Andy Montoya
Cheesecloth is a gauze-like fabric designed for cheesemaking, but it can also be used to store cheese. Cheese is best stored in the refrigerator, and when wrapping cheese, it's important to ensure that it remains covered, moist, and able to breathe. Cheesecloth can be used to wrap cheese, and some sources suggest soaking it in vinegar first to prevent mould. However, cheesecloth is not always reusable, and it's important to check the packaging to determine whether it can be washed and used multiple times.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheesecloth material | Woven cotton cloth |
| Cheesecloth function | Draining curds to make cheese |
| Cheesecloth uses | Baking, food storage, printmaking, straining broths, wrapping herbs and citrus fruits, making homemade almond milk |
| Cheesecloth cleaning | Rinse with warm water, soak in baking soda, sterilize with boiling water |
| Cheese storage | Refrigerator, ideally in the vegetable compartment or crisper drawer |
| Cheese wrapping | Parchment paper, wax paper, cheese paper, aluminium foil, plastic wrap, ziplock bag |
| Cheese storage duration | Hard cheese: weeks to a month; semi-soft cheese: several weeks; soft cheese: less than two weeks |
| Cheese storage tips | Wrap cheese in vinegar-soaked cheesecloth or paper towel before storing in plastic, regularly replace the towel, use surgeon's gloves when handling cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Soak cheesecloth in vinegar to prevent mould
Cheesecloth is a gauze-like fabric designed for cheesemaking and has a variety of uses in the kitchen. It is traditionally used to separate solid cheese curds from liquid whey.
To prevent mould when storing cheese, you can soak a cheesecloth in vinegar. Vinegar is naturally anti-fungal due to its acetic acid content, which gives it antifungal and antibacterial properties. The acetic acid in vinegar has a pH level of 2.5, which is highly acidic and makes the environment less hospitable to mould growth.
To use this method, soak a cheesecloth in vinegar and wring it out until it is almost dry. Wrap the cheese in the cheesecloth and then place it in an airtight container or resealable bag. This will help to keep the cheese mould-free.
It is important to note that this method may not be suitable for fresh or soft cheeses with high moisture content, such as ricotta, fresh mozzarella, and cottage cheese. These types of cheeses are more susceptible to mould growth, and it is recommended to consume them more quickly.
Additionally, while vinegar can help prevent mould, it is important to store cheese properly. Cheese should be kept in the refrigerator, preferably in the vegetable compartment, and wrapped in aluminium foil or waxed paper. Harder cheeses will last longer than softer ones, with semi-soft cheeses falling somewhere in between.
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Wrap cheese in cheesecloth
Wrapping cheese in cheesecloth is a great way to store cheese for longer periods. Cheesecloth is a gauze-like fabric designed for cheesemaking, with a loose, open-woven style that allows liquid drainage while holding solid substances. It is traditionally used to separate solid cheese curds from liquid whey during the cheesemaking process.
To wrap cheese in cheesecloth, start by cutting a piece of cheesecloth that is slightly larger than the cheese you wish to store. It is important to ensure that the cheesecloth is clean before use. Some cheesecloths are single-use, while others are reusable. If your cheesecloth is reusable, rinse it with warm water immediately after each use to prevent stains from setting in. You can also soak it in a mixture of water and baking soda for 30 minutes to remove any stubborn food debris. Finally, boil the cheesecloth in water for 5 minutes to sterilize it and remove any lingering bacteria.
Once your cheesecloth is clean and dry, you can begin wrapping your cheese. Place the cheese in the centre of the cheesecloth and bring the edges together, ensuring that the cheese is completely covered. You can secure the cheesecloth with a piece of string or twine, or simply tie the ends of the cloth together.
For even better preservation, you can soak the cheesecloth in distilled vinegar before wrapping your cheese. Vinegar acts as a natural barrier against mold and will help keep your cheese fresh for longer. However, be careful not to use too much vinegar, as it may affect the taste of your cheese.
After wrapping your cheese in cheesecloth, you can store it in the refrigerator. Place it in the vegetable or crisper drawer at the bottom of the appliance, where it will maintain a cold, stable temperature. Properly wrapped and chilled, hard cheeses like Parmesan and Cheddar can stay good for several weeks. Remember to regularly check your cheese and replace the cheesecloth as needed to ensure optimal freshness.
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Store cheese in the refrigerator
Storing cheese in the refrigerator is a tricky business. Cheese is best stored at temperatures between 40 and 50° F, which is why the top shelf of your refrigerator is likely too cold. Instead, store your cheese in a drawer, such as the cheese or vegetable drawer, as these areas are usually a little warmer. An alternative method is to keep your cheese in a large Tupperware container, which will help maintain a stable temperature.
