Frederic Melton
Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese that can last up to two to three weeks in the refrigerator if stored correctly. Properly storing cheese after opening is key to preserving its quality, flavour, and texture. In this article, we will discuss the best ways to store cheddar cheese after opening to ensure that it stays fresh and tasty for as long as possible. We will cover different storage methods, temperature requirements, and how to prevent contamination and moisture buildup. We will also provide tips on how to trim mouldy portions and extend the shelf life of your cheddar cheese.
How to store cheddar cheese after opening
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator |
| Wrapping | Wax paper or parchment paper, then plastic wrap or aluminum foil |
| Refrigerator location | Vegetable compartment or bins at the bottom |
| Temperature | 33°F-40°F (35 °F/4 °C is ideal) |
| Other tips | Avoid plastic wrap, keep cheese away from raw meat or seafood, cut off moldy parts, chop into chunks and freeze |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Wrapping: Use wax or parchment paper, then plastic wrap or foil
Wrapping your cheddar cheese correctly is essential to preserving its quality, flavour, and texture. Here's a step-by-step guide to doing it right:
Start by choosing the right type of paper. Wax paper or parchment paper is ideal for this purpose. These papers allow the cheese to breathe, preventing it from drying out while maintaining optimal humidity. You can purchase designated cheese paper, or simply use kitchen paper like wax paper or brown baking paper.
Now, it's time to wrap your cheddar cheese. Place the cheese in the centre of the wax or parchment paper and wrap it securely, ensuring no part of the cheese is left exposed. This initial layer of paper will protect the cheese and provide a breathable barrier.
Next, you'll add a second layer of protection. Wrap the cheese again, this time using plastic wrap or foil. This additional layer will help prevent the cheese from drying out and will create a barrier against odours and flavours in the fridge. It's important to note that while plastic wrap is convenient and helps extend the cheese's shelf life, it can negatively impact flavour and texture over time. Therefore, it's best to use plastic wrap for short-term storage and consume the cheese within a few weeks.
Finally, store your wrapped cheddar cheese in the refrigerator. Place it in the main part of the fridge, avoiding the door, which tends to be the warmest area. The vegetable compartment is a great option as it provides the necessary cool and airy environment, with slightly higher humidity, which is beneficial for cheese storage.
By following these wrapping and storage techniques, you can enjoy your cheddar cheese at its optimal freshness, flavour, and texture for up to two to three weeks.
Cheddar Cheese Powder: Best Places to Buy in Dubai
You may want to see also
Fridge location: Store in the main part, not the door
To store cheddar cheese in the fridge, wrap it in wax or parchment paper, then in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. This will help to prevent the cheese from drying out and absorbing other flavours or odours in the fridge.
It's important to store cheddar in the main part of the refrigerator, which is typically between 33°F and 40°F. The door of the refrigerator is the warmest part and should be avoided for storing cheese. The cheese drawer is also not the best place to store your cheddar. Instead, opt for one of the bins usually reserved for vegetables at the bottom of your fridge, as there is more humidity, which benefits the cheese.
If you're storing a block of cheese, you can chop it into chunks and put them into a ziplock bag to freeze. Then, defrost a few chunks at a time so you always have cheese ready to go. If you do notice a small mould spot, you can trim it off, and the remaining cheese should be safe to eat.
To extend the shelf life of cheddar cheese, it's important to store it correctly and keep it away from raw meat or seafood to prevent contamination.
Easy Cheese's Sharp Cheddar: A Taste Gone Bad?
You may want to see also
Fridge temperature: Keep at 33-40°F (35°F recommended)
Cheddar is a hard cheese, and hard cheeses can last up to two to three weeks in the refrigerator if stored correctly. The ideal temperature range for storing cheese is between 33°F and 40°F, with 35°F being the recommended temperature.
To achieve this temperature, the cheese should be stored in the main part of the refrigerator. The refrigerator door is the warmest part and should be avoided. The vegetable compartment at the bottom of the fridge is ideal, as it has more humidity, which benefits the cheese.
