Andy Montoya
Cheese is a versatile food that can be used to create sculptures and carvings, in addition to being a popular food item. The preservation of cheese art is a challenging task due to its perishable nature. Proper storage conditions, such as humidity, airflow, and temperature control, play a crucial role in maintaining the freshness of cheese. To prevent mould and premature drying, various techniques can be employed, including the use of cheese paper, wax or parchment paper, and plastic wrap. Additionally, factors like the size of the cheese and the type of rind can impact the preservation process. The preservation methods aim to strike a balance between protecting the cheese from external factors while allowing it to breathe and retain its moisture.
How to preserve art made out of cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Hard cheeses like Asiago, cheddar, Swiss |
| Storage | Avoid plastic wrap; use cheese paper, wax or parchment paper, cheese bags, cloth wraps, cheesecloth |
| Temperature | 46ºF to 68ºF (8ºC to 20ºC) |
| Humidity | High humidity in winter, less in summer |
| Airflow | Adequate airflow |
| Mould | Cut mould off hard cheeses; use antimicrobial agents like jojoba oil |
| Brine | Use a saltwater brine of 1 tablespoon of salt dissolved in a few cups of water |
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What You'll Learn
Use cheese paper
Cheese paper is a great way to preserve your cheese art. It is a two-ply material made of wax-coated paper and a thin porous polyethylene plastic, which allows moisture to wick but not totally escape. Cheese paper is coated with both wax and polyethylene, which forms a barrier that wicks excess moisture away from the cheese while still allowing it to breathe. This is important because cheese is a living, breathing thing, and closing it off to air is just about the worst thing you can do to it.
If you have purchased cheese paper, place the paper flat on your counter and arrange the cheese on top. Bring the edges of the paper up and around the cheese, creasing as you go to make neat, clean folds. You can use tape to secure it if you like.
If you don't have cheese paper, you can use wax or parchment paper, and then put it in a partially sealed plastic bag. The paper creates a barrier between the cheese and the plastic, while the plastic keeps it from getting dry. You can also mimic the cheese paper by using vinegar-doused cheesecloth and then putting it in a plastic bag.
Be sure to label your cheese art with the date it was wrapped so you can keep track of its freshness.
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Store in the fridge
Storing your cheese art in the fridge is a good way to preserve it, but it's not as simple as just popping it in there and hoping for the best. There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your cheese art stays fresh and mould-free. Firstly, avoid storing cheese in plastic wrap. While it may seem like the most convenient option, plastic wrap can suffocate the flavour of the cheese and, after a few days, it will start to take on the flavour of the plastic. Instead, opt for cheese paper or cheese bags. These are made from two layers—a sheet of porous wax-coated paper and a thin sheet of perforated plastic—and are designed to allow cheese to breathe while preserving its moisture.
If you can't get your hands on cheese paper or bags, you can use wax or parchment paper, and then place the cheese in a partially sealed plastic bag. This way, the paper creates a barrier between the cheese and the plastic, while the plastic prevents it from drying out. It's also important to note that soft cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta and chèvre can spoil quickly if they don't have added preservatives. So, it's best to keep these sealed in their original containers. However, a larger piece of mozzarella can be removed from its brining solution and wrapped in plastic, with the plastic replaced each time it's opened, to last up to 7 days in the fridge.
Another option for wrapping cheese is to use reusable cloth wraps. These are made from organic fabrics coated with beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin. When used correctly—tightly wrapped and stored in the fridge—they protect cheese from air exposure and help retain moisture. Jojoba oil also has antimicrobial properties, which can prevent mould growth. However, these wraps do need to be washed between uses, and the coating may degrade after a month, leaving bits of wax on your cheese.
Finally, when storing cheese in the fridge, it's important to maintain the right humidity, adequate airflow, and proper temperature control. The ideal temperature for storing cheese is between 46ºF and 60ºF (8ºC and 15ºC), with 60ºF to 68ºF (15ºC to 20ºC) also being acceptable. Natural rind cheeses will dry out over time, so keep an eye on the temperature and humidity to slow this process.
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Avoid plastic wrap
Plastic wrap is not the best way to preserve art made out of cheese. It is, in fact, a great way to kill your cheese. Cheese is a living organism, and wrapping it in plastic suffocates it by blocking airflow. Plastic wrap also traps moisture, which can make mould form faster and easier. Even though most cheese in grocery stores is sold in plastic wrap, that’s really for short-term storage.
