Cheese Longevity: Backpacking Essentials For Dairy Connoisseurs

Cheese is a great food to take on a backpacking trip. It's delicious, nutritious, and a good source of calcium, protein, and healthy fats. It's also calorie-dense, ranging from 110 to 125 calories per ounce, making it a perfect backpacking food. However, not all cheeses are suitable for backpacking. Fresh and soft cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, and camembert should be avoided as they have a higher moisture content and spoil faster. Instead, opt for aged, semi-firm, or firm cheeses with lower moisture content, such as cheddar, parmesan, gouda, or manchego. These cheeses can last for several days without refrigeration, even in warm weather. To store cheese in your backpack, minimize its exposure to air by cutting it into large blocks rather than pre-sliced servings. Wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper, followed by a layer of plastic wrap, and store it in a lightweight container to protect it from getting crushed. While cheese can be a great addition to your backpacking meals, always be mindful of food safety and consume it within a reasonable time frame to avoid any potential health risks.

Hard cheeses are best for backpacking

Hard, aged cheeses with lower moisture content are sturdier and can be safely backpacked. Some examples include:

• Manchego
• Cheddar
• Gruyere
• Parmesan
• Gouda
• Edam
• Asiago
• Piave
• Pecorino Toscano
• Pleasant Ridge Reserve
• Pondhopper
• Comte
• Parmigiano Reggiano
• Pecorino Romano
• Grana Padano
• Midnight Moon
• Ossau-Iraty
• Ewephoria

Hard cheeses can be safely stored and transported in a few different ways. They can be wrapped in wax or parchment paper, and then a layer of plastic wrap. They can also be stored in Tupperware or a collapsible, nylon thermal lunchbox to protect them from getting crushed.

The length of time that hard cheese lasts depends on how it is stored and the temperature. In moderate temperatures, hard cheeses can keep for about four to five days. In hot temperatures (over 80°F), cheeses will "sweat" and lose their texture, spoiling quicker. Therefore, it is best to avoid taking cheese altogether if the weather is very hot.

Soft cheeses spoil quickly

The higher moisture content in soft cheeses means they are more vulnerable to being spoiled by high temperatures. This is because the heat accelerates the growth of bacteria, which can cause the cheese to spoil. Soft cheeses are also more likely to get crushed in a backpack, which can introduce bacteria and cause spoilage.

Some examples of soft cheeses to avoid when backpacking include:

• Mozzarella
• Ricotta
• Chevre
• Camembert
• Brie
• Cream cheese
• Feta

Instead, opt for semi-firm, firm, or aged cheeses with lower moisture content when backpacking. These varieties are sturdier and less likely to spoil. Some good options include:

• Manchego
• Cheddar
• Gruyere
• Parmesan
• Gouda
• Edam

Wrap cheese in wax paper, then plastic wrap

Wrapping cheese in wax paper, then plastic wrap is a great way to protect it from damage and prolong its shelf life. This method creates a DIY "cheese paper", which helps to regulate moisture and allows the cheese to breathe. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for wrapping cheese in this way:

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Start with a block of cheese that is suitable for backpacking, such as a hard or semi-hard cheese like cheddar, Manchego, or Gruyere.
• Cut the cheese into desired portions. Larger blocks will have a longer shelf life but may be less convenient for snacking.
• Take a sheet of wax or parchment paper and wrap it around the cheese securely.
• Then, wrap the wax paper-covered cheese with a layer of plastic wrap. Avoid using a zip-top bag, as these can trap moisture and accelerate spoilage.
• Place the wrapped cheese in a lightweight container, such as Tupperware or a collapsible nylon thermal lunch box, to protect it from getting crushed.
• Store the cheese in a cool, dry place, preferably deep inside your backpack where it will stay cooler during the day.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Choose the right type of cheese. Avoid soft, fresh cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, or Brie, as these have a higher moisture content and spoil faster. Opt for aged, semi-firm, or firm cheeses with lower moisture content.
• Time your purchase: If buying pre-cut cheese, do so right before your trip to minimise exposure to air and odours.
• Avoid high temperatures: Even hard cheeses can spoil faster in hot weather, so consider skipping cheese altogether if temperatures are extremely high.
• Minimise surface area: Cut cheese into large blocks rather than pre-sliced portions to reduce the surface area exposed to air.
• Protect from crushing: Use a lightweight, sturdy container to protect the cheese from getting crushed during your travels.
• Store smart: Keep the cheese deep inside your backpack, away from direct sunlight, to maintain cooler temperatures.
• Check for spoilage: Always inspect cheese for signs of spoilage before consuming. Hard cheeses can be salvaged by cutting off mouldy parts, but exercise caution and discard the cheese if it develops an ammonia-like smell.

