Kamil Perry
Blue cheese is a pungent and divisive dairy product with a unique appearance and strong scent. It is a popular ingredient, often used in dressings and salads, and is enjoyed by many. However, it can be challenging to store due to its high moisture content, which causes it to dry out or spoil quickly. Proper storage is essential to maintaining freshness and preventing spoilage, which can be identified by an ammonia-like smell, discolouration, or the presence of fuzzy mould. This article will provide tips and tricks on how to dry out blue cheese crumbles effectively, covering various storage methods, shelf life, and signs of spoilage to ensure the cheese remains edible and enjoyable.
How to dry out blue cheese crumbles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Store in the fridge, preferably in the drawers at the bottom |
| Packaging | Wrap with cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper, and place in a freezer bag |
| Shelf Life | 25+ years if vacuum-sealed in a moisture- and oxygen-free environment; 3 months to a year if the bag is resealed; 5+ years if resealed with a home vacuum sealer |
| Rehydration | Add water for a few minutes, then heat and serve |
| Spoilage | Throw away if discoloured, slimy, fuzzy, or with a strong ammonia-like smell |
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Vacuum sealing
To vacuum seal blue cheese crumbles, you can follow these steps:
- Wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper.
- Place the wrapped cheese in a vacuum bag.
- Use a vacuum sealer to remove the air from the bag and create an airtight seal.
- Store the sealed cheese in the refrigerator.
It is important to note that vacuum-sealed cheese should still be consumed within a few months, as it will continue to mature and has a shelf life of about 3-6 months. Additionally, soft cheeses, such as blue cheese, have a higher moisture content and are more susceptible to going bad, so they should be consumed soon after purchasing.
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Storing in the fridge
Blue cheese crumbles are small, broken bits of blue cheese with a rich, bold taste and a characteristic blue-green marbling. They are crafted from cow, sheep, or goat milk and are known for their pungent aroma and distinct flavour. When storing blue cheese crumbles in the fridge, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure optimal freshness and prolong their shelf life.
Firstly, it is important to use the right type of storage container. Blue cheese crumbles should be kept in a resealable bag or airtight container. This will help to maintain the cheese's distinct aroma by preventing it from absorbing other flavours in the fridge. Using an airtight container will also ensure that the cheese does not dry out prematurely. If you are using a resealable bag, make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
Secondly, it is recommended to transfer the cheese to a new container after opening the original package. This will help to minimise the exposure of the cheese to the plastic wrapping material, which can affect the flavour and texture of the cheese over time. If you are using a resealable bag, you can simply open the bag, add the desired amount of cheese to your dish, and then reseal the bag tightly to keep the remaining cheese fresh.
Additionally, it is important to maintain a stable temperature in the fridge. Blue cheese crumbles should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the bottom shelf or drawers. The ideal temperature for storing blue cheese is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining a consistent temperature will help to preserve the quality and freshness of the cheese.
Finally, it is worth noting that blue cheese crumbles have a limited shelf life, even when stored properly in the fridge. It is recommended to consume the cheese within a week of opening the package for the best results. After a week, the quality of the cheese may start to deteriorate, and it may become dry, crumbly, and uneven in colour. Therefore, it is advisable to use the cheese within a few days of opening, or at most, within a week to ensure optimal taste and texture.
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Using cheese paper
If you're using cheese paper to dry out blue cheese crumbles, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, blue cheese is a delicate type of cheese that requires careful storage to maintain its quality. It is susceptible to oxidation and moisture loss, which can alter its texture and taste.
When using cheese paper, it is important not to wrap the blue cheese too tightly. This is because trapped moisture on the cheese paste can promote the growth of unwanted bacteria, which will render the cheese inedible. Therefore, it is recommended to wrap the blue cheese loosely in cheese paper, allowing it to breathe.
