Storing Guggisberg Cheese: How Long Can You Keep It?

Guggisberg Cheese is a company that produces a variety of cheeses, including the original Baby Swiss and Premium Swiss. The Baby Swiss has a milder, creamier taste and is aged for 30 days, while the Premium Swiss is aged for 60 days and has a slightly stronger, nuttier flavour. Guggisberg Cheese also offers other products such as crackers, mustard, jams, and utensils. The company has a retail store and a factory that can be visited by the public, with cheese-making demonstrations available for viewing.

When it comes to storing Guggisberg Cheese, it is important to keep it refrigerated. The shelf life of cheese varies depending on the type and whether it is unopened or opened. Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda can last for several months to even a year or more when stored in the fridge, even if unopened. On the other hand, soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert have a shorter shelf life, lasting only a few weeks to a couple of months past their 'best-by' date when refrigerated, even if they are unopened. Once opened, soft cheeses will typically last about a week in the refrigerator, while hard cheeses can last three to four weeks. It is important to note that mould on cheese is generally not safe to eat, except for blue cheeses where the presence of blue mould is intentional.

Guggisberg Baby Swiss Cheese can be kept for several months unopened

Guggisberg Baby Swiss Cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a mild and nutty flavor. It is aged for 30 days and has a creamy texture. This type of cheese has a relatively long shelf life when kept unopened and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, Guggisberg Baby Swiss Cheese can be kept for several months unopened.

When it comes to storing cheese, it's important to note that 'best by' or 'sell by' dates are guidelines for quality rather than safety. Cheese often remains safe to eat beyond these dates if stored correctly. The key to extending the shelf life of Guggisberg Baby Swiss Cheese is proper storage.

To maintain its quality and freshness, Guggisberg Baby Swiss Cheese should be kept refrigerated at all times. Additionally, it is recommended to wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or vacuum-sealed packaging to prevent air exposure, which can lead to mold formation.

It's worth mentioning that even if mold appears on the surface of the cheese, it can be safely scraped off without affecting the rest of the cheese. However, it is always recommended to inspect the cheese for other signs of spoilage, such as changes in texture, discoloration, or an off-putting smell, before consuming it.

In summary, Guggisberg Baby Swiss Cheese can be enjoyed for several months after purchase as long as it is stored unopened in the refrigerator, maintaining its mild and creamy characteristics that make it a delightful treat.

It can be frozen, but wrap it tightly and securely with plastic wrap first

Guggisberg Cheese can be frozen, but it is important to wrap it tightly and securely with plastic wrap first. This will help to protect the cheese from moisture loss and prevent it from becoming contaminated.

When wrapping cheese, it is best to avoid using plastic wrap as this can cause the cheese to suffocate, leading to wet, mouldy, wasted cheese. Instead, opt for parchment paper or wax paper, which will allow the cheese to breathe and prevent additional moisture. However, when freezing Guggisberg Cheese, it is recommended to use plastic wrap to ensure the cheese is tightly and securely wrapped.

To wrap the cheese effectively, start by removing the cheese from its original packaging and cutting a piece of plastic wrap that is large enough to comfortably wrap the entire block of cheese, with some extra to fold over. Place the cheese in the centre of the plastic wrap and fold the sides over, pressing the edges together to create a tight seal. Then, fold the ends of the plastic wrap over the cheese to form a neat package.

Additionally, you can add a layer of newspaper around the outside of the cheese for extra protection during freezing. When you are ready to use the cheese, let it thaw in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. It is worth noting that freezing Guggisberg Cheese may alter its texture, and it may become more crumbly after being defrosted.

Guggisberg Cheese does not go bad, but the taste may change over time

Guggisberg Cheese is known for its long shelf life, even after the "best by" or "sell by" dates have passed. Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of the cheese, and with the right conditions, Guggisberg Cheese can be enjoyed for months or even years.

Hard cheeses like Swiss cheese typically have a longer shelf life than softer varieties. Unopened, they can last for several months, and sometimes even up to a year, when stored in a refrigerator. The cool temperature of the fridge slows down the aging process, keeping the cheese fresh and tasty for longer.

However, even with proper storage, Guggisberg Cheese will eventually undergo natural changes. Over time, the cheese will develop a sharper flavour as it continues to age. This change in taste is a result of the natural aging process, and while it may be less desirable to some, the cheese is still safe to consume.

Additionally, surface mould may develop on the cheese over an extended period. This mould can simply be scraped off, and the remaining cheese is still safe to eat. To prevent mould from forming, it is recommended to keep the cheese tightly wrapped in plastic, with a vacuum seal being the most effective method.

In summary, while Guggisberg Cheese does not spoil or "go bad," the taste and texture may change over time. With proper storage, it can be enjoyed for many months, and even years, beyond the printed dates on the packaging. However, consumers should be aware that the cheese's flavour will gradually become sharper, and mould may develop, both of which are natural and safe outcomes of the aging process.

If mould appears, it can be scraped off and the cheese is still edible

Guggisberg Cheese is located in the heart of Ohio's Amish Country and is famous for its Baby Swiss cheese, which is mild and melts well. The company also produces a Premium Swiss variety, which is aged for 60 days and has a stronger, nuttier flavour.

Guggisberg Cheese does not expire and will not go bad. Over time, the flavour will become sharper, and eventually, surface mould will appear. This is natural and safe to consume. The mould can simply be scraped off, and the rest of the cheese can be enjoyed. The cheese can be protected from mould by keeping it tightly wrapped in plastic, with a vacuum seal being the best option.

According to Rich Morillo, a certified cheese professional and cheese operations manager, microorganisms like mould are what make cheese distinct and delicious. While some moulds are integral to the cheesemaking process, other types of mould can grow on cheese that has been forgotten in the fridge. In most cases, this mould will not hurt you, but it may negatively impact the flavour and texture of the cheese.

The best way to deal with mould on cheese is to cut it off and discard it. The amount of cheese that needs to be removed depends on the type of cheese and the depth of the mould roots. Harder, drier cheeses like Parmesan or aged cheddar will not be as affected by mould, whereas softer, wetter cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta should be thrown out if mould is present, as the flavour will likely be compromised.

Guggisberg Cheese is lactose-free

The lactose in the cow's milk used to make the cheese is converted to lactic acid during the cheese-making process, and the special cultures utilized or consume the lactose. This means that those who are lactose intolerant can safely enjoy Guggisberg Cheese without any digestive issues.

In addition to being lactose-free, Guggisberg Cheese is also gluten-free and antibiotic-free. The company sources its milk from farmers who do not use antibiotics or hormones, ensuring that their cheese is of the highest quality and safe for consumption.

Guggisberg Cheese has a wide range of products, including their Original Baby Swiss, which is mild and creamy, as well as Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Asiago Cheese Spread, and Garlic & Herb Cheese Spread. Their cheeses are known for their unique flavor and have won awards, such as the 2023 U.S. Championship Cheese Contest and the 2019 U.S. Grand Champion Cheese award.

With its commitment to quality and safety, Guggisberg Cheese offers a delicious and worry-free option for those with lactose intolerance or other dietary restrictions.

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