Store cheese in a cool, dark place

When storing cheese in a cool, dark place, it's important to keep in mind that cheese is a perishable food and can spoil quickly, especially in warm temperatures. To ensure your cheese stays fresh and safe to eat, follow these guidelines:

Choose the Right Type of Cheese: Select firm or aged cheeses with lower moisture content, such as cheddar, Parmesan, Gouda, or Manchego. These varieties are sturdier and less prone to spoilage than soft or fresh cheeses.

Original Packaging: Whenever possible, store the cheese in its original packaging. This type of packaging is designed to maintain the quality and freshness of the cheese.

Minimize Surface Area Exposure: If you need to cut the cheese, try to keep the blocks larger rather than slicing or grating it. The more surface area that is exposed to air, the faster the cheese will spoil.

Wrapping: To create a DIY cheese paper, wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper and then a layer of plastic wrap. Avoid direct contact with plastic wrap, as it can impart an unpleasant flavour to the cheese, especially in warm weather.

Storage Container: Place the wrapped cheese in a lightweight, airtight container, such as Tupperware or a collapsible nylon thermal lunchbox. This will protect the cheese from getting crushed and help regulate temperature.

Storage Location: Store the cheese deep within your backpack, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. This will keep the cheese cooler during the day.

Temperature Control: If possible, avoid backpacking with cheese in extremely hot weather. Even hard cheeses can sweat and become unappetizing in high temperatures.

By following these guidelines, you can help extend the shelf life of your cheese and enjoy it safely during your backpacking trips.

Cheese is a good source of nutrition while backpacking

Cheese is a great source of nutrition while backpacking and can be a delicious addition to your meals. It is a good source of calcium, protein, and healthy fats, as well as salt, which is especially important when you are sweating a lot. Cheese is also calorie-dense, ranging from 110 to 125 calories per ounce, making it a great energy source for long hikes.

When choosing cheese for backpacking, it is important to select the right type. Fresh and soft cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, chevre, camembert, and brie have a higher moisture content and are more likely to spoil quickly. They also don't hold up well in a backpack, especially in hot weather. Instead, opt for semi-firm, firm, or aged cheeses with lower moisture content, such as cheddar, parmesan, gouda, or asiago. These cheeses are sturdier and can last several days without refrigeration.

To further extend the shelf life of your cheese, proper storage is key. Avoid shredding or slicing the cheese beforehand, as this increases the surface area exposed to air and bacteria, accelerating spoilage. Instead, keep the cheese in large blocks or wedges, and cut or grate only what you need for each meal. Store the cheese in its original packaging if possible. Otherwise, wrap it in wax or parchment paper, followed by a layer of plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Place the wrapped cheese in a lightweight container or a collapsible nylon thermal lunch box to protect it from getting crushed in your backpack.

Additionally, try to keep the cheese cool by storing it deep in your pack, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. If possible, pair it with other cool items, such as a frozen gel pack, to extend its freshness. With proper storage, hard and dry cheeses can last for several days, and even up to a couple of weeks, making them a reliable food option for your backpacking trips.

In conclusion, cheese is a delicious and nutritious addition to your backpacking meals. By choosing the right types of cheese and storing them properly, you can enjoy this tasty treat and boost your energy levels during your outdoor adventures.

Frequently asked questions