Kamil Perry
Blue cheese is a beloved delicacy, but how should it be served? While refrigeration is common, some cheeses can be stored at room temperature. Soft cheeses, like blue cheese, have a higher moisture content, making them more susceptible to bacterial growth and therefore should be consumed within a few days if kept at room temperature. However, serving cheese too cold can compromise its flavour, as cooler temperatures can hinder the flavours that our taste buds can detect. So, what is the best way to serve blue cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ideal temperature | 67-70°F (20°C) |
| Taste | Compromised when served cold |
| Texture | Compromised when served warm |
| Storage | Store in the fridge to extend shelf life |
| Storage temperature | 35-45°F (1.7-7.2°C) |
| Humidity | High humidity (at least 80%) |
| Time | Bring to room temperature 1-1.5 hours before serving |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Blue cheese should be brought to room temperature before serving
- Blue cheese should be removed from its packaging and re-wrapped
- Blue cheese should be stored in the fridge to extend its shelf life
- Blue cheese should be stored in a high-humidity environment
- Blue cheese can be frozen to be preserved indefinitely
Blue cheese should be brought to room temperature before serving
Blue cheese likes to be stored in a high-humidity climate, ideally, at least 80% humidity to keep the cheese paste fresh. The Cheese Grotto is a good option for storing blue cheese as it self-regulates high humidity and has a breathable back panel, allowing a gentle circulation of fresh air around the cheese. It is also important to note that the colder the blue cheese is, the longer it will stay fresh. Therefore, if your goal is to keep your blue cheese for as long as possible, it is best to store it in the fridge.
When storing blue cheese in the fridge, it is recommended to wrap it in cheese paper or bee's wrap and place it in a more humid section of the fridge, such as the vegetable drawer, to prevent it from drying out. It is also important to note that blue cheese should not be stored in plastic as it can start to suffocate. Instead, it should be wrapped in parchment paper, foil, or waxed paper.
In terms of food safety, the type of cheese makes a difference. Softer cheeses, like brie and gorgonzola, should only be left out for a maximum of four hours before returning to the refrigerator. It is also important to follow the specific storage instructions provided by the cheese manufacturer or retailer.
Blue Cheese and Tuna: A Match Made in Heaven?
You may want to see also
Blue cheese should be removed from its packaging and re-wrapped
When storing blue cheese, it is important to maintain a high humidity level of at least 80%. This can be achieved by placing the wrapped cheese in a humid section of the fridge, such as the vegetable drawer. If using a traditional cheese dome, ensure that the dome is lifted to allow fresh air to reach the cheese.
Blue cheese can be stored at room temperature, but it will not last as long as when refrigerated. Room temperature is considered to be between 67 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). At this temperature, the cheese will provide the best texture and flavor, as it allows humans to detect a wider range of tastes and smells. However, higher temperatures can cause soft cheeses to ripen too quickly, so consumption within a few days is recommended.
When serving blue cheese, it is generally recommended to bring it to room temperature for the best flavor and texture. This can be achieved by removing the cheese from the refrigerator one to one and a half hours before serving, while still keeping it covered to prevent dehydration. For food safety, softer cheeses should only be left out for a maximum of four hours before returning to the refrigerator.
Blue Cheese Superfood Status: Is It Deserved?
You may want to see also
Blue cheese should be stored in the fridge to extend its shelf life
Blue cheese is a beloved treat for many, but it can be tricky to store. While some cheeses can be stored at room temperature, blue cheese is best kept in the fridge to extend its shelf life.
Firstly, it is important to note that blue cheese is a soft cheese, which means it has a higher moisture content. This makes it more susceptible to bacterial growth, and it can quickly turn bad. Soft cheeses are best stored at temperatures between 35-45°F (1.7-7.2°C). They can be kept at room temperature (60-70°F or 15-21°C), but only for a few days. Higher temperatures will cause soft cheeses to ripen too quickly. If you are keeping blue cheese at room temperature, it should be consumed within a few days.
