Andy Montoya
String cheese is a convenient snack for hikers and travellers due to its long shelf life and high protein and calcium content. It is a relatively soft, fresh cheese that is individually wrapped and can last for long periods without refrigeration. This makes it ideal for travel, as it can be stored in a bag or backpack without worrying about spoilage. To ensure the cheese stays fresh, it is recommended to keep it cool, especially in hot weather, and to consume it within a reasonable time frame. Additionally, choosing string cheese over softer varieties is beneficial as they tend to spoil faster due to their higher moisture content.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Hard, aged cheeses such as Cheddar, Gouda, Swiss, or Parmesan |
| Packaging | Tightly wrapped in wax or parchment paper, then placed in a plastic bag or airtight container; individually wrapped; vacuum-sealed |
| Temperature | Keep cool, ideally around 50°F; can be placed in cold creeks for brief periods |
| Duration | Can last three to four weeks when stored properly; soft cheeses should be consumed within one week |
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What You'll Learn
Store in an airtight container
String cheese is a relatively soft, fresh cheese that is individually wrapped and can last very well without refrigeration. To ensure your string cheese doesn't spoil during travel, it is important to store it in an airtight container. This prevents the cheese from drying out while still allowing it to breathe. The airtight container helps to regulate moisture levels, which is crucial as cheese with higher moisture content is more perishable and prone to spoilage.
Soft cheeses, in general, have a higher moisture content, which makes them more susceptible to mould and bacterial growth. Therefore, they should be consumed within a shorter time frame and stored properly to prevent spoilage. By placing your string cheese in an airtight container, you can help maintain its freshness and extend its shelf life.
Additionally, when packing string cheese for travel, consider using a cooler or an insulated bag to keep the temperature regulated. This is especially important if you are travelling in hot weather, as higher temperatures can accelerate spoilage. Keeping the cheese cool will slow down bacterial growth and maintain its quality.
It is also recommended to wrap each piece of string cheese individually before placing them in the airtight container. This extra layer of protection helps to prevent the cheese from drying out and also contains any moisture released by the cheese. You can use wax paper, parchment paper, or plastic wrap for this purpose.
By following these storage tips and utilising an airtight container, you can confidently travel with string cheese without worrying about spoilage. This method ensures that your cheese remains edible and enjoyable throughout your journey.
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Keep it cool
String cheese is a relatively soft, fresh cheese, so it is more perishable than harder cheeses. However, because it is individually wrapped, it lasts very well without refrigeration. The key to travelling with string cheese is to keep it cool.
If you are travelling with a bag, place the string cheese in the middle of your pack, which will keep it as cool as possible. If you are camping by a stream, you can submerge your string cheese in a ziplock bag with a rock in it to keep it cool. This will keep it fresh for a week or more.
If you are travelling in hot weather, it is best to opt for a hard cheese, such as Cheddar, Swiss, Gouda, or Parmesan, as these have lower moisture content and can sit out longer without spoiling. If you do decide to bring string cheese, try to keep it in a cool, dark place, such as a cave or a cool box. You can also double bag it and put it in a cold creek for brief periods to keep it cool.
If you are travelling with a car, the best place to keep your string cheese cool is in the air-conditioned cabin of the car. If you are travelling in hot weather, you can also keep it in the boot of the car if you have a cooler or cool box.
If you are travelling by plane, you can request a cool box from the airline to keep your string cheese cool. If this is not possible, you can try to keep it cool by wrapping it in a cool, damp cloth and placing it in a cool part of your luggage, such as an inside pocket.
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Use wax or parchment paper
Wax or parchment paper is a great way to store string cheese during travel. It is a preferred method of storage as it helps the cheese retain humidity and breathe, while also preventing additional moisture.
To use this method, you can follow these steps:
- Source wax or parchment paper: This is easily available in stores or online.
- Wrap the cheese: Loosely wrap each piece of string cheese in the wax or parchment paper. This ensures that the cheese can breathe and doesn't dry out.
- Label the cheese (optional): If you are wrapping multiple pieces of string cheese, you might want to label them. You can write the name of the cheese on a strip of cardstock and place it face down on a sheet of plastic wrap. Then, lay the wax or parchment paper on top of the label. This way, you can identify the type of cheese and keep track of how long you've had it.
- Store in a container: Place the wrapped string cheese in a lidded container to maintain humidity and protect it from any damage during travel.
- Keep it cool: Even when wrapped in wax or parchment paper, it is ideal to keep the string cheese cool. Place it in the middle of your pack, surrounded by other items that will help insulate it and keep the temperature cool.
Using wax or parchment paper to store string cheese during travel is a simple and effective method. It helps the cheese breathe and retain humidity, while also protecting it from excess moisture and temperature changes. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your string cheese remains edible and enjoyable during your travels.
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Individual vacuum-packed cheese sticks
Vacuum sealing is a popular method for preserving cheese. It helps to age cheese effectively, preserving its flavour and texture while reducing mould growth. This method is particularly useful for homemade cheese, as it can prevent the development of "nasty" smells, flavours, and textures.
Vacuum-sealed cheese must be kept out of the bag for at least 2-3 hours before eating to allow the cheese to aerate and find equilibrium in the new environment. If there are ammonia or similar flavours, it is recommended to age the cheese for a few weeks outside of the bag to let these flavours mellow out and for some moisture to evaporate.
One concern with vacuum sealing is that moisture can force itself out past the rind and encourage the growth of mould or other undesirables. To prevent this, the rind can be pre-seasoned by killing off any bacteria or mould, either chemically or by creating an inhospitable environment.
Some companies, such as Cheese Brothers, sell individually vacuum-sealed cheese sticks that are safe outside of refrigeration during transit. These cheese sticks are often hard cheeses, which have a lower moisture content and last longer than softer cheeses.
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Avoid soft cheese
Soft cheeses are more prone to spoilage during travel. However, with proper care, they can be safely transported. Here are some tips to avoid issues with soft cheese during your journey:
Firstly, opt for younger, firmer varieties of soft cheese when possible. These are less likely to spoil than their riper, softer counterparts. If you're set on a softer, riper cheese, consider buying a younger version and letting it ripen during your journey. This way, it will be at its prime by the time you arrive at your destination.
Secondly, proper packing is essential. Soft cheeses should be wrapped carefully to protect them from spoilage and to contain their smell. Wrap the cheese in aluminium foil, then place it in a Tupperware-like container. You can also use extra paper from the cheese shop or a slightly damp towel to wrap the cheese before storing it in the refrigerator. If the cheese is individually packaged, ensure the wrappers remain intact during travel to prevent air and mould spores from entering.
Additionally, keep the cheese cool. While refrigeration may not always be possible during travel, aim to maintain a cool temperature. Place the wrapped cheese in the middle of your pack, surrounded by other items that will insulate it and keep it cool. If possible, include ice packs in your bag to extend the cheese's freshness.
Finally, be mindful of the duration of your trip. Soft cheeses are best suited for shorter journeys. Consume the cheese within a few days of travel to ensure freshness. If you're embarking on a longer trip, consider opting for harder cheeses, which have lower moisture content and longer shelf lives.
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Frequently asked questions
String cheese can last for at least a couple of weeks without refrigeration, especially if it's individually wrapped.
Freeze the cheese before your trip and keep it on ice until you're ready to pack it. Then, place it in the middle of your bag to keep it cool.
Hard, aged cheeses with low moisture content, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, Swiss, and Gouda, are best for travelling as they last longer without spoiling.
