Prolonging Provolone: Fridge Storage Tips And Tricks

Provolone cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a creamy texture and a sweetish, milky flavor. When stored properly, it can last for several weeks in the refrigerator. To maximize the shelf life of provolone cheese, it is important to follow certain storage guidelines, such as keeping it refrigerated at all times, using airtight containers or wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and maintaining a refrigerator temperature below 40°F (4°C). Properly stored, provolone cheese will typically last for 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator and remains safe to use even after the sell-by or best-by date on the package. Freezing is also an option to extend the shelf life of provolone cheese, and when frozen before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed, it can maintain its best quality for about 2 months but will remain safe beyond that time.

Provolone cheese storage conditions

Provolone cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a creamy texture and a sweetish, milky flavor. When stored properly, it can last for several weeks in the refrigerator and even longer in the freezer. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store Provolone cheese to extend its shelf life:

Refrigerator Storage:

• Temperature Control: Keep your refrigerator temperature at or below 40°F (4°C). This helps slow down bacteria growth and maintains the quality of the cheese.
• Original Packaging: If the Provolone cheese is unopened, it is best to keep it in its original packaging. This type of packaging is designed to maintain freshness and minimize air exposure. Only open the package when you are ready to use the cheese.
• Airtight Containers: Once the Provolone cheese is opened, transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help keep air and moisture out, slowing down spoilage and maintaining the cheese's texture and flavor.
• Storage Location: Store Provolone cheese in the warmest part of your refrigerator, usually the door. This helps to further regulate temperature and prevent rapid aging.
• Avoid Strong Odors: Keep Provolone cheese away from foods with strong smells, as cheese can absorb these odors and alter its flavor.
• Label and Date: Mark the container with the date you opened the cheese. This helps you keep track of its freshness and consume it within a reasonable time frame.

Freezer Storage:

• Portioning: Cut the cheese into portions no larger than 1/2 pound each. This ensures that the cheese freezes evenly and can be easily thawed and used in smaller quantities.
• Wrapping: Tightly wrap each portion in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap. Alternatively, place the portions into heavy-duty freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing.
• Labeling: Label each package with the date of freezing. This helps you keep track of how long the cheese has been frozen and ensures you consume it within its optimal timeframe.

By following these storage guidelines, you can extend the shelf life of Provolone cheese and enjoy its unique flavor and texture for a longer period.

How to store provolone cheese

Storing provolone cheese correctly is essential to maintaining its flavour and texture. This semi-hard Italian cheese is known for its smooth and creamy texture, and its mild and slightly tangy flavour. Proper storage will ensure you get to enjoy these characteristics to the fullest.

Refrigeration

The best way to store provolone cheese is to keep it in the refrigerator, which provides a controlled environment with a consistent temperature. The ideal temperature range for storing provolone cheese is between 35°F and 45°F (1.7°C and 7.2°C). At this temperature, the cheese will remain safe to consume for a long time, and its quality and flavour will be preserved.

When storing provolone cheese in the refrigerator, it is important to protect it from moisture and odours. The best way to wrap provolone cheese is to use cheese paper or wax paper. These porous materials allow the cheese to breathe and maintain its moisture balance, while also providing a barrier against unwanted fridge smells. Cut the paper slightly larger than the cheese, place the cheese in the centre, and fold the paper over, securing the edges with tape or a rubber band. Avoid using plastic wrap or aluminium foil, as these create an airtight seal that can trap moisture and encourage mould growth.

If you are storing sliced provolone cheese, you can keep it in its original packaging if it is unopened. Once opened, transfer the cheese to a tightly closed container, removing as much air as possible, and wrap the package in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For added protection, you can first wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper.

Freezing

Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of provolone cheese. It can be stored in the freezer for 6 to 8 months, and will remain safe to consume for even longer if constantly frozen at 0°F or lower. However, freezing may alter the texture of the cheese, making it crumbly and less flavourful. Therefore, it is best to use frozen provolone in cooked dishes such as casseroles, soups, or sauces.

