Randy Chandler
The humidity level is a critical factor in the cheese-aging process, influencing moisture loss, rind development, and flavour and texture. The ideal humidity level depends on the type of cheese, with most cheeses requiring high humidity levels, typically between 75% and 95% relative humidity. Maintaining the right humidity level is essential to control moisture loss, support microbial growth, and develop the desired rind and texture. To achieve high humidity for aging cheese, various methods can be employed, such as using a wet paper towel, a shallow pan of water with a sterilized sponge, or a dedicated cheese cave or grotto that provides consistent humidity and airflow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ideal humidity range | 75-95% RH |
| Temperature range | 45-60°F |
| Container | Airtight, made of breathable material, 40% cheese and 60% empty space |
| Humidity maintenance | Wet paper towel, shallow pan of water with a sterilized sponge, spraying inside walls with sterile water |
| Monitoring | Hygrometer |
| Air circulation | Good airflow, small fan |
| Turning | Regular turning to prevent moisture buildup |
| Waxing | For longer-aged cheeses to control moisture loss |
| Salt content | Affects water retention, higher salt content in drier conditions |
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What You'll Learn
Use a wine fridge or dedicated cheese cave
A wine fridge or dedicated cheese cave is an effective way to age cheese at home. The key to successful cheese ageing is temperature and humidity control, and a wine fridge or cheese cave can provide this.
Cheese typically ages at a temperature of around 50-55°F, with a relative humidity of 70-90%. A standard refrigerator is usually too cold and dry for cheese ageing, so a wine fridge or cheese cave is a better option. Some wine coolers have customisable temperature and humidity controls, but for those that don't, there are ways to adjust the temperature and humidity.
To increase the humidity in a wine fridge, you can use damp rags, shallow pans of water, or wet paper towels. You can also replace the wire wine racks with wooden shelves, as wood holds humidity better. It's important to monitor the humidity levels, as high humidity can cause unwanted mould growth, while low humidity can cause the cheese to dry out. A digital hygrometer can help you keep track of humidity levels and make adjustments as needed.
For a dedicated cheese cave, a product like the Cheese Grotto can be used. The Cheese Grotto is placed inside a wine fridge and creates a stable environment with the right humidity and airflow for cheese ageing. The Grotto contains a clay brick that needs to be soaked weekly to maintain the ideal humidity levels. This setup allows for better control over the cheese ageing process and reduces the need for constant monitoring.
Overall, using a wine fridge or dedicated cheese cave is a convenient way to age cheese at home. With the proper equipment and techniques, you can create the ideal temperature and humidity conditions for successful cheese ageing.
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Monitor humidity with a hygrometer
Monitoring humidity levels is crucial for successful cheese aging. A hygrometer is a useful tool for this purpose, as it measures the humidity in the environment where the cheese is stored. Digital hygrometers can be placed inside a cheese grotto or cave to provide real-time humidity data. This allows you to maintain the ideal conditions for ripening and storing cheese.
Hygrometers can be propped upright or laid flat on a shelf, depending on your setup. By regularly checking the humidity levels with a hygrometer, you can make any necessary adjustments to maintain the desired humidity range. For example, if the humidity is too low, you may need to add moisture to the environment, and if it's too high, you might need to improve ventilation or take other steps to reduce humidity.
The ideal humidity range for aging cheese depends on the type of cheese. Most cheeses require relatively high humidity levels, typically between 75% and 95% relative humidity. However, some blue cheeses prefer even higher humidity levels of up to 98%, while hard cheeses may be aged at slightly lower humidity levels of 75% to 85%humidity and temperature work together to impact the aging process. Warmer air can hold more moisture, so relative humidity and temperature have an inverse relationship. Therefore, it's crucial to maintain consistent temperature and humidity conditions in your cheese-aging environment to ensure proper aging and prevent unwanted mold growth.
Additionally, the number of cheeses in a given space will influence the humidity level. A single cheese will create a different humidity level than multiple cheeses in the same space, as the presence of more cheeses will result in higher humidity. Regularly monitoring humidity with a hygrometer will help you manage these variables and create the optimal environment for aging your cheese successfully.
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Maintain humidity with a wet paper towel or bowl of water
Maintaining the right humidity level is crucial for the cheese-making process. Too little humidity can cause the cheese to dry out, while too much humidity may lead to unwanted mould growth or a slimy texture. The ideal humidity level for cheese storage varies depending on the type of cheese and its stage in the ageing process. However, most cheeses thrive in environments with relative humidity levels between 80% and 95%. Soft cheeses require higher humidity levels, typically around 90-95%, to maintain their creamy texture. Semi-soft cheeses are best kept at 85-90% humidity, while hard cheeses can be stored at 80-85% humidity.
One way to maintain humidity while ageing cheese is to use a wet paper towel or bowl of water. A bowl of water can be placed in a wine refrigerator or a cheese cave to increase humidity naturally. This method can help maintain humidity levels between 85% and 90%. However, it can be challenging to achieve humidity levels above 85% in an open space, and it may take time to stabilize. Another option is to use a covered plastic box inside the refrigerator, with a wet paper towel or sponge placed inside to increase moisture. This method can help maintain humidity levels of 89% and above.
It is important to monitor humidity levels regularly to ensure they remain within the desired range. Digital hygrometers can be used to measure humidity accurately. These should be placed strategically at different levels in the cheese cave or refrigerator to detect any variations. Creating a mini cheese cave in a wine cooler or using a cheese dome with a water reservoir are also effective ways to maintain higher humidity levels.
