Bushra Griffith
Blue cheese is a beloved ingredient for many, but it can be tricky to store. When repackaging blue cheese, it's important to consider the type of cheese and its consistency. Soft and semi-soft blue cheeses like Roquefort and Gorgonzola require different storage methods than harder varieties. The key to successful repackaging is to maintain the right temperature and humidity levels, slowing down maturation for soft cheeses and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria in all types of blue cheese.
Characteristics of Repackaging Blue Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Wrap | Aluminium foil, cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper |
| Wrapping Technique | Wrap the cheese loosely |
| Storage | Store in the fridge, preferably in the vegetable drawer |
| Consumption Time | Consume soft/semi-soft blue cheese within a week |
| Packaging | If the cheese was pre-packed, use the original wrap; otherwise, use a freezer bag |
| Sealing | Seal tightly when storing crumbled blue cheese |
| Expiry | Unopened blue cheese lasts between one and six months; finish the cheese within 3 to 4 weeks after opening |
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What You'll Learn
Why repackaging blue cheese is important
Repackaging blue cheese is important to ensure it stays fresh and edible for as long as possible. Blue cheese is a living organism and, as such, needs oxygen to survive. Therefore, it is important to avoid storing it in plastic, which deprives the cheese of oxygen. Instead, blue cheese should be wrapped in waxed paper, cheese paper, or parchment paper, and then placed in a freezer bag. This allows the cheese to breathe and continue to develop in the fridge.
However, with soft and semi-soft blue cheeses, waxed paper is not the best option. Unlike most cheeses, the maturation process of blue cheese should be slowed down. To achieve this, aluminium foil is the best option. The foil should be wrapped loosely around the cheese to create a microclimate with a controlled temperature and humidity, allowing the cheese to stay fresh and moist for longer. Perforated aluminium foil is ideal, but it can be expensive and hard to find. Domestic grade aluminium foil is a more viable option and can be purchased from most supermarkets.
Regardless of the wrapping, it is important to store blue cheese in the fridge. If the cheese is crumbled, it typically has a long shelf life of up to six months if the package is unopened. Once the package is opened, the cheese should be consumed within one to two weeks. For cut pieces of soft or semi-soft blue cheese, it is recommended to consume the cheese within a week.
Therefore, repackaging blue cheese is important to ensure the cheese does not spoil prematurely. By using the correct wrapping and storage methods, the ideal temperature and humidity can be maintained, prolonging the life of the cheese.
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The best materials to use for repackaging
When it comes to repackaging blue cheese, there are a few different materials that can be used, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the best materials to use for repackaging blue cheese:
Aluminium Foil
Aluminium foil is a popular choice for repackaging blue cheese. It is affordable and accessible, as it can be easily found at your local supermarket. When using aluminium foil, it is important to wrap the cheese loosely to allow it to breathe. Perforated aluminium foil is ideal, but it can be expensive and hard to find. Domestic grade aluminium foil is a more viable option and is still very effective at keeping your blue cheese fresh.
Cheese Paper, Wax Paper, or Parchment Paper
These types of paper are suitable options for repackaging blue cheese. They allow the cheese to breathe and continue to mature in your fridge. However, with soft and semi-soft blue cheeses, waxed paper is not the best option as it is preferable to slow down the maturation process.
Freezer Bag
If you don't have access to any of the above materials, a freezer bag can be used to repackage blue cheese. It is not the ideal option, but it will get the job done. Again, make sure not to seal the bag too tightly to allow the cheese to breathe.
Airtight Container
Another alternative to repackaging blue cheese is to use an airtight container. This option is not ideal, but it can be useful if you are looking for a quick solution.
By using any of these materials, you can effectively repackage your blue cheese and maintain its freshness. Remember to store the wrapped cheese in the refrigerator, preferably in the vegetable drawer, to create a controlled temperature and humidity environment.
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How to create a microclimate to extend shelf life
Blue cheese is a semi-soft cheese with a pungent aroma and a delicate paste. Its shelf life depends on its form and packaging. Proper storage is key to extending its life.
