Andy Montoya
Manchego cheese is a popular Spanish sheep's milk cheese with a distinctive flavour and versatility. Its longevity depends on several factors, including storage conditions, the age of the cheese, and whether it has been opened. In general, unopened Manchego stored in a refrigerator at temperatures between 34 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit can last for approximately 3 to 4 weeks, while opened Manchego can last 3 to 4 weeks if properly stored. To extend its fridge life, Manchego can be wrapped in wax paper or stored in a jar with olive oil, which can preserve it for up to several months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Yes |
| Storage temperature | 34-38°F (1-3°C) |
| Storage location | Cheese drawer |
| Packaging | Wax paper, parchment paper, cheese paper, plastic wrap, aluminium foil |
| Preservation | Olive oil |
| Shelf life | Opened: 3-4 weeks; Unopened: 6 months |
| Signs of spoilage | Discolouration, mould, altered smell, sour/bitter taste |
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What You'll Learn
Refrigerate Manchego at 34-38°F (2-4°C)
Refrigeration is key to preserving the quality and safety of Manchego cheese. When stored in a refrigerator at temperatures between 34 to 38°F (2-4°C), unopened Manchego cheese can maintain its quality for approximately 3 to 4 weeks. However, under optimal conditions, it can even last for up to 6 months. At temperatures below 20°C, Manchego can last longer without refrigeration, but it's still best to keep it refrigerated whenever possible.
To ensure the Manchego cheese remains fresh and safe to eat, it should be wrapped in wax paper or cheese paper, which allows it to breathe and prevents moisture buildup. This is especially important if you plan to store it in a room instead of the fridge. Plastic wrap can also be used, but it's important to avoid contact with plastic surfaces as they can retain moisture and cause mould faster. Parchment paper is another suitable alternative.
If you have a wedge of Manchego, it's recommended to store it in the fridge using a plastic storage container or wrap it with a wet cloth, as was traditionally done. For small pieces of Manchego, placing them in a jar with extra virgin olive oil and herbs or garlic can be a great preservation method. Just remember not to seal the jar airtight; instead, cover it with waxed paper and a rubber band before refrigerating.
Once the Manchego cheese is opened, proper storage becomes crucial. It should be rewrapped in wax paper, cheese paper, or parchment paper, allowing it to breathe and maintaining the correct moisture balance. This helps prevent moulding and can extend its fridge life to several months. To avoid the exposed surface of the cheese from drying out, you can cover it with olive oil, creating a natural seal. Additionally, it's beneficial to place the wrapped cheese in the least cold part of the refrigerator to prevent texture changes due to freezing.
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Use wax paper to wrap Manchego
To keep your Manchego cheese fresh, it is important to follow a basic set of recommendations. As a hard cured cheese, Manchego is easy to store and preserve. If you have purchased an entire wheel of Manchego, you can either store it in the refrigerator or in a dry cellar or room that is no warmer than 68°F (20°C). If you opt for the latter, ensure there is good ventilation and low humidity, and place the cheese on a wooden tray, wrapping it with wax paper. This will help preserve the true flavors of the Manchego.
If you are storing your Manchego in the refrigerator, place the cheese on a wooden tray, cover it with wax paper, and place it on the lower tray, making sure it doesn't get wet. If you have a wedge of Manchego, it is better to store it in the fridge using a plastic storage container. Alternatively, you can wrap the cheese with a wet cloth, as was traditionally done.
Wax paper is a great option for wrapping cheese as it allows the cheese to breathe and prevents additional moisture buildup. It is also useful for preserving the flavors of the cheese. If you are wrapping small pieces of Manchego, you can place them in a jar with extra virgin olive oil and add herbs or garlic for extra flavor. Cover the jar with a piece of wax paper and a rubber band before placing it in the refrigerator. This will last 2 to 3 months.
It is important to note that while wax paper is a good option for wrapping Manchego, some people prefer to use parchment paper or plastic wrap in addition to, or instead of, wax paper. Parchment and plastic wrap can help prevent air from drying the cheese out, and some people choose to wrap their cheese in plastic and then cover it with paper. However, others argue that plastic wrap can make cheese go bad faster, and that wax paper or parchment is preferable. Ultimately, it is up to you how you choose to wrap your Manchego, but be sure to follow the basic storage recommendations for hard cured cheeses to ensure your Manchego stays good.
