Bushra Griffith
Cheese is primarily made of coagulated milk solids, or curd, and contains water and fats. When cheese is left out at room temperature, the fat within its protein chains loosens, allowing butterfat to leech out and bead on the surface. This phenomenon is also observed in packaged cheese, where condensation in a cold environment can cause the cheese to become soggy. In addition, prepackaged cheese can develop moisture due to its natural production process, and the clear liquid observed is whey, which is safe to consume.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why does cheese get wet? | Cheese has moisture in it, and when it gets warm, it begins to "sweat" and release moisture on its surface. |
| How to prevent cheese from getting wet? | Keep cheese wrapped when you pull it out of the fridge, and only unwrap it right before serving. |
| How to address whey? | Blot it up with a paper towel or a napkin. |
| How to prevent cheese from getting soggy? | The colder you can keep it, the less likely it will be to get soggy. |
| Is it safe to eat wet cheese? | Yes, it's safe to eat. |
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What You'll Learn
Why does cheese get wet?
Cheese is made up of coagulated milk solids, or curd. In solid form, the fat is held together within an interlocking web of protein chains. When cheese is brought to room temperature, the protein chains loosen, allowing the butterfat to leech out and bead on the surface of the cheese. This phenomenon is more common in hard cheeses, especially aged sheep milk cheeses, which have the highest butterfat content.
Cheese that has been sitting out for a while may develop a sweaty coating. This can be prevented by keeping cheese wrapped when stored in the fridge and only unwrapping it right before serving. The cheese wrapper can absorb the leeching butterfat. If beading still occurs after unwrapping the cheese, its surface can be blotted with a paper towel.
If cheese is pulled from the refrigerator too early, it may appear shiny. To avoid this, it is recommended to remove the cheese from the refrigerator about an hour to an hour and a half before serving.
Cheese that has been shredded and sealed in a bag may also appear wet and gooey in some spots due to the cheese sweating and releasing moisture on its surface. This is more likely to occur if the bag is left out at room temperature for too long. In a sealed bag, the moisture may collect in certain spots due to the anti-clumping starches used to coat pre-shredded cheese.
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Is wet cheese safe to eat?
Wet cheese is generally safe to eat. There are several reasons why cheese may be wet, and it is usually safe to consume unless there are other signs that the cheese has gone bad.
Cheese can develop moisture due to its natural production process, and this moisture can sometimes seep out after the cheese has been packaged. This liquid is whey, which is safe to eat and is a natural part of the ageing process for mature cheddars and other aged cheeses. In addition, cheese is made up of coagulated milk solids or curds, and when it is brought to room temperature, the fat can loosen and leech out, causing beading on the surface of the cheese. This can be more common if the cheese is taken out of the refrigerator too early.
If the cheese has been sitting out, it may also be "sweating" due to a change in temperature. This can be more likely to occur in shredded cheese due to the anti-clumping starches used, which can collect moisture in certain spots. However, as long as there is no unusual smell, colour, or mould, the cheese is most likely safe to eat.
It is important to use your senses to assess whether cheese is safe to eat. If the cheese looks, smells, and tastes fine, it is probably safe. However, if there are alarming changes in appearance, such as black mould or a "bad smell", it is best to avoid eating the cheese.
To prevent cheese from getting too wet, it can be kept wrapped in the refrigerator and only unwrapped just before serving. Freezing cheese can also help to prevent moisture, but it may affect the quality and melting ability of the cheese.
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How to prevent cheese from getting wet
Cheese is a living thing, and its condition depends on the individual cheese, its environment, and how well it is cared for. Some cheeses can be stored out of refrigeration, but if you want to prevent your cheese from getting wet, it's best to keep it chilled.
If you buy cheese in a sealed bag, it's best to transport it in a cool bag or cooler, especially if your journey is a long one. This will prevent the cheese from getting warm and sweating, which can cause moisture to collect in spots and make the cheese wet and mushy.
To avoid leftover cheese getting wet, it's best to buy small quantities that you can eat within a week. If you do have leftovers, you can freeze cheese, but make sure to keep it sealed properly and not to defrost it too fast.
If you're storing cheese in the fridge, it's best to keep it in an airtight container. This will help to regulate moisture and prevent the cheese from drying out or becoming slimy. It's also a good idea to wrap the cheese in waxed paper or special cheese paper, which will allow the cheese to breathe while also retaining some moisture.
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What to do with wet cheese
If your cheese has gotten wet, the first thing to do is not to panic. Cheese is a living thing, and its window of "good" versus "no longer good" depends on several factors, including its environment and how well it is cared for.
Firstly, it is important to determine why your cheese is wet. If your cheese has been sitting out for a while, it may have formed dew drops on its surface due to the fat in the cheese being brought to room temperature, allowing it to leech out and bead on the surface. In this case, you can simply blot the surface of the cheese with a paper towel or napkin before consuming it.
If your cheese has gotten wet due to condensation or "sweating" in its packaging, it is also generally safe to consume. This is especially true for shredded cheese, which can get soggy in the fridge due to condensation and slight temperature variations. Simply ensure that the cheese passes the "sniff test", shows no signs of unusual mold, and was purchased from a trustworthy source.
To prevent your cheese from getting soggy in the future, try to keep it as cold as possible, even freezing it if you plan to store it for a long period. However, keep in mind that freezing may affect the melting and aesthetic qualities of the cheese.
Additionally, you can keep your cheese wrapped until just before serving, as the wrapper can absorb the leeching butterfat. If you are purchasing shredded cheese, look for brands that use anti-clumping starches, as these can help prevent the cheese from becoming wet and mushy.
In summary, while a little moisture on your cheese is generally safe, it is important to use your senses to evaluate the cheese's appearance, smell, and taste before consuming it. If something seems off, it is better to discard the cheese than risk food poisoning.
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Why does pre-shredded cheese get wet?
Pre-shredded cheese often gets wet due to the addition of anti-caking ingredients, such as starch or cellulose, by the manufacturer. These ingredients help keep the individual shreds from clumping together during transit and storage. Common anti-caking agents include potato starch, corn starch, tapioca starch, powdered cellulose, and calcium sulfate.
However, these anti-caking agents can sometimes lead to moisture release and the formation of wet spots in the cheese packaging. This can occur when the sealed bag of cheese gets warm, causing it to "sweat" and release moisture onto its surface. The anti-clumping starches then absorb this moisture, resulting in soggy or wet cheese. Additionally, slight temperature variations can cause the shreds to stick together, forming a globby mass.
To prevent pre-shredded cheese from getting wet, it is recommended to keep it as cold as possible, even freezing it. Lower temperatures reduce the likelihood of the cheese getting soggy. However, freezing may affect the melting and aesthetic qualities of the cheese.
Some people choose to rinse their pre-shredded cheese to remove the anti-caking ingredients, believing it improves melting and creaminess. However, others argue that washing the cheese does not make a significant difference in the final product. Ultimately, the decision to rinse or not depends on personal preference and any food sensitivities to the anti-caking ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's normal for cheese to get wet. Cheese contains moisture, water, and fats. When cheese is left out at room temperature, the fat loosens, allowing the butterfat to leech out and bead on the surface of the cheese.
Wet cheese is safe to eat. The liquid that appears is whey, which is produced naturally during the cheese-making process.
To prevent your cheese from getting wet, keep it wrapped when you pull it out of the fridge, and only unwrap it right before serving.
If your cheese is wet, simply blot it with a paper towel or napkin before eating it.
