeses, such as goat's cheese, Camembert, and Brie, have a high moisture content. They must be stored in the refrigerator for safety and are best kept in clean, airtight containers. Soft cheeses should be consumed soon after buying and should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours.
Containers are a great way to store soft cheeses. Reusable containers are key to keeping cheese fresh. You can use a Tupperware container or a zip-top bag to store soft cheeses. If you're using a container, make sure it's clean and airtight. If you're using a bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it.
You can also wrap soft cheeses in paper before placing them in a container. Use a fresh piece of wax paper, parchment paper, or specialty cheese paper to wrap the cheese after each use. The paper is important because it helps to prevent the cheese from drying out and allows for gas exchange, which is important since cheese contains living organisms.
If you're using plastic wrap, be aware that it can cause sweating and condensation, which can negatively impact the taste of the cheese. However, if you do use plastic wrap, "face" your cheese before each use by cutting off the slice that was in direct contact with the plastic. This will help improve the taste.
Storing soft cheeses in the refrigerator is essential to maintaining their quality and ensuring they are safe to eat. The cold temperature of the fridge slows down microbial and enzymatic activity, prevents mold growth, and extends the shelf life of the cheese.
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Don't slice cheese until you need to
When storing cheese, it is best to keep it whole and slice it only when you need to. Slicing cheese increases its surface area, exposing more of the cheese to possible contamination, oxidation, and dehydration, which shortens its shelf life.
According to Caitlin Clark, a doctoral candidate in food science and fermentation, cheese has been used to store milk for longer periods without refrigeration. However, today, the best way to preserve its freshness, flavour, and shelf life is to store it in the refrigerator.
While cheese should be kept in the refrigerator, the specific location within the fridge varies. Some sources recommend storing cheese in the vegetable crisper, as there is more humidity, which benefits the cheese. However, other sources suggest avoiding the vegetable crisper due to its higher moisture content. Instead, they advise storing cheese in the bins usually reserved for vegetables at the bottom of the fridge.
Regardless of the wrapping used, it is essential to store cheese in a part of the refrigerator with a stable and cold temperature. Caitlin Clark recommends storing all cheeses at around 35°F/4°C.
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Hard cheeses can be stored in the freezer
To ensure that hard cheeses maintain their quality when stored in the freezer, it is important to follow proper freezing techniques. Firstly, cut the cheese into smaller portions to allow for easy thawing and reduce waste. Next, grate or shred the cheese, as this will help to maintain a better texture after thawing. For semi-hard cheeses, grating before freezing is especially important as they are slightly more moist and may experience changes in texture. Then, pat the cheese with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which can form ice crystals and negatively impact the texture. Finally, label the cheese with the type and date of freezing to keep track of the storage time. It is best to use a permanent marker on the plastic wrap or freezer bag.
When wrapping hard cheeses for the fridge, it is best to avoid plastic wrap, as this can cause sweating and condensation. Instead, use wax or parchment paper, or buy specialty cheese paper, which is coated on one side with a combination of wax and polyethylene to prevent sweating and condensation.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to store cheese is to wrap it in wax or parchment paper, then add a layer of plastic wrap and place it in the crisper drawer.
The best way to wrap cheese is to use a special type of thick paper called cheese paper, which is coated on one side with a combination of wax and polyethylene.
The optimal temperature for storing cheese is around 35°F/4°C.
Plastic wrap is not the best way to store cheese as it can cause sweating and condensation. It can also affect the taste of the cheese.
Hard cheeses like Parmesan do not need to be refrigerated for safety but will last longer if stored in the fridge.