To maintain humidity and prevent the cheese from drying out, wrap the cheese in wax paper, parchment paper, or cheese paper. Then, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will also help to prevent the cheese from absorbing other flavors or odors in the fridge. It is important to note that plastic wrap should be avoided for long-term storage, as it can cut off the air supply and cause the cheese to "suffocate."
Additionally, when storing cheddar cheese, it is recommended to keep it away from raw meat or seafood to prevent contamination.
The Magic of Montamore Cheddar Cheese
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Portioning: Cut only what you need to avoid contamination
Cheddar is a hard cheese, and like other hard cheeses, it can last up to two to three weeks in the refrigerator if stored correctly. However, once the cheese has been opened and cut, it can no longer be considered "vacuum-sealed", and its shelf life will be reduced. The wheel of cheese will stop ripening and begin to deteriorate as soon as it's cut, so it's best to cut only what you need to avoid contamination and prolong its lifespan.
To avoid contamination, it's important to expose as little of the cheese as possible to the air. This is because slicing the cheese increases its surface area, exposing more of it to possible contamination, oxidation, and dehydration. As such, you should only slice as much cheese as you intend to use each time.
If you're storing leftover cheese, it's best to wrap it in wax or parchment paper, then in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. This will help prevent the cheese from drying out and absorbing other flavours or odours in the fridge. If you don't have wax or parchment paper, you can use kitchen foil, especially for blue cheeses, as this will help them retain moisture.
To further prolong the lifespan of your cheese, you can place it in a sealed container. This will prevent the smell from filling your fridge and keep the cheese free from other strong-smelling items. You can also add a small sugar cube to the container, as the cube will absorb excess moisture and prevent the cheese from sweating.
The History of Cheddar: A Cheese Lover's Guide
You may want to see also
Containers: Use sealed containers to prevent smells
Containers play a crucial role in storing cheddar cheese after opening to prevent smells. The choice of container depends on various factors, such as the amount of cheese, the desired storage duration, and personal preferences. Here are some detailed instructions on using sealed containers to prevent odours:
Firstly, it is essential to wrap the cheese properly. Start by using wax paper or parchment paper to cover the cheese. These types of paper allow the cheese to breathe and prevent it from drying out too quickly. Then, as an additional layer of protection, wrap the cheese in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. This combination will help maintain the cheese's moisture and protect it from absorbing other odours in the fridge.
Next, consider the type of container. An airtight container, such as a sealed Tupperware box, is ideal for storing cheddar cheese. It prevents the cheese's smell from escaping into the fridge and protects the cheese from absorbing other strong odours. If using a Tupperware box, ensure it is large enough to accommodate the wrapped cheese without squishing it.
Another option is to use a resealable plastic bag. Place the wrapped cheese inside the bag and seal it tightly, removing as much air as possible. This method helps to extend the cheese's shelf life and prevents odour transfer. If you have a vacuum sealer, it is even more effective at removing air and prolonging the freshness of the cheese.
Additionally, it is recommended to store the cheese in the main part of the refrigerator, specifically in the vegetable compartment, as it provides the ideal balance of humidity and temperature. The door of the fridge is typically the warmest part and should be avoided for cheese storage.
Lastly, when storing cheddar cheese, it is essential to keep it away from raw meat or seafood to prevent contamination. Proper storage will help maintain the quality, flavour, and texture of the cheese, ensuring it remains fresh and tasty for longer.
Measuring Cheddar: 1 Oz Equals How Many Cups?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Hard cheeses such as cheddar can last up to two to three weeks in the refrigerator if stored correctly.
Cheddar cheese should be wrapped in wax or parchment paper and then in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It should be stored in the refrigerator, ideally in the vegetable compartment, which is not too cold or humid.
Yes, you can freeze cheddar cheese. Chop the cheese into chunks and put them into a ziplock bag. Then, freeze the bag and defrost a few chunks at a time.
If your cheddar cheese gets a small mould spot, cut off at least 1 inch around and below the mould spot. After trimming off the mould, the remaining cheese should be safe to eat.
