Patrick Oconnell
Cheddar cheese is a semi-hard cheese that can last for a long time if stored correctly. The best way to keep cheddar cheese from getting hard is to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, wax paper, or specialty cheese paper, then place it in the vegetable crisper of the refrigerator. The temperature in the fridge should be consistently cold and stable, ideally ranging between 34°F and 38°F. Additionally, it's important to keep the cheese away from strong-odored foods like onions, as cheddar can absorb these odors and flavours.
How to keep cheddar cheese from getting hard
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wrapping | Plastic wrap, wax paper, parchment paper, aluminium foil, cling film, ziplock bags, deli wrap, freezer bags, specialty cheese paper, or a plastic container |
| Airtight | Yes |
| Exposure to air | Minimize |
| Exposure to light | Minimize |
| Temperature | Stable, cold, below 40°F |
| Placement in the fridge | Vegetable crisper, cheese drawer, meat drawer |
| Placement in the fridge in relation to other foods | Away from foods with strong odors, e.g. onions |
| Frequency of consumption | Consume within 7-10 days for best results |
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What You'll Learn
Wrap cheddar in plastic or wax paper
To keep cheddar cheese from getting hard, it is important to ensure that it is wrapped properly. While plastic wrap and small zipper baggies are a popular method for storing cheese, they are not the best option. Plastic wrap kills the good microorganisms in cheese and prevents airflow, causing the cheese to dry out more quickly.
A better alternative is to wrap cheddar cheese in wax or parchment paper. This type of paper is coated with wax and polyethylene, creating a barrier that wicks away excess moisture from the cheese while still allowing it to breathe. It also prevents the cheese from tasting like plastic. To use wax or parchment paper effectively, follow these steps:
- Start with a clean, dry surface.
- Cut a piece of wax or parchment paper slightly larger than the cheese block.
- Place the cheese in the centre of the paper.
- Fold the paper over the cheese, creasing it as you go, to ensure all faces of the cheese are in contact with the paper.
- Secure the paper with tape or a rubber band, if needed.
- Store the wrapped cheese in a crisper drawer in your refrigerator.
By wrapping your cheddar cheese in wax or parchment paper, you can help maintain its freshness and quality for a longer period of time.
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Store in the vegetable crisper
Storing your cheddar cheese in the vegetable crisper is a great way to maintain its freshness and prolong its lifespan. Here are some detailed tips to keep your cheddar cheese from getting hard, specifically when storing it in the vegetable crisper:
Choose the Right Wrapping
The key to successful cheese storage is to prevent oxidation and exposure to air. Before placing it in the vegetable crisper, wrap your cheddar cheese properly. You can use plastic wrap, such as cling wrap or a Ziplock bag, to create an airtight seal around the cheese. Alternatively, you can opt for wax or parchment paper, and then add a layer of plastic wrap over it. This combination creates an effective barrier against moisture loss and helps maintain the cheese's texture.
Maintain Stable Temperature and Humidity
The vegetable crisper is an ideal location for cheese storage because it offers a more stable temperature and higher humidity compared to other areas of the refrigerator. Cheese is sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so maintaining a consistent temperature range of 34°F to 38°F (1°C to 3°C) is crucial for preserving its quality. The crisper drawer's stable environment will help keep your cheddar cheese from drying out and becoming hard.
Keep Cheese Away from Strong Odors
When storing cheddar cheese in the vegetable crisper, ensure that it is not placed next to foods with strong odors, such as onions. Cheese has the propensity to absorb surrounding odors and flavors. By keeping it away from pungent foods, you prevent your cheddar from acquiring unwanted flavors or aromas.
Regular Cleaning of the Fridge
A clean refrigerator is essential for optimal cheese storage. Any moldy food in the fridge can introduce additional spores, causing your cheese to mold faster. Regularly cleaning your refrigerator helps prevent cross-contamination and maintains a safe environment for storing cheese.
Store with Similar Cheeses
When storing cheddar cheese in the vegetable crisper, keep it separate from blue cheeses, Bries, and Camemberts. This segregation helps prevent foreign mold growth and maintains the integrity of your cheddar cheese.
Consume within Recommended Timeframe
Even with the best storage practices, cheddar cheese has a limited lifespan. Aim to consume your cheddar within 7 to 10 days of opening the seal. While proper storage can extend its freshness, it is essential to monitor the cheese's quality and use it within the recommended timeframe.
