Drying Soft Locatelli Cheese: Tips And Tricks

Locatelli cheese is a rich and creamy Italian cheese made from sheep's milk. It is a hard cheese that is perfect for grating over pasta or melting into sauces. However, like all hard cheeses, Locatelli can dry out and become too firm if not stored correctly. To prevent this from happening, it is important to wrap the cheese tightly in wax or parchment paper to reduce exposure to air. It should then be placed in a plastic bag or airtight container and stored in the refrigerator, preferably in the vegetable or cheese drawer, where the humidity is higher. If your Locatelli cheese does dry out, you can try cutting off the dry parts, which are still edible, or using them for melting. Alternatively, you can blend the dry cheese in a food processor and use it as a topping for rice, roasted vegetables, beans, or salad.

Wrapping and storing

Wrapping Cheese:

• Use cheese paper or bee's wrap: These are the best options for wrapping hard cheeses like Locatelli. Cheese paper is specifically designed for this purpose and will help regulate humidity.
• Avoid plastic wrap: Plastic wrap can trap moisture on the surface of the cheese, leading to rapid degradation and mould formation.
• Consider a breathable option: Opt for a wrapping method that allows for some airflow, as this will help maintain the right balance of humidity and prevent the cheese from drying out.

Storing Cheese:

• Store in the fridge: Hard cheeses like Locatelli will last longer when stored in a cool environment like the fridge.
• Choose a humid location: Place the wrapped cheese in a more humid section of your fridge, such as the vegetable drawer. This will help prevent the cheese from drying out.
• Use a cheese dome: If you plan to store the cheese on the counter, use a traditional cheese dome. Be sure to lift the dome regularly to allow fresh air to reach the cheese and prevent suffocation.
• Maintain airflow: Ensure there is proper airflow in the storage area. This will help regulate humidity and prevent mould growth.
• Store at room temperature for serving: While storing in the fridge extends the shelf life, it is best to serve hard cheeses at room temperature to enjoy the full flavour and texture. Remove the cheese from the fridge about an hour before serving to bring it to the ideal temperature.

Humidity and airflow

When it comes to the humidity and airflow required to dry out hard Locatelli cheese that has gone soft, several factors come into play. Firstly, the ideal humidity levels for cheese can vary depending on the type of cheese and the desired outcome. Different styles of cheese ripen and store best at different humidity levels. For example, cheeses of the Cheddar family are stored at a relative humidity lower than 80%, while semi-hard cheeses like Tilsiter or Havarti are initially stored at around 90% relative humidity.

To achieve the desired humidity levels, various methods can be employed. One approach is to use a clay brick humidifier, which helps to self-regulate high humidity levels. This is often combined with a breathable storage container to ensure adequate airflow and prevent moisture from being trapped on the cheese's surface. Another technique is to use covered plastic boxes inside a refrigerator to maintain moisture levels. Additionally, placing a bowl of water in a wine refrigerator can help increase humidity, although it can be challenging to maintain humidity above 80-85% in an open space.

It is important to note that during the maturing process, humidity needs to be removed from the cheese. The air in the chamber is frequently replaced with warmer air from outside, which can hold more moisture. This exchange of air helps prevent the build-up of excessive humidity that could lead to condensation and the potential growth of unwanted moulds.

To monitor humidity levels, a hygrometer is a useful tool. It allows you to measure the humidity and temperature of the storage environment, helping you ensure that your cheese is stored under optimal conditions.

By understanding the ideal humidity levels for different types of cheese and employing the appropriate methods to regulate humidity and airflow, you can effectively dry out hard Locatelli cheese that has gone soft and prevent it from drying out excessively or developing undesirable moulds.

Fridge vs room temperature

Locatelli is a hard cheese, which means it has a lower moisture content than soft cheeses. This means that it will not spoil as quickly. In fact, hard cheeses can be left out of the fridge for up to eight hours and still be safe to eat. However, they may start to lose quality due to drying out and the separation of fat from the cheese.