To extend the shelf life of blue cheese, it is best to store it in the fridge. The colder the cheese is, the longer it will stay fresh. The ideal temperature range for cheese storage is between 35-40°F (1.7-4.4°C). If you are storing blue cheese in the fridge, it should be wrapped properly to prevent moisture build-up, which can cause rapid degradation and the growth of inedible pinkish bacteria. It is recommended to rewrap blue cheese every time you use it, using parchment paper, foil, or cheese paper. The cheese should be placed in the more humid section of the fridge, like the vegetable drawer, to prevent it from drying out.
If you are planning to serve blue cheese, it is best to take it out of the fridge about an hour before serving to allow it to come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture. This will also prevent dehydration at the edges, which can affect the texture.
In summary, blue cheese should be stored in the fridge to extend its shelf life. Proper wrapping and storage temperatures are crucial to maintaining the quality and freshness of blue cheese.
Blue Cheese vs Roquefort: Which Has a Stronger Flavor?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Blue cheese should be stored in a high-humidity environment
Maintaining high humidity helps to regulate moisture levels in blue cheese. When the surrounding air is humid, water is less likely to evaporate from the cheese, preventing the cheese from drying out and becoming crumbly. This is particularly important for blue cheese, as it contains blue or green moulds, such as Penicillium roqueforti, that grow within the cheese and on its surface.
A high-humidity environment supports the development of these moulds by keeping the cheese moist. The moulds penetrate the cheese, creating the characteristic blue veins and contributing to its strong, tangy flavour. Additionally, the moisture helps maintain a soft and creamy texture, enhancing the rich, spicy taste that blue cheeses are renowned for.
To achieve the desired humidity levels when storing blue cheese, specialised containers like the Cheese Grotto are recommended. The Cheese Grotto self-regulates humidity through the use of a clay brick humidifier and a breathable back panel, ensuring a constant supply of fresh air around the cheese. This design prevents moisture from becoming trapped on the cheese's surface, which can lead to the growth of unwanted bacteria and rapid degradation of the cheese.
When storing blue cheese, it is also essential to consider the wrapping material. Avoid using plastic wrap, as it can cause the cheese to suffocate. Instead, opt for breathable materials like parchment paper, foil, or cheese paper. Additionally, it is recommended to rewrap the cheese each time it is used to prevent moisture buildup and ensure proper ventilation.
Blue Cheese and SCD: What's the Legal Verdict?
You may want to see also
Blue cheese can be frozen to be preserved indefinitely
Blue cheese is a tricky type of cheese to store. Its delicate cheese paste with pierced blue veining makes it more susceptible to oxidation and loss of surface moisture. If you want to preserve your blue cheese indefinitely, freezing it is a good option.
Freezing blue cheese can help to extend its shelf life and slow down the rate of fermentation. To freeze blue cheese, it is recommended to wrap it in aluminium foil, paper towels, or a loose zipper-lock bag before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label the container with the date and consume the cheese within a few months for the best quality.
When you are ready to consume the frozen blue cheese, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours at room temperature. It is important to note that freezing blue cheese may alter its texture and flavour, making it more crumbly and dry. Some people choose to remove the outer layer of the cheese after thawing to improve its taste and texture.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that while freezing can preserve the cheese indefinitely, it is recommended to consume it within a reasonable period for the best quality. Proper wrapping and storage are crucial to maintaining the quality of the cheese during freezing and thawing.
Blue Cheese: When It's Bad and How to Tell
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese should be served at room temperature, ideally between 67 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range provides the best texture and flavor. Cool temperatures can compromise the flavors that our taste buds can detect.
Blue cheese should be taken out of the fridge about an hour to an hour and a half before serving. This will allow the cheese to reach room temperature throughout.
Blue cheese should be stored in a climate with high humidity, ideally at least 80%. It should be wrapped in cheese paper or bee's wrap and placed in the more humid section of the fridge, such as the vegetable drawer. If stored on the counter, it should be kept in a traditional cheese dome, ensuring the dome is lifted to allow fresh air to reach the cheese.