Before storing your cheese in the refrigerator, it is important to wrap it properly. Cheesecloth can be used to wrap cheese, but it should be combined with another wrapping to prevent the cheese from drying out. You can also try dousing the cheesecloth with vinegar to prevent mould from growing on the cheese. After wrapping your cheese in cheesecloth, wrap it in plastic wrap, wax paper, or a ziplock bag. If you are using plastic wrap, be aware that it should be replaced with new wrapping once it has been unwrapped.
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Clean and reuse cheesecloth
Cheesecloth is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for straining liquids, wrapping herbs and spices, and making cheese, butter, and yogurt. To ensure that it can be safely reused, it is important to clean and maintain it properly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean and reuse cheesecloth:
Step 1: Rinse Immediately
Right after using the cheesecloth, rinse it thoroughly under hot water to remove any debris and food particles. This initial rinse will make the subsequent cleaning process much easier.
Step 2: Soak and Wash
Soaking is essential for removing stubborn stains and dislodging particles. You can soak the cheesecloth in a basin with warm water and a mild detergent for a few minutes. Alternatively, for extra sterilization, you can soak it in a mixture of ½ cup (90 g) baking soda and 1 gallon (3.75 L) of water, and then boil the water for about 5 minutes.
After soaking, gently squeeze out the excess water. If you intend to wash the cheesecloth by hand, you can use a mild detergent or dish soap and gently wash the cloth. Rinse it well to ensure that all detergent residue is removed.
For machine washing, place the cheesecloth in a mesh laundry bag to prevent snagging or tearing. Wash it on a delicate cycle with hot water and mild detergent. Then, give it an extra rinse with cold water to ensure it is completely clean.
Step 3: Dry
There are two methods for drying cheesecloth: air-drying and machine-drying. For air-drying, hang the cheesecloth in a well-ventilated spot until it is completely dry. This is the gentlest method and will prevent shrinkage.
If you opt for machine-drying, use the dryer on a low or no-heat setting, and remove the cheesecloth promptly once it is dry to avoid over-drying. High heat should be avoided as it can weaken the fabric's fibers, leading to shrinkage, tearing, and distortion.
Step 4: Fold and Store
Once the cheesecloth is completely dry, fold it neatly two or three times until it forms a small square or rectangle. Store it in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight plastic bag or container, until you are ready to use it again.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean and reuse your cheesecloth, reducing waste and saving money. Remember to always check the label or packaging of your cheesecloth, as some are designed for single use only, and may break down after a few washes.
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Use cheesecloth for food preparation
Cheesecloth is a gauze-like fabric designed for cheesemaking, but it has many other uses in the kitchen. Its open-weave style allows liquid drainage while holding solid substances.
One of the most common uses of cheesecloth in food preparation is straining. You can use it to strain yoghurt to make Greek yoghurt or labneh. To do this, lay a cheesecloth on a colander and place the colander in a large mixing bowl. Scoop the yoghurt into the cheesecloth and tie the top shut with a piece of string or twine. Allow the yoghurt to strain until it reaches the desired consistency, up to three days. The strained liquid, known as whey, can be saved for smoothies.
Cheesecloth is also excellent for straining liquids and separating liquids from solids. You can use it to make smooth nut milk and custards. It can also be used to wrap leftover citrus fruit slices. Cover the exposed flesh with the cloth and tie the ends with twine or a rubber band around the fruit's skin. The cheesecloth will prevent seeds from entering the juice when you squeeze the fruit.
You can also use cheesecloth for baking, food storage, and even printmaking. Some cheesecloths are single-use, while others are reusable. To clean a reusable cheesecloth, rinse it with warm water immediately after each use, soak it in a baking soda solution, and then sterilise it by boiling it in water for five minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
To store cheese using cheesecloth, first soak the cheesecloth in vinegar and wring it out so it's almost dry. Then, wrap the cheese in the cheesecloth and place it in a plastic wrap or ziplock bag.
Cheese stored using cheesecloth can last for several weeks. However, it's important to regularly replace the cheesecloth to prevent mold growth.
There are single-use and reusable cheesecloth options available. Reusable cheesecloth can be cleaned by rinsing with warm water, soaking in baking soda, and sterilizing with boiling water.
Cheesecloth allows cheese to breathe and maintains humidity, preventing it from drying out. It also helps to prevent mold growth, especially when soaked in vinegar.
