Patrick Oconnell
Knowing how to store cheese can be tricky. While it's easy to just keep cheese cubes in the plastic wrap they came in, cheese needs oxygen to breathe. A suffocated cheese will eventually die, leading to off-flavours and weird textures. The best way to store cheese cubes is in a sealed Tupperware box, which will prevent the smell from filling the rest of your fridge and keep the cheese free of other strong-smelling items.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage container | Sealed Tupperware box, plastic bag, parchment paper, zip-top bag, air-tight container, cheese vault, wax or parchment paper with a layer of plastic wrap |
| Storage location | Vegetable compartment of the fridge, or a cool, dark, airy space |
| Storage duration | Hard cheeses can last 3-4 weeks; shredded hard cheeses can last up to a month; blue cheese can last 1-2 months; semi-hard cheeses should be used within 7-10 days; soft and semi-soft cheeses should be used within a week |
| Other tips | Cheese should be allowed to breathe; a sugar cube can be added to the container to absorb excess moisture; cheese is best served at room temperature |
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What You'll Learn
Use wax paper and plastic wrap
When storing used cheese cubes, you can use wax paper and plastic wrap. Firstly, cut a piece of wax paper large enough to wrap the cheese cubes with some extra to fold over. Place the cheese cubes in the centre of the wax paper, horizontally, and fold the sides of the paper over the cheese, wrapping it snugly. Then, cut a piece of plastic wrap slightly larger than the wax paper and place the wrapped cheese in the centre. Fold the sides of the plastic wrap over the cheese and press the edges together to seal the cheese inside. Finally, fold the ends of the plastic wrap over the cheese to create a neat package.
This method of using wax paper and plastic wrap is suitable for storing most types of cheese. Wax paper allows the cheese to breathe and prevents additional moisture, while plastic wrap provides an extra layer of protection and helps to keep fridge odours from seeping into the cheese.
It is important to note that when using this method, the cheese should be stored in the refrigerator. The ideal place is in a crisper drawer, which maintains a cold, stable temperature. Properly wrapped and chilled, hard cheeses like Parmesan can stay good for weeks, while softer cheeses like Brie should be eaten within a few days.
Additionally, it is recommended to label the wrapped cheese with the type of cheese and the date of purchase. This helps to keep track of how long the cheese has been stored and ensures that it is consumed within a safe and optimal timeframe.
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Store in a dark, cool, airy space
To store used cheese cubes in a dark, cool, and airy space, follow these steps:
Firstly, remove the cheese from its original plastic packaging. Leaving cheese in its vacuum-sealed wrapper can suffocate the cheese and give it a plastic flavour. If the cheese has been affected by the plastic packaging, use a knife to gently scrape off a thin layer from the surface of the cheese.
Next, wrap the cheese in wax paper, parchment paper, or cheese paper. Ensure that the cheese is completely covered. Then, secure the paper with tape and label it with the type of cheese and the date of purchase. This will help you keep track of when the cheese expires.
After the cheese is wrapped in paper, add a layer of plastic wrap. This will help to prevent the cheese from drying out. Finally, place the wrapped cheese in a dark, cool, and airy space, such as the vegetable compartment of your fridge.
It is important to note that cheese should be allowed to breathe, but also needs protection from drying out or becoming too humid. Therefore, a sealed container or drawer is ideal for storing cheese. Additionally, avoid storing cheese next to foods with strong odours like onions or melon, as this can affect the cheese's flavour.
By following these steps, you can effectively store used cheese cubes in a dark, cool, and airy space, ensuring they remain fresh and tasty for longer.
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Use a sealed container
Using a sealed container is a great way to store used cheese cubes and keep them fresh. This method is ideal for those who are serious about their cheese and want to maintain the best flavour and texture.