To create a microclimate to extend the shelf life of blue cheese, you need to focus on humidity and airflow. Blue cheese likes to be stored in a climate with high humidity—at least 80%—to keep the cheese paste fresh. The challenge is to maintain a humid climate without trapping moisture, which can cause unwanted bacteria to grow and make the cheese inedible.
To achieve this, you can use a Cheese Grotto, which self-regulates humidity with a clay brick humidifier and has a breathable back panel to allow for gentle air circulation. If you don't have a Cheese Grotto, you can store blue cheese in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator, as this is a more humid section. Place the cheese in a container that allows for some airflow, such as cheese paper or bee's wrap, and make sure the container is clean and odour-free.
It's important to note that blue cheese should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, as this can cause it to spoil. For long-term storage, blue cheese can be frozen. Cut the cheese into portions no larger than 1/2 pound each, wrap tightly, and place in a freezer bag. Frozen blue cheese will maintain its best quality for about six months but will remain safe to eat beyond that.
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The shelf life of repackaged blue cheese
If you have bought pre-packed blue cheese and want to repackage it after opening, you can continue using the original wrap. However, if you are buying a fresh cut from the wheel or need to repackage it for any other reason, it is recommended to wrap the cheese with cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper. Then, place it in a freezer bag. Ensure that the cheese is not wrapped too tightly, so it can breathe. If you don't have any of these options available, a plastic bag or an airtight container can also be used, although they are not ideal.
Once the blue cheese is repackaged and opened, it should be consumed within 1 to 4 weeks. The presence of air and moisture after opening can encourage the growth of both the desired moulds specific to blue cheese and potentially harmful bacteria. To extend the shelf life, the cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 35°F and 40°F.
For long-term preservation, blue cheese can be frozen. To freeze a wedge of blue cheese, cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each, and wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen blue cheese will maintain its best quality for about 6 months but will remain safe to consume beyond that time if stored at 0°F. After defrosting, a wedge of blue cheese can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. However, it may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, making it better suited for cooked dishes like sauces, soups, and casseroles.
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How to tell if repackaged blue cheese has gone bad
Repackaged blue cheese can be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in wax paper, parchment paper, or cheese paper, and placed in a freezer bag. It can also be stored in a plastic bag or an airtight container. However, it is important to note that the cheese should be loosely wrapped to allow it to breathe.
Now, coming to the main question, here are some detailed and direct instructions on how to tell if repackaged blue cheese has gone bad:
Check the smell
The smell of the cheese is a crucial indicator of its freshness. Fresh blue cheese has a strong, pungent scent, but as it starts to spoil, this scent can change. If your repackaged blue cheese has developed an ammonia-like smell or smells stale, it is likely that it has gone bad. It is recommended to smell the cheese when you first buy it to establish a baseline for its fresh scent, which will help you identify any changes.
Examine the colour
Fresh blue cheese already contains mold, which is typically blue or green. However, when checking for spoilage, focus on the colour of the creamy part of the cheese. A change in colour, especially if it deviates from the typical blue or green, could indicate that your repackaged blue cheese has gone bad.
Observe for any unidentified growth
If you notice any unidentified growth on your repackaged blue cheese, it is best to discard it. While blue cheese already contains mold, the presence of mold with a different colour or texture could indicate spoilage. In the case of soft cheeses, it is recommended to discard the entire cheese to prevent any potential health risks.
Evaluate the taste
If the cheese still smells and looks fresh, you can try tasting a small amount to assess its freshness. Fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste, while spoiled cheese can become especially biting or unpleasantly strong. If the taste is too strong to enjoy, it is best to discard the cheese. However, keep in mind that consuming a small amount of spoiled blue cheese is usually not dangerous.
Consider the storage time
The duration of storage plays a significant role in determining the freshness of repackaged blue cheese. Even if stored properly, blue cheese has a limited shelf life. Once opened, it is recommended to consume the cheese within 3 to 4 weeks. If stored for longer than this period, the cheese is more likely to have gone bad.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to repackage blue cheese is to wrap it in aluminium foil. This is because blue cheese is a living organism and needs to breathe. Foil allows the cheese to breathe and continue to develop in your fridge.
Unopened blue cheese has a shelf life of one to six months, depending on its packaging. Once opened, the cheese should be consumed within three to four weeks.
Blue cheese should be stored in the refrigerator.
