Kamil Perry
Cheddar cheese is a hard, low-moisture cheese that can be stored in a variety of ways to keep it fresh. Cheddar is classified as a hard cheese, and its moisture content and ripening process will determine the best storage method to prevent spoilage. This article will explore the different ways to store cheddar cheese, including wrapping, containers, and temperature control, to ensure it stays delicious for as long as possible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Classification | Cheddar is a hard, low-moisture or aged cheese |
| Ripening technique | Bacteria-ripened |
| Storage | Store in the vegetable crisper of the refrigerator, where the temperature is cold and stable |
| Temperature | Refrigerator temperature should be set between 35 and 45 °F (2 and 7 °C) |
| Wrapping | Wrap in paper and plastic wrap, or store in an airtight container or plastic bag with most of the air pressed out |
| Shelf life | Cheddar lasts months when vacuum-sealed and 3-4 weeks once opened |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar cheese should be stored in the fridge
Cheddar cheese is a hard, low-moisture cheese that falls under the semi-hard to hard category. It is ripened and aged, and its moisture content and ripening technique play a part in how quickly it can spoil. Cheddar should be stored in the fridge to prolong its lifespan and maintain its freshness.
When storing cheddar cheese in the fridge, it is important to consider the temperature and humidity of the fridge. The ideal temperature range for cheese storage is between 35 and 45 °F (2 and 7 °C). The drawers in the fridge, especially those closest to the bottom, provide the most consistent temperature and humidity, preventing the cheese from getting too cold or dry. Therefore, it is recommended to keep cheddar in a fridge drawer.
To further preserve the quality of cheddar cheese in the fridge, it should be wrapped properly. Plastic wrap is not ideal for cheese storage as it can cause the cheese to suffocate and affect its flavour. Instead, cheddar cheese should be wrapped in paper, such as parchment, wax paper, or cheese paper, and then loosely covered with plastic wrap for additional protection. Alternatively, it can be stored in a reusable container or an airtight container to maintain humidity and prevent the cheese from absorbing other flavours in the fridge.
Proper labelling is also important when storing cheddar cheese in the fridge. It is recommended to label the cheese with its type and the date of purchase. This helps to keep track of the cheese's freshness and expiry, especially if multiple types of cheese are stored in the fridge. Additionally, if mould develops on the cheese, it is important to trim at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mouldy spot to ensure the remaining cheese is safe to eat.
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Use parchment or a reusable container
Cheddar cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a low moisture content. When storing cheese, it is important to consider its moisture content and ripening process. Semi-hard cheeses like cheddar can last for months when vacuum-sealed and stored in a plastic bag or plastic wrap. However, if the cheese has been opened, it is recommended to use parchment or a reusable container for storage.
When using parchment, wrap the cheese in a clean sheet of parchment, wax paper, or specialty cheese paper. Ensure that the cheese is completely covered, then loosely wrap it in plastic wrap for additional protection. This will help prevent the cheese from drying out and absorbing other flavours in the fridge. Label the cheese with the type and date of purchase, so you can keep track of its freshness.
Reusable containers are another effective way to store cheddar cheese. Opt for a sealed container, such as a Tupperware box, to maintain the cheese's freshness and prevent its odour from spreading in the fridge. If desired, place a small sugar cube inside the container to absorb excess moisture and prevent sweating.
Regardless of the storage method, it is best to store cheese in the refrigerator, specifically in the vegetable crisper or the drawer closest to the bottom of the fridge. These areas provide the most consistent temperature and humidity, preventing the cheese from drying out or becoming too cold. Aim to set your refrigerator temperature between 35 and 45 °F (2 and 7 °C) for optimal cheese storage.
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Plastic wrap is not ideal
Cheese should be stored in a sealed container to prevent the smell from filling the fridge. A small sugar cube can be added inside the container to absorb excess moisture and prevent the cheese from sweating.
The best drawer in the fridge to store cheese is the one closest to the bottom as it has the most consistent temperature and humidity so the cheese won’t get too cold or too dry. The refrigerator temperature should be set between 35 and 45 °F (2 and 7 °C) for cheese-keeping.
If you are storing cheese for cooking, especially cheddar, it freezes pretty well. You can chop the cheese into chunks, put them into a ziplock bag and freeze them. Then, defrost a few chunks at a time so you always have cheese ready to go.
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Store in the vegetable crisper
Cheddar is a hard, low-moisture cheese. When storing hard cheeses like cheddar, it is important to understand that moisture, temperature, and ripening techniques play a role in how quickly the cheese will spoil. The drawers in your refrigerator have the most consistent temperature and humidity, so the cheese won't get too cold or dry. Therefore, the best place to store cheddar cheese is in the vegetable crisper of the refrigerator.
The vegetable crisper, or the drawer closest to the bottom of the fridge, has a cold and stable temperature. This is ideal for storing all types of cheese. The temperature of your refrigerator should be set between 35 and 45 °F (2 and 7 °C) for cheese-keeping.
When storing cheddar in the vegetable crisper, it is important to note that cheese should never be stored in a tightly wrapped package. This is because cheese is alive and breathing, and it needs to breathe without drying out. Instead, wrap the cheese in a clean sheet of cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper. Make sure the cheese is completely covered, then loosely wrap it in plastic wrap. The plastic wrap will prevent the cheese from absorbing other flavours in the fridge.
If you are using plastic wrap or a plastic bag, it is recommended to "face" the cheese before each use to improve the taste. To do this, use a cheese knife to cut off a slice that has been in direct contact with the plastic, then discard it.
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Cheddar can be frozen
If you do decide to freeze cheddar cheese, there are several methods you can use to package it. Firstly, it is recommended to trim the cheese into a uniform shape with level surfaces. This can be done by cutting the cheese into cubes, rectangles, or slices. You can also grate the cheese before freezing it, which will make the texture less noticeably altered. It is best to portion the cheese into quantities that you are likely to use in one go, with no more than 1 pound (500 grams) per portion.
Once the cheese has been trimmed and portioned, it can be packaged in a few different ways. One method is to use a vacuum sealer, which will eliminate contact with the surrounding air and allow the cheese to be frozen for the longest amount of time. If you do not have a vacuum sealer, you can use parchment paper followed by aluminum foil. Tightly wrap the cheese in the parchment paper and then in the foil, which will help keep everything in place while freezing. Another option is to use reusable containers or Ziploc bags.
When you are ready to use the frozen cheddar cheese, it is best to thaw it in the refrigerator and use it in cooked dishes. Freezing cheddar cheese may alter its texture and quality, but it can still be a convenient way to extend its shelf life and reduce waste.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese with low moisture content. To store it, wrap it in paper and then plastic wrap, or place it in a reusable container. Store it in the refrigerator, ideally in the vegetable crisper, where the temperature is cold and stable.
Cheddar cheese will last for months if vacuum-sealed, and for about 3-4 weeks once opened.
Cheddar cheese freezes well, so you can chop it into chunks and put them in a ziplock bag and freeze them. Defrost a few chunks at a time so that you always have cheese ready to go.
Examine the cheese for an off odor, texture, or taste. If the surface texture has become slimy, wet, or soft, discard it immediately. If there is mold, cut off at least 1 inch around and below the mold spot.
