The Longevity Of Raclette Cheese In Your Fridge

Raclette cheese is a semi-hard, semi-hard cheese with excellent melting properties. It is made from cow's milk and is native to the Swiss Alps, though it is also produced in France and the US. Proper storage is essential to ensure the best quality and flavour. So, how long does raclette cheese last in the fridge?

Raclette cheese can last up to a month in the fridge

Raclette cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a unique, robust flavour. It is important to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavour. Ideally, raclette cheese should be stored in a ripening cellar, where the temperature is maintained at 12°C with 92% humidity. However, for most people, the refrigerator is the best option for storing raclette cheese.

To ensure that raclette cheese lasts for up to a month in the fridge, it is crucial to follow some simple storage tips. Firstly, avoid using plastic wrap or paper towels. Instead, opt for wrapping the cheese in wax paper, parchment paper, or aluminium foil. These materials help prevent moisture loss and protect the cheese from absorbing other odours in the fridge. Additionally, wrapping the cheese in a damp cloth before placing it in the fridge can further extend its shelf life by up to a week.

It is also recommended to store raclette cheese in the cheese or deli drawer of the refrigerator, where the temperature and humidity are more consistent. By following these storage guidelines, you can enjoy your raclette cheese at its best, with its distinct flavour and creamy texture intact.

Furthermore, if you plan to store raclette cheese for an even longer period, vacuum-packing half a wheel after lightly scraping the rind can preserve it for up to 40 days. Alternatively, freezing is another option to extend the shelf life of raclette cheese. By wrapping it carefully in aluminium foil and vacuum-sealing it, you can store it in the freezer for up to six months. However, it is important to note that the texture of the cheese may change slightly after thawing.

Wrap raclette cheese in wax paper or aluminium foil to prevent moisture loss

To keep raclette cheese fresh and prevent moisture loss, it is recommended to wrap it in wax paper or aluminium foil. Wax paper, specifically cheese paper coated with wax and polyethylene, is ideal as it allows gas exchange while also preventing moisture loss. This helps to maintain the right texture and prevents crystallisation.

Aluminium foil is also a common practice to prevent moisture loss and preserve the creaminess of raclette cheese. It is important to avoid paper towels as they may alter the delicate taste of the cheese. Additionally, parchment paper can be used as an alternative to wax paper, although it is less effective.

When wrapping raclette cheese, it is important to do so tightly to prevent moisture loss and protect the cheese from absorbing odours from other foods in the refrigerator. The cheese should then be stored in the cheese or deli drawer, where the temperature and humidity are typically more consistent.

By wrapping raclette cheese in wax paper or aluminium foil and storing it properly, it can stay fresh for up to a month or even up to six weeks.

Avoid paper towels as they can alter the taste of raclette cheese

Raclette cheese is a delicious semi-firm speciality cheese, usually made from cow's milk. It is often stored in the refrigerator, where it retains its freshness and texture at moderate temperatures of around 4 degrees Celsius. While it is common practice to wrap raclette cheese in aluminium foil to prevent moisture loss and preserve its creaminess, it is important to avoid using paper towels for this purpose.

Paper towels can alter the delicate taste of raclette cheese. They may be treated with chemicals that can seep into the cheese, affecting its flavour. Additionally, paper towels can dry out the cheese more quickly, altering its texture. Instead, it is recommended to use a damp cloth, which can extend the shelf life of the cheese by up to a week, or vacuum-packing for longer storage of up to 40 days.

The decision to use paper towels for cheese storage may depend on the type of cheese and its intended use. Softer cheeses, such as Camembert, may be less suitable for paper towel wrapping as they can lose quality and texture. Harder cheeses, like raclette and grated Gruyère, are better suited for freezing and can withstand vacuum-packing without significant changes in texture and taste.

To ensure the optimal taste and quality of raclette cheese, it is best to avoid using paper towels for storage. Instead, opt for alternative wrapping methods like aluminium foil, damp cloths, or vacuum-packing to maintain the desired texture and flavour of the cheese during refrigeration.

Vacuum-packing half a wheel of raclette cheese can make it last for up to 40 days

Proper storage is essential to ensure the best quality and flavour of raclette cheese. Ideally, raclette cheese would be stored in a ripening cellar, where the temperature is kept at 12°C with a humidity level of 92%. However, this option is not always available, so most people opt for refrigerator storage. At a moderate temperature, generally around 4°C, the cheese retains its freshness and texture.

To store raclette cheese in the refrigerator, wrap it in waxed or parchment paper and place it in a zip-close bag or a plastic container. This will allow a limited amount of airflow without making the refrigerator smell like cheese. If any mould forms, cut around it, taking care not to touch the mould with your knife.

For long-term storage, wrapping the cheese in a damp cloth can extend its shelf life by up to a week. Vacuum-packing half a wheel of raclette cheese can make it last for up to 40 days. Before vacuum-packing, it is advisable to lightly scrape the rind of the cheese to preserve its aromas.

Freezing is another option for extending the life of raclette cheese. Before placing it in the freezer, wrap the cheese carefully in aluminium foil and vacuum-pack it to preserve its freshness. Properly preserved, raclette cheese can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. However, it's important to note that its texture may change slightly after thawing.

Recognising spoilage: dramatic colour changes, rancid odours, and sour flavours

Dramatic colour changes, rancid odours, and sour flavours are key indicators of spoilage in Raclette cheese.

Dramatic Colour Changes

Raclette cheese is semi-hard and ranges in colour from ivory to pale yellow. If you notice any significant deviations from these colours, such as discolouration or an off-colour appearance, it is likely that the cheese has spoiled.

Rancid Odours

A distinctively pungent aroma is characteristic of Raclette cheese due to the bacteria used in the aging process and other factors like milk quality and storage conditions. However, if the cheese emits an overwhelmingly foul or ammonia-like smell, it is a sign of spoilage.

Sour Flavours

Raclette cheese is known for its robust, nutty, and slightly vinegary flavour. If you notice any sour or bitter flavours that deviate from the cheese's characteristic taste, it is best to discard it as spoilage.

In addition to these indicators, keep an eye out for other signs of spoilage, such as sliminess or mould growth. Remember that mould on hard or semi-hard cheeses like Raclette can be safely cut off by trimming at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) below and around the mouldy spot. However, if the mould growth is extensive, it is better to discard the cheese.

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