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Don't expose it to air
When it comes to keeping your cheddar cheese soft and fresh, minimizing its exposure to air is crucial. Here are some detailed tips to ensure you're properly protecting your cheese:
Start by ensuring that you're using an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal. If the container isn't airtight, your cheese will quickly dry out and become hard. Transfer the cheese to the container as soon as you get home from the store. Cut the cheese into portions that you typically use at one time, as this will reduce handling and limit exposure to air.
Always handle the cheese with clean hands or utensils. The natural oils on your skin can accelerate the breakdown of the cheese, and you don't want to transfer any bacteria to it. If you need to handle the cheese with your hands, consider wearing food-safe gloves to minimize direct contact.
When portioning the cheese, use a clean, sharp knife. A serrated knife is ideal, as it will create less surface area for bacteria to grow and minimize the overall exposure to air. Wipe the knife with a clean, damp cloth between cuts to remove any cheese residue.
Finally, ensure that your storage container is properly labeled with the date of purchase and the type of cheese. This will help you keep track of how long the cheese has been in the fridge and ensure you're using it at its freshest. Remember, even with proper storage, cheddar cheese will eventually harden over time, so it's best to use it within a reasonable timeframe.
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Freeze cheddar in ziplock bags
Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese that holds up well in the freezer. Freezing cheese is a great way to make it last longer, but it's important to note that its texture will change.
To freeze cheddar in ziplock bags, start by cutting the cheese into blocks or large chunks, which are ideal for freezing. If the cheese is unopened, you can freeze it in its original packaging. If you've already opened it, place it in a resealable ziplock bag, removing as much air from the bag as possible.
You can also freeze shredded cheddar cheese in ziplock bags. If you've shredded the cheese yourself, simply place it in a resealable ziplock bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. Alternatively, you can freeze pre-shredded cheese in its original container or bag.
When freezing sliced cheddar cheese, it's best to use a plastic freezer bag with small sheets of parchment paper between each slice to prevent them from sticking together and freezing into one block.
Remember to use frozen cheese within two to three months, and avoid re-freezing cheese that has been previously frozen and thawed.
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Keep the fridge below 40°F
To keep cheddar cheese from getting hard, it is important to maintain a refrigerator temperature of below 40°F. According to Adam Brock, the director of food safety for Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, the ideal temperature range for storing cheese is between 34°F and 38°F. This ensures that your cheese remains fresh and safe to consume.
Keeping your refrigerator below 40°F is crucial for food safety, as higher temperatures can promote the growth of harmful bacteria and accelerate the spoilage of your cheese. By maintaining a lower temperature, you can slow down bacterial growth and extend the shelf life of your cheddar cheese.
To effectively monitor the temperature of your fridge, consider investing in a thermometer. You can easily find one at a home goods store or online for a reasonable price. Place the thermometer in your fridge, preferably near the cheese, to ensure that the temperature remains consistently below 40°F.
Additionally, it is important to note that the temperature setting on your fridge may not always reflect the actual temperature inside. Various factors, such as the opening and closing of the fridge door, the number of items stored, and their arrangement, can influence the internal temperature. Therefore, a thermometer will provide you with an accurate reading, allowing you to make necessary adjustments to maintain the ideal temperature for your cheddar cheese.
By keeping your fridge below 40°F, you can significantly reduce the chances of your cheddar cheese becoming hard and prolong its freshness and quality. Remember to also follow other storage best practices, such as wrapping your cheese tightly in plastic or using a resealable bag to minimize air exposure. Regularly cleaning your fridge is also essential to prevent mold growth and maintain optimal conditions for your cheese. Gaining control over your fridge's temperature is a key step toward enjoying your cheddar cheese at its best!
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Frequently asked questions
To keep cheddar cheese from getting hard, wrap it in plastic wrap or wax paper, then place it in the vegetable crisper of the refrigerator. Make sure the cheese is not exposed to air and keep it away from strong-odored foods like onions.
The best way to wrap cheddar cheese is to use a fresh piece of plastic wrap or wax paper to rewrap the cheese after each use. You can also use specialty cheese paper, which is formulated to let the cheese breathe and prevent it from drying out.
Yes, you can freeze cheddar cheese. However, freezing may change the texture of the cheese, so it is recommended to use frozen cheese as an ingredient in a recipe rather than on its own.
Cheddar cheese is a semi-hard cheese that can last between 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator. For best results, use up the cheese within this time frame.
