The Longevity Of Mt. Tam Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Mt Tam is a soft, triple-cream cheese made with pasteurized cow's milk and produced by Cowgirl Creamery, based in Marin County, California. It is named after Mount Tamalpais, which rises over the San Francisco Bay in Marin County. But how long does Mt Tam cheese last? Well, that depends on how it's stored. If stored properly in the fridge, an unopened package of semi-hard to semi-soft cheese can last between two and four months, while an opened package is good for about six weeks. Soft cheeses like Mt Tam are best consumed within one to two weeks of being in the fridge.

Mt Tam cheese's shelf life

Mt Tam is a soft, triple-cream cheese made with pasteurized cow's milk. It is produced by Cowgirl Creamery, based in Marin County, California, United States. The cheese is prepared using organic milk and cream, with microbial rennet (vegetarian) added.

Mt Tam is a living food, which means it can continue to develop or deteriorate in flavour and texture, depending on the type and storage conditions. The cheese is best paired with a crisp, citrusy white wine, such as Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with fruit conserves and jams.

When young, the bloomy rind of Mt Tam is white with minimal browning, the creamline is starting to develop, and the paste is crumbly and firm. As the cheese matures, the supple rind transforms in texture and flavour. A ripe Mt Tam has a thicker, smoother creamline, some crumbliness at its core, and a more fudgy texture. The mushroomy flavour is more pronounced, and the rind has some slight browning.

A mature Mt Tam has a creamy, pudgy texture that, at room temperature, is similar to soft butter. The mushroomy flavours of the rind are more pronounced, with a slight bitterness, and the rind itself has a pleasantly chewy, almost leathery quality.

The shelf life of Mt Tam cheese depends on various factors, such as storage conditions and packaging. When stored properly in the fridge, an unopened package of hard cheese can last between two and four months, while an opened package is good for about six weeks. Soft cheeses, such as Brie, should be consumed within one to two weeks of being in the fridge.

To ensure the best shelf life for Mt Tam cheese, it is important to store it properly. Avoid wrapping it in plastic, as this can smother the cheese and transfer an unpleasant plasticky flavour. Instead, use a breathable wrap such as wax paper, parchment, or cheese paper. Keep blue cheeses and stinky washed-rind cheeses separate to prevent the mold from spreading.

How to store Mt Tam cheese

Mt Tam is a soft, triple-cream cheese made with pasteurized cow's milk, produced by Cowgirl Creamery, based in Marin County, California, United States. The cheese is best paired with Champagne or sparkling wine and has a shelf life of a few weeks. Here are some tips on how to store Mt Tam cheese to make it last longer:

Use Breathable Wrapping

Never use plastic wrap to store Mt Tam cheese as it will smother the cheese. Instead, use a breathable wrap such as wax paper, parchment, or coated cheese paper. Press the wrap against any cut surfaces to protect them from drying and put the wrapped package in a lidded plastic container.

Store in an Airtight Container

To protect Mt Tam cheese from the dry, cold air of your refrigerator, store it in an airtight container. A plastic storage container or a glass jar with a lid can work well. This will help regulate the humidity and protect the cheese from the harsh breezes in your fridge.

Keep it in the Fridge

Mt Tam cheese should be stored in the refrigerator to prolong its freshness. Place it in the cheese drawer if your refrigerator has one, as it offers some humidity and protection from the dry environment of the main fridge compartment. Alternatively, you can store it in the butter compartment or a crisper drawer.

Store Blue Cheeses Separately

If you're storing multiple types of cheese, keep blue cheeses separately to prevent the mold from spreading. It's also a good idea to store strong-smelling washed-rind cheeses separately.

Re-wrap Store-Bought Cheese

If you buy Mt Tam cheese that is already wrapped in plastic, remove it from the plastic before storing it in the fridge. Re-wrap it in a breathable material like wax paper or parchment paper, ensuring that all surfaces are completely covered.

Consume Within the Recommended Timeframe

Even with proper storage, Mt Tam cheese has a limited shelf life. Consume the cheese within a few weeks of purchase to enjoy it at its best. Soft cheeses like Mt Tam are more perishable than hard cheeses and should be consumed within the recommended timeframe.

The taste, texture, and aroma of Mt Tam cheese

Mt Tam is a soft, triple-cream cheese made with pasteurized cow's milk and produced by Cowgirl Creamery, based in Marin County, California. The cheese is made using organic milk and cream, with microbial rennet (vegetarian) added.

The cheese's flavour profile evolves as it matures. When young, Mt Tam has a crumbly and firm texture, with tangy, lactic flavours of fresh milk and salt. As it ages, the cheese becomes more buttery and develops a more pronounced mushroomy flavour. When ripe, Mt Tam has a thicker, smooth creamline, some crumbliness at its core, and a fudgy texture. The mushroom flavour becomes more intense, and the cheese takes on a salty brininess, while remaining reminiscent of fresh milk.

Fully mature Mt Tam has a creamy, pudgy texture similar to soft butter at room temperature. The mushroomy flavours are more pronounced, with a slight bitterness, and the rind becomes pleasantly chewy and almost leathery. The mature cheese is pungent and complex, with deeper notes of umami, brown butter, and cultured cream.

Pairing Mt Tam cheese with wine

Mt Tam is a soft, triple-cream cheese made with pasteurised cow's milk. It is produced by Cowgirl Creamery, based in Marin County, California. The cheese is rich and buttery with hints of mushrooms, grass, and hay. It has a creamy and dense texture and is smooth and soft on the tongue.

When it comes to wine pairings, there are a few options that are commonly suggested. A crisp, citrusy white wine such as Pinot Grigio is a good choice, as it will complement the earthy flavour of the cheese. Another option is to pair Mt Tam with a sparkling wine such as Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava. The bubbles in these wines will cut through the richness of the cheese.

For a more complex pairing, an aged Chardonnay could be considered. The fresh, zesty, and oaky notes of an aged Chardonnay will complement the creamy, buttery quality of the cheese. As the cheese ages, its flavour profile will evolve, and an aged Chardonnay with buttery, caramelly, and earthy notes will add another layer of depth to the pairing.

Finally, a sweet snack such as preserves or honey could be added to the pairing. The sweetness will provide a contrast to the savoury, buttery notes of the cheese.

The ingredients and nutritional value of Mt Tam cheese

Mt Tam is a soft, triple-cream cheese made with organic, pasteurized cow's milk and cream, produced by Cowgirl Creamery, based in Marin County, California, United States. The cheese is prepared using microbial rennet (vegetarian).

Mt Tam is an award-winning cheese, with a smooth, creamy, and dense texture that is rich and buttery, with hints of mushrooms, grass, and hay. The cheese pairs well with sparkling wines such as Champagne and Prosecco.

A serving size of 1 oz (28g) of Mt Tam cheese contains 120 calories, with a calorie breakdown of 85% fat, 0% carbohydrates, and 15% protein. The total fat content is 12g, of which 9g is saturated fat. The cheese also contains 25mg of cholesterol, 230mg of sodium, and 4g of protein.

The ingredients of Mt Tam cheese are listed as organic pasteurized cow's milk, organic pasteurized cream, salt, cultures, and enzymes.

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