Longhorn Cheese: How Long Does It Stay Fresh?

Longhorn cheese is a style of American Colby cheese, defined by its long, orange, cylindrical shape. It is made from cow's milk and is known for its mild, sweet flavour and springy, elastic texture. The cheese is produced by keeping the curds in cold water, which prevents them from knitting together, resulting in a higher moisture content than cheddar. While the flavour and texture of Longhorn cheese make it a great melting option for dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches and fondue, its unique shape also makes it a visually appealing addition to any charcuterie board or party platter. So, how long does this versatile cheese keep?

Longhorn cheese's shelf life

Longhorn cheese is an American Colby cheese, defined by its long, orange, cylindrical shape. It is made from cow's milk and is similar in flavour to cheddar, although it is softer, with a more open texture and higher moisture content.

The name 'longhorn' comes from the tube-like shape in which the cheese is moulded, similar to a long horn. When cut for packaging, it resembles a rainbow, moon or half-moon shape. The cheese is less dense than cheddar and has a sweet, mild flavour and springy, elastic texture.

Longhorn cheese is best enjoyed fresh, as the younger the cheese, the better it is. It is a great melting cheese, making it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches, hamburgers, and fondue. It can also be paired with fruit, especially pears, and white wines such as Zinfandels.

To preserve the freshness of Longhorn cheese, some manufacturers wrap the cheese in cheesecloth and dip it in wax. However, it is not recommended to keep Longhorn cheese for an extended period as it is best enjoyed fresh.

How to store Longhorn cheese

Longhorn cheese is a variety of Colby cheese, defined by its long, orange, cylindrical shape. When cut for packaging, it resembles a half-moon shape. It is a semi-firm cheese with a mild, sweet flavour and a springy, elastic texture.

Shelf Life

The younger the Colby cheese, the better it is. Therefore, it is best to consume longhorn cheese as soon as possible after purchasing.

Storage

To store longhorn cheese, follow these steps:

• Wrap the cheese in wax or cheese paper. This will help to preserve its freshness and protect it from drying out.
• Store the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
• Keep the cheese in the coldest part of your refrigerator, preferably not in the door, where the temperature is most consistent.
• For longer storage, place the airtight container or bag in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator, where the humidity is higher.
• If you have a large quantity of cheese, consider freezing it. Cut the cheese into portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or vacuum seal them before placing them in the freezer.
• Consume thawed cheese within a few days, as the texture and taste may change slightly after freezing.

By following these steps, you can maximise the shelf life of your longhorn cheese and enjoy its mild flavour and springy texture for as long as possible.

The best ways to cook with Longhorn cheese

Longhorn cheese is a style of American Colby cheese, defined by its long, round, orange cylindrical shape. It is made from cow's milk and has a mild, sweet flavour. Its texture is firm, open and springy, and it is good for melting.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

The mild flavour of Longhorn cheese makes it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches. Its high-moisture content and elastic texture mean it will melt well and create a delicious, oozy sandwich.

Mac and Cheese

Longhorn cheese is a great choice for mac and cheese, especially when combined with other cheeses like Gruyere, Fontina, Parmesan and White Cheddar. Its melting capabilities and springy texture will create a creamy, indulgent dish.

As a Topping

Longhorn's melting abilities also lend themselves well to being used as a topping. Try sprinkling grated Longhorn over a dish and placing it under the grill to create a golden, crispy topping.

With Meat

Longhorn cheese pairs well with meat, especially grilled or broiled beef, chicken or pork. Its creamy texture and mild flavour will complement the smokiness of the meat.

In a Salad

Longhorn cheese can be used to elevate a simple green salad. Its sweet, mild flavour will add depth to the dish, and its firm texture means it can be grated or cut into cubes.

The history of Longhorn cheese

Longhorn cheese is a style of American Colby cheese characterised by its long, round, orange cylindrical shape. It is similar in flavour to cheddar but has a more open texture and higher moisture content, giving it a softer and more elastic texture. The manufacturing process for Longhorn cheese involves eliminating the cheddaring process used in cheddar cheese-making. Instead, the whey is partially drained after the curd is cooked, and cold water is added to decrease the temperature of the mixture. This results in a moister and softer cheese with a mild flavour.

The Watonga Cheese Factory, founded in 1940, is known for its famous Longhorn Cheddar, which has become a customer favourite. They manufacture this cheese by wrapping their smooth cheddar in cheesecloth and dipping it in wax to preserve freshness. The factory has been producing the 14-pound horn-shaped Longhorn Cheddar for decades, and it remains their most popular gift item.

Longhorn cheese is typically used in snacks, sandwiches, and salads due to its mild flavour. It can also be melted or grated and combined with other cheeses, making it a versatile ingredient in various dishes. The texture and aging time of Longhorn cheese may vary depending on the specific type, but it is always shaped and packaged in the same distinctive long, round form.

While Longhorn cheese has a shorter shelf life than harder cheeses, it has become a beloved part of American cuisine and continues to be a popular choice for cheese lovers across the nation.

The nutritional value of Longhorn cheese

Longhorn cheese is a variety of cheddar that originated in the United States, specifically the Midwest. It is known for its mild, slightly tangy, and buttery flavour, as well as its semi-hard texture. But what exactly are the nutritional benefits of this cheese?

First and foremost, Longhorn cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, with 1 oz of Longhorn style Colby cheese containing approximately 25% protein and 20% of your daily value of calcium. In addition, Longhorn cheese contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, as well as various fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA).

While the exact calorie count may vary depending on the specific type and brand of Longhorn cheese, on average, 1 oz of Longhorn cheese contains around 110 calories, with 6 grams of fat and 1 gram of carbohydrates. However, some sources suggest that Longhorn cheese contains as few as 80 calories per serving, with the majority of calories coming from fat.

When it comes to vitamin and mineral content, Longhorn cheese provides a good amount of Vitamin A. It is also likely to contain various other vitamins and minerals, although the exact amounts may vary depending on the specific type and brand of Longhorn cheese.

In conclusion, Longhorn cheese is a nutritious option that offers a good source of protein, calcium, and Vitamin A, as well as various healthy fats. Its mild flavour and semi-hard texture make it a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes or on its own.

Frequently asked questions