After wrapping the blue cheese in cheese paper, it should be placed in a humid section of the refrigerator, such as the vegetable drawer. This helps maintain the high humidity levels that blue cheese prefers, preventing it from drying out too quickly. It is also advisable to use an airtight container for additional protection from odours and to prolong its shelf life.
It is worth noting that the colder blue cheese is stored, the longer it will stay fresh. Therefore, placing it on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, especially in drawers that maintain a stable temperature, can help extend its shelf life. Additionally, if you have a product like the Cheese Grotto, which self-regulates humidity, it can be an ideal storage solution for blue cheese wrapped in cheese paper.
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Spotting spoilage
Blue cheese is known for its pungent scent and strong, sharp taste, but even the most seasoned cheese lover may struggle to know when this distinctive cheese has gone bad. Here are some ways to spot spoilage in blue cheese crumbles:
Check the colour
Blue cheese should have blue or green mould and a cream-to-white body. If you notice any discolouration, such as black, grey, pink, or yellow patches, it's time to toss it out. These colours indicate the presence of unwanted moulds or yeast, which can be harmful.
Smell the cheese
Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to spoil. If your blue cheese smells sour or has an ammonia-like odour, it's likely gone bad. The ammonia smell is a sign that the good mould in blue cheese has died due to improper ventilation or a lack of oxygen.
Examine the texture
Blue cheese can be creamy or crumbly, but if it becomes overly dry, hard, or chalk-like, it has probably spoiled. Similarly, if the cheese has a slimy surface or a fuzzy exterior mould, it's best to discard it.
Taste it
If all other signs seem normal, you can try tasting a small amount of the blue cheese. Fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste, but as it ages and spoils, it becomes increasingly biting and strong. If it's too strong to enjoy, it's best to throw it away.
It's important to note that blue cheese should be refrigerated to maintain freshness. Properly stored blue cheese can last for a few weeks to a couple of months in the fridge. To prolong its freshness, wrap the cheese in a breathable material like parchment paper, cheesecloth, or wax paper, and then place it in an airtight container.
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Shelf life
The shelf life of blue cheese crumbles depends on several factors, including the moisture content, storage conditions, and packaging.
Unopened blue cheese crumbles typically have a shelf life ranging from one month to six months, depending on the packaging. Properly stored in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed packaging, blue cheese crumbles can be extended to 25 years or more. Once the package is opened, it is recommended to finish the cheese within 3 to 4 weeks, although some sources suggest a shorter period of 5 to 7 days. To maximize the shelf life of opened blue cheese crumbles, keep the package tightly sealed and refrigerated at all times. Freezing is also an option to extend the shelf life further.
Blue cheese with a high moisture content will have a reduced shelf life compared to drier varieties. Additionally, the colder the storage temperature, the longer the blue cheese will stay fresh. It is recommended to store blue cheese in the bottom section of the fridge, preferably in drawers, to maintain a stable temperature.
It is important to regularly inspect blue cheese crumbles for any signs of spoilage. The best way to determine if blue cheese has gone bad is by smelling it. Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but as it starts to spoil, it can develop an ammonia-like smell. Other indicators of spoilage include discolouration, sliminess, or the presence of mould. If only a portion of the cheese appears affected, it is recommended to discard the entire piece to prevent the consumption of potentially harmful bacteria or mould.
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Frequently asked questions
To dry out blue cheese crumbles, you can leave them uncovered in the fridge. Blue cheese with a high moisture content will go bad more quickly than drier varieties, so it's best to eat dried-out blue cheese within a few days.
Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to go bad. If it has an ammonia-like smell, it is probably spoiled. The creamy part of the cheese may also turn pink, green, brown, or yellow. If there are patches of grey or black fuzzy mould, discard the cheese.
Once opened, blue cheese crumbles should be finished within about a week. If you're okay with lower-quality cheese, you can leave it for a few more days. For homemade blue cheese dressing, it lasts for 5-7 days. If it's older than 10 days, discard it.
To store blue cheese, wrap it in cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper. Then, place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. Store it in the bottom of your fridge, where it is coldest.
