Aging Cheese: How Long Before It's Sold?

Cheese is a living product that continues to ripen and change over time. The aging process occurs in a cool, controlled environment and can take anywhere from a few days to several years. While cheeses can be aged for just a week or a month, most experts consider cheese to be truly aged if it's cured for more than 6 months. Soft cheeses should be eaten within 2 weeks of receipt, while firmer cheeses can last in the fridge for a few weeks. Aged cheeses can be kept for 2 months or more, and will develop surface mold on the cut surface, but they're still safe to eat—simply trim the mold off!

Soft cheeses should be eaten within two weeks of receipt

Soft cheeses are best eaten within two weeks of receipt. This is because they have a shorter life cycle than aged, firmer cheeses. Soft cheeses will get runnier and stronger in flavour the longer they are left, and they are also more perishable.

Soft cheeses are usually rindless, unripened, and white in colour. Examples include ricotta, goat cheese, mozzarella, cream cheese, and mascarpone. These cheeses are best eaten fresh and are perfect for melting and spreading.

If you want to keep your soft cheese for longer, it is best to store it in the fridge. Freezing cheese is not recommended as it can alter the flavour and texture. However, storing cheese in the fridge will slow down the ripening process, so you can expect your soft cheese to continue to ripen and change in flavour and texture, even when refrigerated.

If you plan to eat your soft cheese within 3-4 days, you can store it on the countertop. This will allow it to continue to ripen and intensify in flavour. However, the cheese will also get runnier, so this storage method is best for those who enjoy a strong, soft cheese.

When storing cheese in the fridge, it is best to keep it wrapped in the specially designed cheese paper it is sold in. This allows the cheese to breathe and prevents it from drying out. If you do not have cheese paper, foil is the next best option, followed by parchment paper. It is not recommended to wrap cheese directly in plastic or Saran wrap as the fats in the cheese can react with the plastic, causing a stale, plastic flavour to develop.

Firmer cheeses can last a few weeks

Aged cheeses can be kept for a long time, two months or more. They might develop surface mould on the cut surface, but they are still safe to eat—simply trim off the mould.

Cheese is a living product and continues to ripen, even after it is sold. This means that soft cheeses will get runnier and stronger in flavour, and firm cheeses might sweat out butterfat.

Aged cheeses can be kept for two months or more

Aged cheeses are cured in a controlled environment, such as a cellar or cave, for an extended period. While some cheeses can be aged for just a week or a month, experts consider cheese to be truly aged if it's cured for more than six months. During the ageing process, cheese loses moisture, resulting in a harder and firmer texture.

If you're looking to store your aged cheese, it's recommended to avoid wrapping it directly in plastic or saran wrap, as the fats in the cheese can interact with the plastic and cause a stale, plastic-like flavour to develop. Instead, cheese paper, foil, or parchment paper are better options. Additionally, storing cheese in the fridge will help stabilise it and prevent it from ripening too quickly.

Cheese should be wrapped in foil or parchment paper, not plastic

Cheese is a living thing, and it's an ecosystem composed of many microbes. It's normal for mould to grow on the surface from time to time. However, contrary to popular belief, wrapping cheese in plastic may be causing it to expire earlier. Plastic wrap suffocates the cheese, leading to wet, mouldy, wasted cheese. Plus, your cheese can start tasting like plastic.

Instead, opt for parchment paper or wax paper, which will allow the cheese to breathe and prevent additional moisture. You can also use foil, greaseproof paper, or baking paper. If you're wrapping more than one type of cheese, you'll want to label your cheese, too. Write the name of the cheese and the date of purchase on a strip of cardstock and place it face down on a sheet of plastic wrap before wrapping the cheese.

If you're storing cheese, the best place to keep it is in the refrigerator, in a drawer, in a corner where the fan doesn't reach, or in a container with the lid cracked. Hard cheeses, or even some softer cheeses that you intend to consume within a couple of days, don't necessarily need refrigeration.

Cheese should be stored in the fridge when not being served

Cheese is a beloved food product, with a vast array of varieties available to consumers. From soft and creamy cheeses like goat's cheese and mozzarella to harder, aged cheeses like cheddar and parmesan, there's a cheese to suit every taste. But how long does cheese have to age before it's sold, and how should it be stored?

Aging Cheese

Aged cheese refers to any cheese that has been cured in a controlled environment, such as a cellar or cave, for an extended period. While some cheeses can be aged for just a week or a month, most experts consider cheese to be truly aged if it's cured for more than six months. During the aging process, cheese loses moisture, resulting in a harder and firmer texture compared to young, fresh cheese.

Storing Cheese

When it comes to storing cheese, it's important to follow some simple guidelines to ensure its freshness and quality. Here are some key points to consider:

• Remove Original Packaging: Take the cheese out of its original plastic packaging. Plastic wrap can suffocate the cheese and impart an unpleasant flavour.
• Wrap in Paper: Wrap the cheese in wax, parchment, or cheese paper. This allows the cheese to breathe without drying out.
• Label and Date: Label the cheese with its type and the date of purchase. This helps you keep track of its freshness and expiry.
• Add Plastic Wrap or Bag: Loosely wrap the paper-covered cheese in plastic wrap or place it in a resealable plastic bag. This provides extra protection and prevents the cheese from absorbing other flavours in the fridge.
• Store in the Fridge: Place the cheese in the vegetable crisper drawer of the refrigerator. The drawer provides a cold and stable temperature, ideal for cheese storage.
• Duration: Hard cheeses can be stored in the fridge for up to a month, while soft cheeses should be consumed within one to two weeks.
• Avoid Strong Odours: Keep cheese away from strongly-odoured foods like onions or melon, as they can affect the cheese's flavour.
• Monitor for Spoilage: Check the cheese regularly for any signs of spoilage, such as an off odour, slimy texture, or mould (except for cheeses that are meant to have mould).

By following these steps, you can ensure that your cheese stays fresh and flavourful for as long as possible. Proper storage not only preserves the quality of the cheese but also reduces waste, allowing you to enjoy your favourite cheeses to the fullest.

Frequently asked questions