Frederic Melton
Colby and cheddar cheeses are often compared due to their similar colouring, but they differ in many ways, including flavour and texture. Cheddar has a stronger, sharper flavour and a firmer, more crumbly texture. On the other hand, Colby has a milder, creamier flavour and a smooth, open texture. While the two cheeses can be substituted for each other in most recipes, it is important to note that Colby has a higher moisture content, which means it does not keep its quality for as long as cheddar. In this article, we will explore the best ways to store and preserve a Colby-cheddar blend to maintain its flavour and texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Yellow/orange colour |
| Texture | Semi-hard, semi-firm, soft, pliable, creamy, smooth, open, springy |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty, tangy |
| Moisture content | 40% or less |
| Solids content | At least 50% milk fat |
| Fat content | Minimum 30% |
| Salt content | 1.5–1.8% |
| Calcium content | Slightly lower than cheddar |
| Ageing time | 1-3 months |
| Substitutes | Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Provolone, Gouda, Gruyere |
| Storage | Refrigerate, wrapped in wax paper or parchment, eat within a week |
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What You'll Learn
Wrap in wax paper or parchment
Wrapping cheddar Colby blend cheese in wax paper or parchment is a great way to store it. This method protects the cheese from the drying effects of the refrigerator. The fridge tends to pull the moisture out of its contents, and wrapping cheese tightly in plastic can suffocate it. Therefore, wax paper or parchment is the best way to store Colby cheese.
To use this method, cut a piece of wax paper or parchment that is slightly larger than the cheese you wish to store. Place the cheese in the centre of the paper and bring the sides up and around the cheese, twisting them gently to enclose it. You can then place the wrapped cheese in the cheese drawer of your refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for about a week.
If you are storing a block of cheese, you can fold the paper over the cheese and then wrap it in foil or plastic wrap to help it retain its shape and protect it from the air. This will also help the cheese to retain its moisture.
Wax paper or parchment is a great way to store cheddar Colby blend cheese as it allows the cheese to breathe while still protecting it from the dry air of the refrigerator. This method will help to keep your cheese fresh and tasty for longer.
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Store in the fridge
Cheddar Colby blend cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a low moisture content, which means it can be stored in the fridge for a few weeks. To maximise its shelf life, wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, or place it in a resealable plastic bag. If using a plastic bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. You can also wrap the cheese in butcher paper or baking parchment first, to help keep it dry, before placing it in a plastic bag or wrapping it in plastic wrap. This will prevent the cheese from becoming too moist and will stop it from drying out.
If you have bought the cheese from a deli, it can be kept in its original packaging in the fridge for 3 to 4 weeks. If you have frozen the cheese, it should be defrosted in the fridge and will last for an additional 3 to 4 days. Frozen cheese often becomes crumbly, so it is best suited to cooked dishes like sauces, soups, and casseroles.
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Eat within a week
Cheddar Colby blend cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a high moisture content. It is best to eat this cheese within a week of purchasing it. To keep it fresh for a week, wrap the cheese in wax paper or parchment paper, then place it in a plastic bag or airtight container. This will prevent it from drying out while allowing it to breathe. Make sure to keep it in the refrigerator, either in its original packaging or wrapped in wax paper and plastic wrap.
If you want to keep the cheese for longer than a week, you can try freezing it. Freezing cheese can change its texture, causing it to become crumbly, but it will still be safe to eat. To freeze cheddar Colby blend cheese, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a container with a good seal before putting it in the freezer.
Additionally, it is important to note that cheese should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. If the temperature is above 32°C (90°F), this limit reduces to one hour. Leaving cheese unrefrigerated for too long can lead to bacterial growth and spoilage.
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Avoid plastic wrap
Colby cheese is a semi-hard, yellow cheese with a high moisture content. It is made from cow's milk and has a mild flavour and a springy, open texture. As a cheese with a high moisture content, Colby has a short shelf life and is best consumed within three months.
When storing Colby cheese, or any cheese, it is best to avoid plastic wrap. Plastic wrap does not allow the cheese to breathe, which can kill the good microorganisms in the cheese. Raymond Hook, an expert cheesemonger, explains that when cheese ripens, it gives off ammonia. If the cheese is wrapped in plastic, the ammonia cannot escape and is reabsorbed into the cheese. This can negatively impact the taste of the cheese.
Further, when cheese is wrapped in plastic, ambient water in the cheese can settle into the rind, creating a wet rind. This can be avoided by wrapping the cheese in paper, which allows the cheese to breathe. Raymond Hook suggests using parchment paper and storing the cheese in an oversized zip-top bag to protect the cheese from drying out while still allowing it to breathe.
Specialty cheese paper is available, but wax paper, parchment paper, or butcher paper are also good alternatives. It is best to avoid plastic wrap when storing cheese, as it can negatively impact the taste and texture of the cheese, and may even expose you to harmful chemicals.
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Consume within three months
Cheddar Colby blend cheese is best consumed within three months of purchase. This is because it is a young, semi-hard cheese with a high moisture content, which means it has a shorter shelf life than harder cheeses like traditional Cheddar.
To make your cheese last until this three-month mark, you should store it in the refrigerator, wrapped in butcher paper or baking parchment, and then enclosed in a plastic bag or plastic wrap. This will help to keep the cheese dry, while also maintaining its moisture. You should change the paper each time you use some of the cheese.
If you notice any mould on the cheese, it is safe to cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around the affected area and consume the rest. However, if mould appears on shredded, sliced, or crumbled cheese, the entire package should be discarded.
Freezing is also an option to extend the shelf life of Cheddar Colby blend cheese. To freeze, wrap the cheese in plastic wrap and then place it in a ziploc bag. Frozen cheese can last for up to 4-6 months, but it may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour. Therefore, it is best suited for cooked dishes like sauces, soups, and casseroles.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar Colby blend cheese is best consumed within three months. It often develops a bitter taste and becomes extremely soft after 100 days.
Cheddar Colby blend cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, either inside the original packaging or wrapped in wax paper and plastic wrap.
Yes, you can freeze cheddar Colby blend cheese. It is recommended to consume frozen cheese within six months for the best quality.
Cheddar and Colby cheese have similar coloring but differ in flavor and texture. Cheddar has a stronger, sharper flavor and a firmer, more crumbly texture, while Colby has a milder, creamier flavor and a smooth, open texture.
Yes, Colby can be substituted for cheddar and vice versa in most recipes. However, keep in mind that these two cheeses have distinct flavors and textures that may alter your dish.