So, what are some ways to preserve your cheese-based art without using plastic wrap? Well, you could try wrapping your cheese in wax paper or cheese paper first and then loosely in a plastic bag. This method provides breathability for the cheese without drying it out. You could also try wrapping your cheese in parchment paper, which is coated with silicone, a polymer made from silicon rather than carbon. Parchment paper is more heat stable than plastic, but it is still unclear whether chemicals can leach from it. Another option is to use a reusable container, such as a lidded glass container, to store your cheese. If the lid has a vent, keep it open; if it doesn’t, keep one corner lifted. This will help regulate humidity while still allowing ventilation.
If you are looking for a more natural approach, you can try wrapping your cheese in a damp cloth with vinegar. This method may not be as effective as the others in preserving your cheese, but it is a waste-free option. Additionally, hard cheeses can be kept in the freezer to prolong their life and maintain freshness.
Overall, there are several alternatives to using plastic wrap to preserve your cheese-based art. By using these methods, you can keep your cheese fresh and flavourful while also reducing your plastic waste.
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Maintain proper humidity
Maintaining the proper humidity is crucial when preserving art made out of cheese. Humidity, along with adequate airflow and temperature control, are essential factors in keeping cheese fresh and preventing it from drying out, developing odd flavours and aromas, or growing mould prematurely.
The ideal humidity level for storing cheese varies depending on the season. In the winter, higher humidity levels are typical, while in the summer, the air tends to be drier with lower humidity. This natural fluctuation in humidity can affect the ageing process of cheese, with more moulds and slower drying in the winter, and less moulds and faster ageing in the summer. Therefore, it is important to monitor humidity levels regularly and make adjustments as necessary.
To maintain proper humidity when storing cheese, consider using a humidity-controlled container or room. This could be a dedicated cheese storage unit, such as a cheese grotto, or a modified room in your house. Ensure the storage area is well-ventilated and away from direct heat sources, such as sunny windows or stoves. If using a room in your house, consider opening windows at night to take advantage of cooler temperatures and maintain a consistent temperature throughout the day.
Additionally, the use of moisture-wicking and breathable materials is essential for regulating humidity around the cheese. Avoid plastic wrap, as it can cause cheese to suffocate and take on a plastic flavour. Instead, opt for specialised cheese paper, which is designed to allow cheese to breathe while preserving moisture. This type of paper is usually made from two layers—a sheet of porous polyethylene plastic with tiny perforations fused with a sheet of wax-coated paper. Alternatively, you can create a DIY version by wrapping the cheese in wax or parchment paper and then placing it in a partially sealed plastic bag.
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Keep cheese fresh
While cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, it is also delicate and requires careful handling to ensure it stays fresh. Here are some tips to keep your cheese fresh, especially if you're using it for art!
Firstly, it's important to note that cheese is a living, breathing food that requires oxygen and humidity to stay fresh. Therefore, it's best to avoid storing cheese in plastic wrap, as it cuts off the air supply and can cause the cheese to "suffocate," leading to undesirable flavours and textures. Instead, opt for specialty cheese paper or parchment paper, which provides the necessary airflow and humidity. You can then place the wrapped cheese in a partially sealed plastic bag or an airtight container to protect it from excessive air exposure while still allowing it to breathe.
The type of cheese also determines the best storage method. For example, soft cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, and chèvre are highly perishable and can spoil quickly without added preservatives. It is recommended to keep these cheeses sealed in their original containers or wrapped in plastic, replacing the plastic each time you open it. On the other hand, blue cheeses should be wrapped in foil, while brie, Taleggio, and other soft-ripened cheeses need a bit of airflow, so a plastic bag or cheese paper is ideal.
Additionally, the size of the cheese matters. Smaller chunks of cheese tend to dry out more quickly, so consider keeping them in a brining solution. You can make your own brine by dissolving a tablespoon of salt in a few cups of water. This will help keep your cheese moist and flavourful.
For those who buy cheese in blocks, it is essential to cut the cheese into smaller portions before storing it. This way, you can take out only what you need, reducing the risk of the cheese drying out or becoming contaminated.
Lastly, remember that cheese is best when fresh, so try to buy smaller quantities that you can consume within a few days. This ensures you enjoy the cheese at its peak flavour and reduces the need for long-term storage.
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Frequently asked questions
To preserve art made out of cheese, it is important to control the humidity, airflow, and temperature. Cheese should be wrapped in wax, parchment paper, or cheese paper, and then placed in a partially sealed plastic bag. Avoid using plastic wrap as it can spoil the flavour of the cheese.
Cheese paper is made from two layers—a sheet of paper and a sheet of plastic with tiny perforations—fused together. It is designed to allow cheese to breathe while preserving its moisture.
Meat safes made from metal or wood are good for airflow and keeping pests away. Cloth wraps can also be used, but they must be washed between uses.
When stored properly, cheese can last up to three to six weeks.