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Avoid plastic wrap when storing Manchego
When storing Manchego cheese, it is important to avoid using plastic wrap. While it may seem convenient, plastic wrap can negatively impact the quality and flavour of the cheese.
Firstly, plastic wrap can trap moisture, creating an environment conducive to mould formation. Manchego is a hard cured cheese, and while it is generally more resistant to mould due to its lower moisture content, plastic wrap can increase the risk of mould by trapping moisture in the cheese.
Secondly, cheese is a living product that needs to breathe. Plastic wrap suffocates the cheese, leading to premature spoilage and a wet, mouldy texture. Additionally, the trapped moisture can cause an excess of ammonia, further impacting the flavour and accelerating deterioration.
Instead of plastic wrap, opt for breathable materials such as waxed paper, cheese paper, or parchment paper. These papers allow proper airflow, preventing dehydration while maintaining humidity. They also help preserve the true flavours of Manchego by preventing the buildup of ammonia and mould.
If you are storing a wedge of Manchego, you can follow the traditional method of wrapping it in a wet cloth before placing it in the fridge. Alternatively, use a plastic storage container to keep the cheese fresh without the negative effects of plastic wrap.
By avoiding plastic wrap and utilising appropriate storage methods, you can prolong the shelf life of your Manchego cheese and enjoy its unique flavour and texture for a more extended period.
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Freeze Manchego for longer preservation
Manchego is a semi-hard cheese with some moisture content, which makes it quite easy to store and preserve. If you have an entire wheel of Manchego, you can store it in a cool, dry cellar or room with good ventilation, low humidity, and a temperature of about 68°F (20°C). Wrap the cheese with waxed paper and place it on a wooden tray. Alternatively, you can store it in the refrigerator, ensuring it is covered with waxed paper and placed on a lower tray to prevent moisture.
If you have a wedge of Manchego, it is best to store it in the fridge using a plastic storage container or wrapped in a wet cloth. You can also preserve small pieces of Manchego by placing them in a jar with extra virgin olive oil and herbs or garlic. Cover the jar with waxed paper and a rubber band and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 months.
To extend the shelf life of Manchego even further, you can freeze it. It is recommended to cut the cheese into usable chunks and then freeze it. However, freezing Manchego can alter its texture and affect its flavor. Additionally, cheese should be protected from air and light, as these factors can cause it to spoil faster. Therefore, when storing Manchego in the refrigerator or freezer, ensure that it is well wrapped in waxed paper, cheese paper, or its original packaging.
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Unopened Manchego lasts longer than opened
Manchego cheese is a popular Spanish sheep's milk cheese with a distinctive flavour and a hard, buttery texture. It is a versatile ingredient, delicious on a cheese platter or melted into a pasta dish.
Like all cheese, Manchego lasts longer when unopened. Unopened Manchego can last for up to six months in the fridge, if stored at the right temperature and wrapped properly. The ideal temperature for storing Manchego is between 34 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be wrapped in wax paper or parchment paper, which allows the cheese to breathe and prevents mould.
Once opened, Manchego has a shelf life of three to four weeks in the refrigerator. To preserve it for this length of time, the cheese should be re-wrapped in wax paper or cheese paper, and stored in the correct part of the fridge. The least cold part of the refrigerator is best, to avoid texture changes due to freezing.
Manchego can be frozen to extend its shelf life further, but this may affect its texture and flavour. To freeze Manchego, grate the cheese and put it in an airtight freezer bag.
If stored outside of the refrigerator, Manchego can last several days if wrapped properly and stored in a cool, dry place. Cured and aged Manchego can last between two and four days without refrigeration, but fresh or semi-cured Manchego will only last one or two days.
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Frequently asked questions
Unopened Manchego cheese stored in a refrigerator at temperatures between 34 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit can maintain its quality for approximately 3 to 4 weeks, though it can last longer under optimal conditions.
Opened Manchego cheese can last 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator when properly stored.
Wrap the cheese in parchment paper or wax paper rather than plastic wrap to prevent molding. Cover the cut surface with olive oil to prevent the cheese from drying out.
Under ideal conditions, cured or aged Manchego cheese can last between 2 and 4 days without refrigeration. Fresh or semi-cured Manchego cheese has a shelf life of 1 to 2 days without refrigeration.
Place the cheese in a cool, dry place with little exposure to heat and direct sunlight. Wrap the cheese in waxed or cheese paper to allow it to breathe and prevent moisture buildup.
