Randy Chandler
Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese, which means it has a longer shelf life than soft cheeses. To store opened cheddar cheese, wrap it in wax paper, then in plastic wrap, and keep it in the fridge. It should last for about a month. If you want to keep it longer, you can vacuum seal it. If mould appears, cut it off and use the rest of the cheese right away.
How to Best Store Open Cheddar Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 10°–14°C or 35º–45º F |
| Wrapping | Wax paper, then plastic wrap |
| Container | Plastic or glass container that's airtight |
| Storage Location | Fridge drawer, preferably the one closest to the bottom |
| Duration | 3–4 weeks once opened |
| Mold | Cut off any mold and rewrap and label |
| Brine | Do not store in water, as this will pull salt and flavor out of the cheese |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Wrapping: use wax paper, then plastic wrap
Cheddar is a semi-hard or hard cheese, depending on its age. It is important to understand how different cheeses are classified to know how best to store them and delay spoilage.
When storing open cheddar cheese, it is recommended to use wax paper, followed by plastic wrap. This two-layer approach helps to protect the cheese and maintain its freshness. Firstly, remove the cheese from its original plastic packaging. Leaving cheese in its original wrapper is not advisable as it can suffocate the cheese and impart a plastic flavour.
Next, wrap the cheese in a clean sheet of wax paper, ensuring it is completely covered. Then, loosely wrap the wax paper-covered cheese in plastic wrap. This additional layer of protection prevents the cheese from absorbing other flavours in the fridge.
It is also important to store the wrapped cheese in the correct location within the fridge. The drawers in your refrigerator offer the most consistent temperature and humidity, so the cheese won't dry out or become too cold. The best drawer is the one closest to the bottom of the fridge.
Cheddar Cheese: Rennet-Free or Not?
You may want to see also
Containers: use glass or plastic, airtight
Cheddar is a hard cheese, and as such, it does not require refrigeration for safety. However, refrigeration will help it last longer. When storing an open block of cheddar cheese, it is important to use an airtight container to lock in moisture and prevent brine from evaporating. This container can be made of glass or plastic.
If you are storing cheddar cheese in the refrigerator, it is best to keep it in the drawers of your fridge, as these have the most consistent temperature and humidity. The drawers will ensure that the cheese doesn't get too cold or dry. The best drawer is the one closest to the bottom of the fridge.
If you are using a plastic container, a resealable plastic bag can work, but it is not the ideal solution. Be sure to press out most of the air before sealing the bag. You can also use a plastic wrap to cover the cheese, but this is not recommended as the only layer of protection. Plastic wrap can be used as an additional layer of protection to prevent the cheese from absorbing flavours from the fridge.
If you are using a glass container, a lidded glass container is recommended. If the lid has a vent, keep it open. If it doesn't, keep one corner lifted. You can also use wax paper or kitchen paper to wrap the cheese before placing it in the glass container.
Cheddar vs American Cheese: Which is Healthier?
You may want to see also
Temperature: store at 35º-45º F
Cheddar is a hard cheese, and as such, it does not require refrigeration for safety. However, it will last longer if it is kept cold. The ideal temperature range to store cheddar cheese is between 35º and 45º F. This temperature range will help to maintain the quality and freshness of the cheese.
It is important to note that the cheese should not be kept at a temperature higher than the low 60s for more than a couple of days, as this can impact its shelf life. If you're planning to take cheddar on a camping trip, for example, it should be fine to keep it unrefrigerated for a few days, especially if it's a harder variety.
To achieve the ideal temperature range for storing cheddar cheese, it is recommended to keep it in the refrigerator. The drawers in your refrigerator provide the most consistent temperature and humidity, ensuring the cheese remains fresh. The bottom drawer is the best option as it is the coldest.
It is also important to consider the container and wrapping for the cheese. Reusable containers are recommended, such as a plastic or glass container that is airtight. This will help to lock in moisture and prevent brine from evaporating. If the original container is airtight and reseals well, you can keep the cheese in it. Otherwise, transfer it to a new container that can be closed completely.
Cheddar Cheese: Sargento's Vegetarian Option Explored
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Humidity: store in a cool, humid place
Cheddar is a hard cheese, which means it has low moisture content. Hard cheeses can be stored in a variety of ways, including wax paper, paper, plastic wrap, or a combination of these.
When storing open cheddar cheese, it is important to maintain a cool and humid environment. The drawers in your refrigerator offer the most consistent temperature and humidity, so the cheese won't dry out or become too cold. The bottom drawer is the best option.
To maintain humidity, avoid storing cheddar in a tightly wrapped package. Instead, use a layer of paper, such as wax paper, butcher paper, or parchment paper, to cover the cheese. Then, loosely wrap the paper-covered cheese in plastic wrap, ensuring it is not fully sealed. This will allow the cheese to breathe while also preventing it from drying out.
Additionally, you can store cheddar cheese in a reusable container. Look for a container that is plastic or glass and completely airtight to lock in moisture. If using a lidded glass container, keep one corner lifted or the vent open if it has one.
Grams and Cups: Cheddar Cheese Conversion Guide
You may want to see also
Time: lasts 3-4 weeks once opened
Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese. When stored correctly, semi-hard cheeses can last up to 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. To store cheddar cheese, you should wrap it in wax or parchment paper, then add a layer of plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator drawer. Make sure the cheese is not touching any raw meat or seafood to prevent contamination.
If you want to keep the cheese for longer than 3-4 weeks, you can freeze it. However, it's important to note that freezing may negatively affect the texture and flavour of the cheese. To freeze cheddar cheese, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil and place it in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. Make sure to label the cheese with the type and date it was frozen.
To determine if a cheese has spoiled, examine it for an off odour, texture, or taste. If the surface texture has become slimy, wet, or soft, discard it immediately. Spoiled cheese could also show signs of mould that aren't part of the manufacturing process. If you spot any mould, you can trim off the affected area and use the rest of the cheese right away, as long as it doesn't smell bad.
Popcorn Cheddar Cheese: A Tasty, Convenient Snack Option
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Cheddar is a semi-hard or hard cheese, depending on its age. It is best stored in the fridge, wrapped in wax or cheese paper, and then in plastic wrap.
An airtight container is best to lock in moisture and prevent brine from evaporating.
An opened block of cheddar cheese will last 3-4 weeks in the fridge.
Freezing cheddar cheese is not recommended as it can negatively affect its texture.
If your cheddar cheese gets mouldy, cut off the mouldy part and use the rest of the cheese right away.
