Bushra Griffith
Lucerne Cheese is a brand that has been trusted by customers for quality dairy products for over 115 years. The Lucerne Cheese Shredded Mild Cheddar and the Lucerne Cheese Chunk Cheddar White Extra Sharp are both perishable products and should be kept refrigerated. The shredded mild cheddar cheese should be used within 3-5 days of opening, whereas the chunk cheddar white extra sharp cheese should be used by the date on the package.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Lucerne |
| Product Type | Shredded Mild Cheddar, Shredded Medium Cheddar, Shredded Sharp Cheddar, Chunk Cheddar White Extra Sharp |
| Weight | 32 Oz, 8 Oz |
| Allergens | Peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and crustacean shellfish |
| Storage | Perishable. Keep refrigerated. Use within 3-5 days after opening. |
| Price | $2.99, $7.49, $8.49, $8.99 |
| Anti-Caking Blend | Potato Starch, Tapioca Starch, Natamycin (Mold Inhibitor) |
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What You'll Learn
Lucerne shredded cheese lasts 3-5 days after opening
Lucerne shredded cheese should be used within 3-5 days of opening the package. This applies to the mild, medium, and sharp varieties of the cheese. To ensure the cheese lasts this long, it should be kept refrigerated at all times.
Lucerne shredded cheese is perishable, so it's important to follow the instructions on the package to maintain its freshness. The cheese should be stored in a refrigerator, and the package should be resealed tightly after each use to prevent the cheese from drying out or becoming mouldy.
Additionally, it's worth noting that Lucerne shredded cheese contains an anti-caking blend, which includes a mould inhibitor. This helps to extend the shelf life of the product, but it's still important to consume the cheese within the recommended 3-5 days after opening.
Some people choose to freeze shredded cheese to extend its shelf life. This can be a convenient option, especially if you don't think you'll finish the cheese within the recommended 3-5 days. However, freezing may affect the texture of the cheese, and it's important to follow proper food safety guidelines when thawing and using frozen cheese.
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It can be frozen to last longer
Lucerne shredded cheese is a perishable product and should be kept refrigerated. It is recommended to use the product within 3-5 days of opening. However, to make it last longer, you can freeze it.
Shredded cheese can be frozen, and this applies to both pre-shredded cheese and cheese that you shred yourself. It is best to use freezer-safe bags or airtight containers to preserve freshness and minimise the chance of freezer burn. Press out as much air as possible and seal the bags or containers before placing them in the freezer.
When freezing shredded cheese, it is important to consider the type of cheese. Harder cheeses like Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan tend to hold up better in the freezer. Soft cheeses with higher moisture content, such as Camembert, Brie, Ricotta, and Cottage Cheese, can also be frozen, but their texture may suffer.
Frozen shredded cheese is best used in cooked dishes, such as mac and cheese or pizza, rather than eaten as is. It is recommended to use frozen cheese within two to three months, and harder cheeses like Parmesan may last a bit longer. Additionally, it is best to avoid refreezing cheese that has been previously frozen and thawed.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively freeze Lucerne shredded cheese to extend its shelf life beyond the recommended 3-5 days of refrigeration.
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It's cheaper to buy blocks of cheese and shred them yourself
Shredded cheese is usually cheaper than blocks of cheese because it is often sold in smaller quantities and is measured by "volumetric" or fluid ounce, as opposed to weight. A 16-ounce package of shredded cheese is labelled as being equal to 2 cups (8 fl. oz per cup x 2 = 16 oz.), but the weight of the cheese is less than 1 pound (16 oz). This means that you are paying for the extra air in the package.
Buying a block of cheese and shredding it yourself can be more cost-effective than purchasing pre-shredded cheese. Cheese blocks are often sold at a lower price per pound compared to their shredded counterparts. For example, at Walmart, a 16-ounce package of shredded cheese costs around 48 cents per cup to $1.67 per cup, while a block of cheese costs around 42 cents per cup to $1.09 per cup. This price difference can add up over time, especially if you use a lot of cheese in your cooking.
Additionally, you get more cheese for your money when you buy a block of cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives to prevent clumping, which can affect the taste and texture of the cheese. By shredding your own cheese, you can avoid these additives and get a fresher-tasting product.
Shredding your own cheese also allows you to control the size and thickness of the shreds, which can be important for certain recipes. For example, you might want finer shreds for melting cheese in soup or fondue, or thicker shreds for topping dishes like chili or tacos.
However, there are some drawbacks to buying blocks of cheese and shredding them yourself. It can be time-consuming and tiring, and you need to have a grater or food processor at home. There is also a risk of accidentally cutting yourself while shredding the cheese.
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Pre-shredded cheese is coated in cellulose to prevent sticking
Lucerne shredded mild cheddar cheese should be used within 3-5 days of opening. This is a perishable product and should be kept refrigerated.
Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in cellulose, an anti-caking agent, to prevent the cheese from sticking together. The cellulose draws out the moisture from the cheese, helping it last longer. This is why shredded cheese in a bag does not stick together, whereas freshly shredded cheese often clumps.
The use of cellulose can affect the melting ability of the cheese, creating an undesirable texture in dishes such as mac and cheese. The cheese may not melt together nicely, and the sauce can become separated. The cellulose coating can also give the cheese a drier texture when served cold.
However, there are some dishes that benefit from the use of pre-shredded cheese. For example, in a spinach pesto, the powdered coating can help keep the cheese suspended and distinct. It is similar to tossing blueberries in flour before adding them to muffins to prevent them from sinking.
Some shredded cheese products use an "anti-caking blend" instead of listing cellulose as an ingredient. This blend can include potato starch, cornstarch, calcium sulfate, and natamycin, which prevents mould.
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It's best to store cheese in an airtight container, with as little air as possible
Lucerne shredded mild cheddar cheese should be used within 3-5 days after opening. To store shredded cheese, it is best to use an airtight container, with as little air as possible. This is because exposure to air will cause the cheese to dry out, and direct contact with plastic can encourage mold.
Firstly, remove the cheese from its original plastic packaging and let it breathe for a few minutes. Next, wrap the cheese loosely in cheese paper, parchment paper, butcher paper, cheesecloth, or a paper towel. Finally, seal the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or a zipper bag, allowing a bit of air into the bag.
If you are storing shredded cheese for the long term, it can be frozen. To do this, transfer the cheese to a freezer bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible, and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you are ready to use the frozen shredded cheese, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
It is important to note that shredded cheese has a higher surface area than a block of cheese, so it is more prone to drying out and developing mold. Therefore, it is best to shred only the amount of cheese you will need for the next few days and store the rest of the cheese as a block.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to use Lucerne shredded cheese within 3-5 days of opening.
Yes, you can freeze shredded cheese. However, freezing may affect the texture and quality of the cheese, especially for softer varieties. It is recommended to consume frozen shredded cheese within six months.
Cheese should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, according to the U.S. Department of Health. If the temperature is above 90°F (32°C), this reduces to one hour.
Look for signs of spoilage such as a bad smell, slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks, or mold.
Lucerne shredded cheese should be kept refrigerated. To maintain freshness, wrap the cheese tightly in wax or parchment paper and place it in an airtight container or a plastic bag with as little air as possible.