To freeze provolone cheese, start by dividing the cheese into smaller portions that you are likely to use at one time. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, ensuring no part of the cheese is exposed. Then, place the wrapped portions into airtight containers or freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. Label each package with the date of freezing, and place them in the coldest part of the freezer.

Other Storage Tips

• Always handle provolone cheese with clean hands or gloves, and use clean utensils to cut or serve the cheese.
• Store provolone cheese separately from other foods to avoid cross-contamination.
• Keep the cheese away from direct sunlight and heat sources, such as stoves, ovens, or radiators.
• Check the cheese regularly for any signs of spoilage, such as changes in appearance, texture, or smell.
• If you notice mould on the cheese, cut off at least 1 inch around the mould on all sides, and wrap the remaining cheese with fresh materials.

How to tell if provolone cheese has gone bad

Provolone cheese that is going bad will usually be obvious, as it will develop some clear signs. Firstly, the cheese will become very hard in texture, and its colour will darken. It will also develop a strong, off odour, and mould may appear. If mould is present, cut away at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mouldy area, ensuring you do not touch the mould with the knife, then re-cover the cheese in fresh wrap. However, if mould appears in shredded, sliced or crumbled Provolone cheese, the entire package should be discarded.

You can also check the cheese's quality by tasting it; if it has developed an off flavour, it has gone bad and should be discarded. Trust your senses—if it looks, smells, or tastes wrong, it probably is.

To maximise the shelf life of Provolone cheese, ensure it is refrigerated at all times. If you have purchased sliced Provolone cheese from a deli, it may be refrigerated for 2 to 3 weeks. Unopened sliced Provolone cheese may be kept in its original store deli packaging. To further extend its shelf life, wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag before refrigerating.

Properly stored, Provolone cheese will typically last for 6-8 months in the refrigerator, and will remain safe beyond that time.

Extending the shelf life of provolone cheese

To extend the shelf life of provolone cheese, it is important to follow certain storage guidelines. Firstly, refrigeration is key. Provolone cheese should always be stored in the fridge, and it is best to keep unopened cheese in its original packaging until you are ready to use it.

To maximize the shelf life of a chunk of provolone cheese, you can wrap the original packaging tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For even better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator. This will help the cheese retain its quality for 2 to 3 weeks.

If you wish to extend the shelf life even further, you can freeze your provolone cheese. Cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each, and wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap. Alternatively, you can place the portions into heavy-duty freezer bags. When stored in a freezer at 0°F, provolone cheese will remain safe to consume indefinitely, although its quality may begin to diminish after about 2 months.

After defrosting, provolone cheese can be kept in the refrigerator for an additional 3 to 4 days. It is best to defrost the cheese in the refrigerator, although you can also use a microwave or cold water to speed up the process. However, cheese defrosted in this manner should be consumed immediately. It is worth noting that frozen provolone cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, so it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.

The best way to wrap provolone cheese

To ensure that your provolone cheese stays fresh for as long as possible, there are several wrapping and storage methods you can use.

Firstly, if you have purchased pre-sliced provolone cheese from the deli, it is best to keep it in its original packaging and refrigerate it at all times. This cheese can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks, even if the "sell-by" date on the package expires during this period. If you have unopened sliced provolone cheese, do not open the package until you are ready to use it to maximise its shelf life.

If you have purchased a block of provolone cheese, the best way to store it is to wrap it tightly in wax or plastic wrap, ensuring that it is fully sealed. Then, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or a resealable bag. This will help to prevent moisture loss and keep the cheese from absorbing odours from other foods in your refrigerator.

Additionally, if you are planning to store provolone cheese for an extended period, freezing is a good option. To freeze provolone cheese, wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap. Alternatively, you can place it in heavy-duty freezer bags, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. Properly stored provolone cheese will maintain its best quality for about 8 months in the freezer, but it will remain safe to consume beyond this period.

When it comes to defrosting frozen provolone cheese, it is best to thaw it in the refrigerator. This will help to preserve the quality and texture of the cheese. Once defrosted, the cheese can be kept in the refrigerator for an additional 3 to 4 days before using. Keep in mind that frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, so it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.

Frequently asked questions