Edam Cheese: Best Storage Practices And Shelf Life

Edam cheese is a semi-hard Dutch cheese that originated in the town of Edam in North Holland. It is made from cow's milk and is known for its smooth texture and nutty taste. The cheese is traditionally coated in red or yellow wax, which helps to keep it fresh. When storing Edam cheese, it is crucial to wrap it tightly to prevent the cheese from drying out. It should be stored in the refrigerator, ideally in its original packaging or in an airtight container. Properly stored, an opened chunk of Edam cheese will last for 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator. To further extend its shelf life, it can be frozen for up to 6 months, but the texture may change after thawing.

Edam cheese storage temperature

Edam cheese is a semi-hard, mild-flavoured cheese from the Netherlands. It is traditionally coated in red or yellow wax, which helps to keep it fresh. To maintain its freshness and flavour, it is crucial to store Edam cheese properly.

The ideal Edam cheese storage temperature is between 34°F to 38°F (1°C to 3°C). It should be stored in the main compartment of the refrigerator, where the temperature is most stable. The refrigerator door is the warmest part, so Edam cheese should not be stored there. Instead, it should be placed in a spot that maintains a consistent, cool temperature.

To prevent the cheese from drying out, it is best to keep it in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. If the original wrapping has been removed, you can place the cheese in a resealable plastic bag or wrap it in foil. For added protection, you can also use a cheese storage container with a breathable cover. This will help regulate the moisture around the cheese and prevent it from becoming too dry or overly moist.

Additionally, Edam cheese often comes coated in a protective layer of wax. This wax should not be removed until the cheese is ready to be eaten. The wax acts as a barrier against bacteria and air, helping to keep the cheese fresh for longer. If the wax cracks, the cheese should be wrapped tightly and sealed to avoid air exposure.

When stored properly, an unopened chunk of Edam cheese can last for 6-8 months, while an opened chunk will typically remain safe to use for 3 to 4 weeks, even if the "sell-by" or "best by" date on the package expires.

How to wrap Edam cheese

Edam cheese is a semi-hard, mild, and nutty cheese from the Netherlands. It is traditionally coated in red or yellow wax, which helps to keep it fresh. The wax coating also gives the cheese its distinctive appearance and seals in moisture. If the wax coating is intact, it is best to leave it on until you are ready to eat the cheese.

However, if the wax gets cracked, you should wrap the cheese tightly to prevent air from getting in. Here are some tips on how to wrap Edam cheese to keep it fresh:

• If possible, keep the cheese in its original packaging.
• If the original packaging is not available, wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil.
• For better protection, first wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper, and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
• Place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
• You can also use a cheese storage container with a breathable cover to regulate the moisture around the cheese.
• Store the wrapped cheese in the refrigerator, ideally between 34°F to 38°F (1°C to 3°C).
• Check the cheese regularly for any signs of spoilage and remove any affected parts before consuming.

How long Edam cheese lasts in the freezer

Edam cheese can be stored in the freezer for an indefinite period if kept constantly frozen at 0°F. However, the cheese will maintain its best quality for about six months. After this time, the cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour.

To freeze a chunk or block of Edam cheese, cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each. Then, wrap the portions tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag.

When you are ready to use the cheese, you can defrost it in the fridge, which will keep it edible for an additional 3-4 days. If you thaw the cheese in the microwave or cold water, it should be consumed immediately. Edam cheese that has been frozen and thawed will be best suited to cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.

How to identify spoiled Edam cheese

Edam cheese is a semi-hard cheese that originated in the Netherlands. It is traditionally sold in flat-ended spheres with a pale yellow interior and a red paraffin wax rind. Edam is a long-lasting cheese that does not spoil easily due to its low moisture content and specific production process. Instead, it hardens over time. However, it is still important to know how to identify spoiled Edam cheese.

Firstly, check the texture of the cheese. Spoiled Edam cheese will develop a very hard texture. This hardening is a natural part of the aging process for Edam cheese, but if the cheese becomes too hard, it may be an indication of spoilage. Additionally, spoiled Edam cheese may exhibit a change in texture, becoming crumbly or dry.

Secondly, inspect the colour of the cheese. Fresh Edam cheese has a pale yellow interior. As it ages, the colour may darken, turning into a darker yellow or even black. This change in colour is a sign that your Edam cheese has expired.

Thirdly, use your sense of smell. Spoiled Edam cheese will develop a strong, unpleasant odour. A bad smell can also affect other food items stored nearby. Therefore, it is important to discard the cheese if it has developed an off-putting odour.

Finally, look for the presence of mould. Mould may appear on the surface of the cheese. If this occurs, you can cut away at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mouldy area, being careful not to touch the mould with your knife. However, if the Edam cheese is shredded, sliced, or crumbled and mould appears, the entire package should be discarded.

To summarise, spoiled Edam cheese will exhibit one or more of the following signs: a very hard texture, a darkened colour, a strong unpleasant smell, or the presence of mould. It is important to note that proper storage conditions, such as refrigeration and airtight wrapping, can help extend the shelf life of Edam cheese and prevent spoilage.

Edam cheese packaging

Edam cheese is a semi-hard, mild-flavoured cheese from the Netherlands. It is traditionally coated in red or yellow wax, which helps to keep it fresh. The cheese is often sold in wrapped blocks or slices, and can be purchased from the deli counter.

To store Edam cheese, it is important to keep it in the refrigerator at a consistent temperature, ideally between 34°F to 38°F (1°C to 3°C). The original packaging should be retained, or the cheese should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent it from drying out. For added protection, a cheese storage container with a breathable cover can be used. This will help regulate the moisture around the cheese.

If the original wrapping has been removed, the cheese can be placed in a resealable plastic bag. However, plastic bags should be avoided if possible, as they can trap moisture, leading to mould growth or a mushy texture. Instead, wrapping the cheese in wax, parchment, or cheese paper first is recommended, before placing it in a plastic bag or airtight container. This allows the cheese to "breathe" while still protecting it from too much air.

Edam cheese that is stored properly will typically last for 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator. If mould appears on the cheese, it is important to cut away at least 1 inch around and below the mouldy area and to re-cover the cheese in fresh wrap.

Frequently asked questions