Keep Mozzarella Fresh For Longer: Tips And Tricks

Mozzarella is a soft, mild-flavoured Italian cheese with a short shelf life. It is typically sold in vacuum-sealed or liquid-filled containers and is best consumed within a week of opening. To extend its shelf life, mozzarella must be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on the type of cheese. Fresh mozzarella should be stored in its original liquid or water, while shredded or loaf mozzarella should be wrapped in plastic or stored in an airtight container.

How to Keep Mozzarella Cheese Longer

Store mozzarella in the fridge for up to 5 days

Fresh mozzarella is best when consumed as soon as possible. However, if stored properly, it can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days.

When storing fresh mozzarella, it is important to keep it in its original packaging or a container filled with water to prevent it from drying out. If the cheese comes in an airtight container with liquid, ensure it is sealed tightly when not in use. If the liquid is contaminated or gets low, it is recommended to replace it with water or a brine solution.

Mozzarella cheese is very perishable, so it is best to buy it in small quantities and consume it within a few days. If you need to store it for longer, freezing is an option, but this may affect its texture and flavour.

For opened loaf or shredded mozzarella, it is recommended to wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it can last for up to 21 days.

Freeze mozzarella for up to 3 months

Freezing mozzarella is a great way to extend the shelf life of the cheese, but it's important to do it properly to ensure the best quality and taste. Here are some detailed instructions on how to freeze mozzarella for up to 3 months:

Firstly, it's important to note that freezing mozzarella is best for cooked dishes, as the freezing and thawing process can affect the texture and flavour of the cheese. Frozen and thawed mozzarella is ideal for dishes like sauces, soups, casseroles, and pizzas, where it will be melted and blended with other ingredients.

When freezing mozzarella, start with fresh cheese. Fresh mozzarella should be stored in the refrigerator and placed in a container filled with water to maintain its freshness and taste. Change the water regularly to keep it fresh. It is best to use the cheese within one to two weeks, as recommended by some sources, and before it develops any signs of spoilage, such as changes in shape, colour, taste, or aroma.

To prepare the cheese for freezing, cut it into portions no larger than half a pound each. Wrap each portion tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, ensuring there is no exposure to air. Alternatively, place the portions in heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing.

Label the packages with the date and store them in the freezer. Properly stored mozzarella will maintain its best quality for about 6 months and can be kept safe beyond that time. However, it is recommended to consume the cheese within 3 months for optimal taste and texture.

When you are ready to use the frozen mozzarella, thaw it in the refrigerator for at least a day before using it. It is best suited for cooked dishes, as mentioned earlier. You can also use the thawed mozzarella within 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator for other dishes.

Keep fresh mozzarella in its container of liquid

Keeping fresh mozzarella in its container of liquid is one of the best ways to ensure it stays fresh for longer. This liquid is actually whey, a byproduct of the mozzarella-making process. If you've bought your mozzarella in an airtight container with liquid at the bottom, keep it there to maintain moisture.

If the liquid gets low, you can top it up with water. However, it's important to only use clean utensils to do so, as contaminated water can cause the cheese to spoil faster. If the liquid is contaminated, you can replace it with a brine solution of 1 tablespoon of salt dissolved in 1-4 pounds of 37°F water.

If you bought your mozzarella vacuum-packed, take it out of the package and place it in a bowl of cold water, changing the water daily. This will mimic the whey that fresh mozzarella is usually stored in and prevent the cheese from drying out.

Mozzarella should be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, ideally in the middle shelf, and eaten as soon as possible for the best taste and freshness. It's best to take it out of the fridge about an hour before serving, as mozzarella tastes best at room temperature.

While freezing mozzarella can extend its shelf life, it's not recommended for fresh mozzarella as it will negatively affect the texture and flavour.

Wrap mozzarella in plastic wrap

Wrapping mozzarella in plastic wrap is one way to store the cheese, but it depends on the type of mozzarella you are looking to store.

Loaf mozzarella, which usually comes vacuum-packed, can be wrapped in plastic wrap after opening to prevent it from hardening. However, it is important to note that cheese is a living, breathing thing, so it should never be stored in tightly wrapped plastic wrap. Instead, it should be wrapped like a present with some air allowed in.

For fresh mozzarella, it is recommended to keep it in its original container of liquid or a bowl of cold water, changing the water daily. This will keep the cheese moist and stop it from drying out. If you do use plastic wrap with fresh mozzarella, it is best to first wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap.

Regardless of the type of mozzarella, if you are using plastic wrap, ensure that the packaging is tightly closed and change the plastic regularly.

Store mozzarella in the warmest spot in the fridge

When storing mozzarella, it is important to consider the type of mozzarella you are storing. Fresh mozzarella, for example, should be treated differently from shredded or smoked mozzarella.

If you are storing fresh mozzarella, it is best to keep it in its original container of liquid. If it came vacuum-packed, you can transfer it to a bowl of cold water, making sure to change the water daily. Fresh mozzarella should be consumed as soon as possible, but it can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. It is best to avoid freezing fresh mozzarella, as it will negatively impact the texture and flavour.

For shredded mozzarella, it is recommended to seal it in its original packaging or an airtight bag or container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 21 days.

When it comes to storing mozzarella in the fridge, it is generally recommended to keep it in the warmest spot. This could be the middle shelf or the crisper drawer, depending on your fridge's configuration. The crisper drawer can be particularly useful as it often has a different humidity level, which can help prevent the cheese from drying out.

Additionally, it is important to note that cheese is a perishable product and will not last indefinitely, even when stored properly. The warmer conditions of the fridge can promote bacterial growth, so it is essential to consume the cheese within a reasonable timeframe and practise proper food safety handling.

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