If your hard Locatelli cheese has gone soft, it may be past its prime. Hard cheeses can last from six months to a year or more if unopened and stored in the fridge. If you want to dry out your soft hard Locatelli cheese, you can leave it out at room temperature for up to eight hours. This will allow it to dry out, but it may also impact the quality of the cheese.

Room temperature is approximately 20–22 °C (68–72 °F). At this temperature, the fat molecules in the cheese relax, releasing strong, flavourful aromas. The texture of the cheese also changes, becoming softer and creamier. This allows your taste buds to access the full range of flavours.

If you are planning to leave your cheese out at room temperature, only take the amount you need out of the fridge. Place it on a clean plate or platter away from moisture and cover it (it doesn't need to be airtight). Leave it for at least an hour—harder cheeses like Locatelli benefit from an hour out of the fridge.

If you are storing hard cheese in the fridge, it is best to wrap it in wax, parchment, or cheese paper. Avoid tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, as these can dry out the cheese.

Freezing locatelli

While Locatelli cheese is not a hard cheese, it can be frozen. However, it is not recommended due to the high oil content, which can affect the texture of the cheese. If you do choose to freeze Locatelli cheese, it is best to do so as quickly as possible, and it can be plunged into liquid nitrogen if you have access to it.

Freezing cheese is a good option if you want to extend its shelf life. While Locatelli is already a long-lasting cheese, freezing can make it last even longer. Hard cheeses, in general, can be frozen, but it is important to note that the texture and taste may change slightly. The softer the cheese, the more likely it is to be affected by freezing.

When freezing Locatelli cheese, it is important to follow food safety guidelines to ensure the cheese remains safe to consume. Wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. It is also a good idea to label the cheese with the date it was frozen so you can keep track of how long it has been in the freezer.

Once the cheese is properly wrapped and labelled, place it in the freezer. Locatelli cheese can be frozen for up to two months. When you are ready to use the cheese, simply remove it from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator. It is best to thaw the cheese slowly to maintain its texture and flavour.

After thawing, the Locatelli cheese may be slightly more crumbly than before freezing, but it should still have the same great taste. It is now ready to be grated and used in your favourite recipes, such as pasta dishes, meatballs, and Italian meat dishes.

Signs of spoilage

Locatelli is a type of Pecorino Romano cheese, made from sheep's milk. As a hard cheese, Locatelli has a relatively long shelf life. However, it can still spoil, so it's important to know the signs of spoilage to ensure it's safe to consume.

One of the most common signs of spoilage in hard cheeses is the presence of mold. Locatelli is no exception. If you spot any mold on your Locatelli cheese, it's best to discard it. While some hard cheeses can have small moldy parts cut off, it's generally not recommended for soft cheeses like mozzarella, and Locatelli is a type of sheep's milk cheese that falls into this soft category.

Discoloration is another sign that your Locatelli cheese has gone bad. Keep an eye out for darker yellow spots or other unusual marks and dark spots. If the cheese has turned yellow or brown, it's a clear indication of spoilage.

Off-odors or changes in smell can also indicate that your Locatelli cheese has spoiled. Fresh Locatelli has a mild, slightly sweet scent. If you notice any sharp, rancid, or ammonia-like smells, it's best to discard the cheese.

Changes in texture can also signify spoilage. Fresh sheep's milk cheese like Locatelli should be soft and moist. If it becomes excessively slimy or develops a sticky film, it's likely spoiled. Additionally, if the surface of the cheese becomes too firm and cracks, it could be a sign that it hasn't received enough humidity.

Spoiled Locatelli cheese may also exhibit a sour or bitter taste. Fresh Locatelli has a delicate, milky taste, so any sharp or acidic notes that weren't present initially may indicate spoilage.

It's important to note that consuming spoiled cheese can lead to foodborne illnesses. Therefore, it's always best to err on the side of caution and discard the cheese if you have any doubts about its freshness.

Frequently asked questions