Cheese Wheel Longevity: How Long Does It Really Last?

The shelf life of a wheel of cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, moisture content, and storage method. In general, hard cheeses with lower moisture content tend to last longer than softer cheeses. Proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of cheese, as cheese is a living food that needs to breathe. While plastic wrap is commonly used, it is not ideal as it does not allow the cheese to breathe and can trap moisture, promoting the growth of undesirable bacteria. Instead, using specialised cheese paper or wax paper and storing the cheese in an airtight container can help extend its shelf life.

A waxed cheese wheel can last for over 25 years

The best temperature for storing waxed cheeses is between 52°F and 56°F (11°C and 13°C). To prevent moisture from settling on the bottom, turn the cheese over once a week. Keep your cheese wheels out of direct sunlight to prevent the wax from softening too much.

If you've cut into your waxed cheese wheel, it's important to store the remaining cheese properly to maintain its freshness and flavour. An opened wheel of cheese will stay fresh in the refrigerator for three to four weeks and in the freezer for up to six months.

To re-wax a partial wheel, you can use the brushing or dipping method. First, clean the surface of the cheese with a brine or vinegar wash to remove any mould. Then, melt the wax in a double boiler and apply it to the cheese with a brush or by dipping. Allow the wax to harden, then repeat the process to create a protective layer.

With the right storage conditions and regular maintenance, a waxed cheese wheel can be a long-lasting and delicious addition to your food supply.

Hard cheeses last longer than soft cheeses

The shelf life of cheese depends on its moisture content. Moisture is necessary for bacterial growth, so cheeses with higher moisture levels have a shorter shelf life. Harder cheeses are low in moisture, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. This is why hard cheese keeps longer than soft cheese.

Hard cheeses such as aged cheddar, aged Gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano can last about four weeks in the refrigerator after being opened. Unopened packages of hard cheese will last about six months.

Soft cheeses like ricotta, feta, and mozzarella have a high moisture content, making them more perishable than harder cheeses. In general, soft cheese will last about one week in the fridge, but the quality and taste will be at their prime before that time is up.

Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, Comté, aged Manchego, and Monterey Jack, contain less moisture than soft cheese. They have a slightly longer shelf life of two to three weeks in the fridge.

Proper storage is also key to extending the shelf life of cheese. Cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at 40°F or lower. It should be kept in its original wrapper or a tightly closed container to keep out moisture and other contaminants.

Additionally, the harder the cheese, the longer it keeps, even if it is not stored properly. This is because bacteria cannot grow as readily in a dry environment as in a moist one.

Don't store cheese in plastic wrap

Storing cheese in plastic wrap is a big no-no. Cheese is a living, breathing thing, and suffocating it in plastic is one of the worst things you can do. Plastic wrap has a taste, and it only takes a day for that flavour to start transferring to your cheese.

Cheese is a preserved product. It's high in acid and salt and has a low water content compared to milk. So, it rarely goes bad. However, how you store your cheese will impact its longevity, flavour, and texture.

The main goal when wrapping and storing cheese is to allow a bit of airflow so your cheese can breathe. Cheese is full of active, good microorganisms, and you want to keep them alive. Wrapping cheese in plastic wrap kills these microorganisms.

Instead of plastic, you can use specialty cheese paper, or butcher, parchment, or wax paper. Wrapping your cheese in these types of paper will allow it to breathe while preventing additional moisture.

If you're storing multiple types of cheese, you'll want to label them. You can use cardstock or tape to label the cheese and the date purchased.

When storing cheese in the fridge, keep it in a drawer or a corner where the fan doesn't reach. You can also use a small container with the lid cracked to allow for air circulation. Hard cheeses and some softer cheeses you plan to consume within a few days don't need refrigeration.

Cheese should be stored in the refrigerator until an hour before eating

Cheese is a living food, full of microbes that continue to transform its flavour and texture. To preserve your cheese and keep premature mould at bay, it's best to store it in the refrigerator until about an hour before you plan to eat it.

The lifespan of cheese in the fridge depends on its moisture content. Moisture is necessary for bacterial growth, so cheeses with higher moisture levels have a shorter shelf life. Soft cheeses like ricotta, feta, and mozzarella will last about a week in the fridge, while their quality and taste will be at their best before that time is up. Semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack have less moisture and will last about two to three weeks in the fridge. Hard cheeses like aged cheddar and Parmigiano Reggiano are low in moisture, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. A package of hard cheese, once opened, can last about four weeks in the refrigerator, while an unopened package will last about six months.

However, the storage method also matters. Cheese needs to breathe, so it's important to use a storage method that allows the cheese to release gases and moisture. Plastic wrap is not ideal as it traps moisture and gases, promoting the growth of undesirable bacteria and creating unpleasant flavours and aromas. Aluminium foil can be used in a pinch, but it may affect the flavour of certain cheeses and does not allow the cheese to breathe, leading to potential bacterial growth. Cheese paper is a good option as it is opaque, protects the cheese, and allows it to breathe. Wax wraps are another option but require more maintenance as they need to be washed and replaced regularly.

If you're planning to melt the cheese, there's no need to bring it to room temperature first. However, for cheeses that you plan to enjoy on a cheese board, it's best to take them out of the refrigerator about an hour before serving to allow them to come up to room temperature and enhance their flavour and texture.

A cheese wheel stops ageing once it's cut

Cheese is a living food, and it needs to breathe. That's why it's important to use a storage method that allows your cheese to breathe without drying out. Plastic wrap is not ideal, as it doesn't allow the cheese to breathe and can trap moisture, promoting the growth of undesirable bacteria. It's also not great for the environment, as it's single-use and takes a long time to break down. Aluminium foil is a slightly better option, but it can still create issues by holding in moisture and gases, leading to off-flavours and aromas.

Cheese paper is a good alternative, as it's opaque and wraps tightly around the cheese, protecting it without restricting its breathability. However, it can be quite expensive, especially for dedicated cheese lovers. Another option is to use a reusable, compostable food wrap, such as a piece of fabric coated with beeswax, resin, and jojoba oil. These wraps work well for storing cheese when used correctly, but they may not protect hard cheeses as well as cheese paper, and they need to be washed between uses.

If you're looking for a more sustainable and economical option, consider investing in a cheese grotto. A cheese grotto is a reusable, durable, and easy-to-clean cheese storage container that uses natural materials like wood to maintain the proper moisture level and simulate the conditions of a cheese cave. With a cheese grotto, you can store your cheese at room temperature and extend its shelf life, just like the French do!

So, while a cheese wheel may stop ageing once it's cut, there are still many things you can do to ensure it lasts as long as possible and maintains its quality. Proper storage is key, and with the right methods, you can enjoy your cheese for weeks or even months.

Frequently asked questions