Extending Eden Cheese's Shelf Life: Tips For Longer Enjoyment

Eden cheese is a popular brand of processed cheese that was first launched in the Philippines in 1981. It is known for its creamy texture and mild flavour, and is commonly used in Filipino cuisine. The cheese is made from a blend of natural cheese, vegetable oil, and milk proteins. It is available in blocks, slices, or spreads, and can be grated, melted, sliced, or cubed, making it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. But how long does it last?

Eden cheese is a processed cheese product, not 100% cheese

Natural cheese is made by taking milk through the fermentation process in the presence of lactic acid bacteria and an enzyme known as rennet. On the other hand, processed cheese is made by adding cheese to other ingredients such as salt, sugar, vegetable oils, emulsifiers, preservatives, and colourings.

Processed cheese products are usually sold in individually wrapped slices, blocks, or jars, with packaging material showing the list of ingredients. Eden cheese is available in a 225g block, which can be grated or sliced for cooking and baking, and it is also available in the form of a spread.

While Eden cheese does contain some natural cheese, it is not 100% cheese. Processed cheese products typically contain 60% cheese or less, combined with other ingredients such as unfermented dairy products, salt, sugar, vegetable oils, emulsifiers, preservatives, and colourings. This results in a product with an extended shelf life and improved flavour, colour, and texture.

Processed cheese products like Eden are also popular because they melt easily without separating and are readily available and less costly than natural or real cheeses. However, due to the added ingredients, they may not be considered as healthy as natural cheese.

In terms of how long Eden cheese lasts, it does have an expiry date, and it is best to consume it within the recommended dates indicated on the product package. However, it can go bad before the expiry date if it comes into contact with contaminants or is not properly stored. Proper storage, such as refrigeration, can help extend the shelf life of Eden cheese by a couple of weeks.

It lasts for up to two months in the refrigerator

Eden cheese is a popular processed cheese brand that was first launched in the Philippines in 1981. It is known for its creamy texture and mild flavour, and is a versatile ingredient used in both savoury and sweet dishes. The cheese is commonly used in Filipino cuisine, adding flavour to dishes such as spaghetti, baked macaroni, and ensaymada. It is also a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese dips, and cheese balls.

When it comes to storage, Eden cheese can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two months. To maintain its freshness, it is important to store it in an airtight container. Additionally, refrigeration can help extend the shelf life of Eden cheese by a few weeks. However, it is worth noting that Eden cheese is not a pure, natural cheese, and its shelf life is typically longer than that of real cheese due to the presence of preservatives.

The decision to refrigerate Eden cheese is up to the consumer. However, it is recommended to store it in the refrigerator, especially if you want to extend its shelf life and maintain its freshness. Proper storage will ensure that your Eden cheese lasts for up to two months.

When storing Eden cheese in the refrigerator, it is important to maintain a temperature between 35-40°F (1.6-4.5°C). To prevent the cheese from drying out, it should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. Alternatively, you can use wax, parchment, or cheese paper to wrap the cheese and store it on the top or middle shelf, or in a drawer.

It can be frozen and used within three months

Eden cheese is a popular brand of processed cheese that was first launched in the Philippines in 1981. It is known for its creamy texture and mild flavour, and it is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes. The cheese is commonly used in Filipino cuisine, adding flavour to dishes such as spaghetti, baked macaroni, and ensaymada. It is also a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese dips, and cheese balls.

One of the benefits of Eden cheese is its long shelf life. When stored properly in the refrigerator, it can last for up to two months. However, if you wish to extend the shelf life even further, freezing is a viable option.

Freezing Eden cheese can help preserve its flavour and texture for extended periods. When frozen, it is best to use the cheese within three months to ensure optimal quality. This technique can be particularly useful for those who purchase Eden cheese in bulk or for those who want to stock up on this versatile ingredient.

To freeze Eden cheese, it is recommended to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent it from drying out. It can then be placed in an airtight container or freezer bag and stored in the freezer for up to three months.

When ready to use, simply thaw the cheese in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. It is important to note that freezing may affect the texture of the cheese slightly, but it will still retain its flavour and be safe to consume.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the goodness of Eden cheese for months, making it a convenient and versatile ingredient in your kitchen.

It's versatile and can be used in sweet and savoury dishes

Eden cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savoury. Its creamy texture and mild flavour make it a popular choice for adding a cheesy twist to recipes.

For savoury dishes, Eden cheese is commonly used in Filipino cuisine, where it is added to dishes such as spaghetti, baked macaroni, and ensaymada. It is also a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese dips, and cheese balls. Its melting properties make it ideal for pizza toppings and baked dishes like macaroni and cheese, lasagna, and casseroles.

Eden cheese can also be used to add a creamy and cheesy flavour to desserts. It can be grated and sprinkled on top of fruit salads, used as a filling for pastries and cakes, or melted and drizzled over desserts such as leche flan or ube halaya. Its mild flavour and smooth texture make it a versatile ingredient that enhances the taste of sweet dishes without being overpowering.

The cheese is available in blocks that can be grated or sliced, as well as in spreadable form, making it convenient for a variety of culinary applications. Its versatility extends beyond its use in dishes as it can be enjoyed on its own or paired with crackers and toast.

Whether you're crafting a savoury masterpiece or indulging in a sweet treat, Eden cheese is a versatile ingredient that can elevate your culinary creations. Its creamy texture and mild flavour make it a popular choice for adding a decadent cheesy touch to both savoury and sweet dishes.

It's not suitable for vegetarians or the lactose intolerant

Eden cheese is a popular brand of processed cheese that was first launched in the Philippines in 1981. It is known for its creamy texture and mild flavour, and it is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes. The cheese is commonly used in Filipino cuisine and is added to dishes such as spaghetti, baked macaroni, and ensaymada. It is also a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese dips, and cheese balls.

However, it is important to note that Eden cheese is not suitable for vegetarians or those with lactose intolerance. The cheese contains milk proteins, which make it unsuitable for vegetarians. There are vegetarian-friendly cheese alternatives available in the market.

For individuals with lactose intolerance, Eden cheese may not be a suitable option due to the presence of milk proteins. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before consuming Eden cheese if lactose intolerance is a concern.

In addition, those with milk allergies or other food intolerances should also exercise caution and consult with a dietician before consuming Eden cheese or any other dairy products.

While Eden cheese offers versatility and convenience, it is important to be mindful of its limitations and potential health concerns for certain individuals.

Frequently asked questions