Additionally, the temperature of the ageing environment is crucial, as relative humidity and temperature are closely related. Cheese typically ages at temperatures ranging from 45 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity levels between 75% and 95% RH. Warmer air can hold more moisture, so relative humidity decreases as temperature increases. Therefore, rapid temperature changes should be avoided to prevent condensation and unwanted moisture on cheese surfaces.
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Store cheese in breathable containers
Storing cheese in breathable containers is an important part of maintaining high humidity for aging cheese. Cheese is a living, breathing food, and it needs to breathe while it ages. This is why it's important to avoid storing cheese in airtight containers, as this can promote mould growth.
There are a few options for breathable containers that can help maintain the right humidity for aging cheese. One option is to use a cheese grotto, which is a specialised container designed to maintain consistent humidity and airflow. These can be purchased or made at home using a mini-fridge with a temperature controller and humidity source. Another option is to use a wine cooler, which has built-in humidity and temperature controls.
If you're using a container without built-in humidity control, you can add humidity to the container in several ways. One way is to use a wet paper towel, crumpled up in a ball and placed in a corner of the container. You can also use a shallow pan of water with a sterilised sponge or butter muslin to help the moisture evaporate. If you're using a plastic container, you can add small holes to the lid for ventilation.
It's important to maintain the right humidity level for the type of cheese you're aging. Most cheeses thrive in environments with relative humidity levels between 80% and 95%. Soft cheeses typically require higher humidity levels, around 90-95%, while hard cheeses can tolerate slightly higher temperatures, up to 50°F (10°C). Blue cheeses prefer cooler temperatures, around 38-42°F (3.3-5.6°C).
In addition to using breathable containers, there are a few other things to keep in mind when aging cheese. It's important to maintain consistent temperature and humidity, as fluctuations can affect the cheese. The cheese should also be stored in a clean environment to prevent unwanted mould growth. Regularly opening the container can help to exchange the gases from the ripening cheese with fresh air, especially for higher-moisture young cheeses.
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Turn cheese regularly to prevent moisture buildup
Achieving the right humidity level is crucial for aging cheese. The ideal humidity level for aging cheese depends on the type of cheese and the temperature of the aging environment. Generally, cheese ages in high-humidity environments, ranging from 75% to 95% relative humidity (RH) when held at temperatures between 45 and 55°C (113°F and 131°F).
To maintain high humidity for aging cheese, several methods can be employed:
Use a Dedicated Aging Space
Create a dedicated aging space, such as a converted mini-fridge or wine cooler, equipped with a temperature and humidity controller. This setup allows for more precise control of the aging environment.
Monitor and Maintain Regularly
Regularly monitor and maintain the cheese by turning, wiping away excess moisture, and brushing or washing the cheese. This helps prevent moisture buildup and ensures optimal moisture distribution.
Use Proper Storage Containers
Store cheese in airtight containers or the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator, where humidity is higher. Use cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper for wrapping cheese to allow breathing while preventing excessive moisture loss. Avoid plastic wrap, which can trap moisture and promote mold growth.
Add Moisture Sources
Add moisture sources to the aging environment, such as a pan of water, a wet paper towel, or a shallow pan with a sterilized sponge to help moisture evaporate. Spraying the inside walls with sterile water can also increase humidity.
Use a Hygrometer
Use a hygrometer to measure humidity levels accurately. A hygrometer will alert you if the humidity levels drop too low, allowing you to make necessary adjustments.
Turning the cheese regularly is an essential aspect of preventing moisture buildup during the aging process. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure successful moisture control:
- Frequency of Turning: Turn the cheese at regular intervals, following recommended schedules based on the specific type of cheese you are aging.
- Technique: Handle the cheese gently but firmly during the turning process. Use proper aging mats or wooden boards to facilitate optimal moisture distribution.
- Wiping and Brushing: Combine turning with wiping and brushing the cheese surface to remove excess moisture and prevent uneven moisture accumulation.
- Airflow: Ensure adequate airflow in your aging space. Use containers with adjustable vents to regulate airflow and maintain the desired humidity level.
- Monitoring: Regularly monitor the cheese for any signs of excessive moisture buildup. Check for condensation or moisture accumulation on the surface of the cheese or the container walls.
- Adjustments: If you notice moisture buildup, make adjustments to your aging environment, such as increasing airflow or reducing the humidity level slightly.
- Consistency: Maintain consistency in your turning and monitoring routine. Consistent care will help prevent moisture-related issues and promote even aging.
- Sanitation: Practice proper sanitation throughout the aging process. Sanitize your hands, utensils, and surfaces that come into contact with the cheese to prevent the growth of unwanted microorganisms.
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Frequently asked questions
Most cheeses require high humidity, typically between 75% and 95% relative humidity.
You can age cheese in a regular refrigerator, but you will need to adjust the temperature to between 50-55°F. The humidity can be increased by using a shallow pan of water with a sterilized sponge or butter muslin.
High humidity helps to maintain moisture in the cheese, keeping the cheese soft and creamy. It also encourages the growth of bacteria that create rich, earthy, and sometimes meaty flavors.
Yes, if humidity levels get too high, it can promote unwanted mold growth and spoilage. It is important to monitor humidity levels and make adjustments as necessary.