Firstly, it is important to note that cheese is a living, breathing food, and it needs oxygen and humidity to stay fresh and tasty. Therefore, a sealed container should not be the only method used to store cheese. While a sealed container will help to regulate humidity and keep the cheese from drying out, it is recommended to use a breathable wrapping for the cheese first, and then place it in the sealed container. This could be wax paper, parchment paper, or specialty cheese paper, which is designed to let the cheese breathe and prevent it from drying out. It is also important to note that cheese should not be wrapped in plastic, as this cuts off the air supply and can lead to off-flavours and strange textures.
Once you have selected the appropriate wrapping, the cheese can be placed in the sealed container. A sealed container will help to regulate humidity and keep the cheese from drying out. It will also prevent the cheese from absorbing other strong smells from the fridge. To further regulate humidity, you can place a small sugar cube inside the sealed container. The cube will absorb excess moisture and prevent the cheese from sweating.
It is recommended to store cheese in the vegetable compartment of the fridge, as it is dark, cool, and not too humid or cold. This will help to maintain the optimal temperature and humidity levels for the cheese. It is also important to note that cheese should be brought to room temperature before serving, as this is when it is enjoyed at its best.
Using a sealed container is a great way to store used cheese cubes and maintain their freshness and flavour. By following these steps, cheese lovers can ensure their cheese remains in optimal condition and gets the care it deserves!
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Don't store in plastic wrap
When storing used cheese cubes, it is important to note that cheese is a living, breathing thing. It needs oxygen and humidity to stay fresh and tasty. Therefore, it is best not to store cheese in plastic wrap.
Firstly, plastic wrap cuts off the air supply, essentially suffocating the cheese. This can lead to wet, mouldy, wasted cheese. The cheese can also start tasting like plastic, which is not ideal. Plastic wrap also traps the ammonia that is given off when cheese ripens, and this can go back into the cheese, negatively impacting its flavour.
Secondly, cheese needs to breathe, but it also needs to retain some humidity to avoid drying out. Plastic wrap does not allow for this balance. If cheese dries out, it becomes crumbly and difficult to grate.
Thirdly, plastic wrap does not allow for the cheese to be turned or flipped, which can cause moisture to settle into the rind at the bottom, creating a wet rind.
Instead of plastic wrap, cheese can be wrapped in wax or parchment paper, then placed in a zip-top bag or an airtight container. This allows the cheese to breathe while still retaining some humidity.
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Use a cheese vault
If you're a serious cheese lover, investing in a cheese vault could be a great option for storing your cheese cubes. Cheese vaults are a relatively new product on the market, designed to keep cheese fresh for longer. Essentially, a cheese vault is a silicone box with a ridged bottom, which comes with a divider that allows you to store different cheeses separately.
Using a cheese vault is a more expensive option than simply using plastic wrap or bags, but it can save you money in the long run as you won't need to keep buying plastic wrap or bags, and your cheese will last longer. Plus, you won't have to worry about the cheese drying out or becoming too humid and sweaty, which can happen when cheese is wrapped in plastic.
When using a cheese vault, it's important to remember to store your cheese in a dark, cool, and airy space, such as the vegetable compartment of your fridge. This will help to keep your cheese fresh for longer.
Another benefit of using a cheese vault is that it can be used to store different types of cheese without them affecting each other's flavours. So, if you're a fan of having multiple cheeses in your fridge, a cheese vault is a great option to keep them all tasting their best.
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Frequently asked questions
Used cheese cubes should be wrapped in wax or parchment paper, then covered in plastic wrap and placed in the fridge.
The length of time you can keep cheese cubes in the fridge depends on the type of cheese. In general, harder cheeses last longer than softer cheeses. Soft and semi-soft cheeses should be used within a week. Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, and Gruyere, should be used within 7 to 10 days. Hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano and aged Gouda can last three to four weeks.
Yes, there are a few alternatives to using plastic wrap. You can use a resealable plastic container, a zip-top bag, or a cheese vault (a silicone box with a ridged bottom). If you're looking for a more eco-friendly option, you can use wax paper, specialty cheese paper, or kitchen foil, especially for blue cheeses.
