Kamil Perry
Cheese paper is a type of specialised paper used to wrap and store cheese. It is designed to be permeable to moisture and allow oxygen exchange, which is ideal for all cheese types. Cheese paper is traditionally used by retailers throughout Europe to package and preserve cheese. The paper is usually wax-coated, creating a semi-permeable barrier that allows for slight moisture exchange and prevents the cheese from drying out. The standard size for cheese roll paper ranges from 12 to 36 cm in width, and the length ranges from 750 to 1500 inches in one roll.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main component | Calcium carbonate |
| Material | Paper |
| Source of paper | Sustainable forests |
| Coating | Wax, paraffin, Polyethylene, cellulose-based grease proof coating |
| Size | 11" x 14" |
| Sheets per pack | 10, 15 |
| Biodegradable | Yes |
| Recyclable | Yes |
| Breathable | Yes |
| Maintains humidity | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese paper is made of calcium carbonate
Cheese paper is a revolutionary product that is primarily made of calcium carbonate, which is the main component of egg shells. This material is 100% recyclable and allows cheese to breathe while being packaged. It also helps to restrict bacterial growth on the surface, allowing cheese to be stored for longer and at higher quality in the refrigerator.
Janet Fletcher, a cheese storage expert, has endorsed cheese paper made of calcium carbonate. She mentions that this material is reusable and recyclable, and she intends to relaunch it for the holiday season.
Cheese paper made of calcium carbonate is typically sold in packs of 10 to 15 sheets, with standard sizes ranging from 11" x 14" to 9.85" x 13.75". The sheets are designed to be permeable to moisture and allow oxygen exchange, which is ideal for all cheese types. This prevents the cheese from drying out and maintains optimal humidity.
Cheese paper made of calcium carbonate is a great option for storing cheese and can be purchased from companies like Saxelby and Formaticum. It is a significant improvement over plastic wrap and wax paper, as it provides the necessary porosity and breathability for cheese storage.
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It is recyclable and biodegradable
Cheese paper is recyclable and biodegradable. Formaticum's Zero cheese paper, for example, is made of a unique compostable, biodegradable, recyclable, plastic-free material. It is made of paper sourced from certified sustainable forests and has a cellulose-based and grease-proof coating. This coating is porous to oxygen, making it ideal for packaging aged cheeses and charcuterie.
Formaticum's wax-coated cheese paper is also recyclable. It is made of food-grade plastic and is free of chemicals. This paper is also clear and plastic-free, allowing for moisture and oxygen exchange. This feature makes it ideal for all cheese types.
Cheese paper made of calcium carbonate is also 100% recyclable. Calcium carbonate is the main component in eggshells. This type of cheese paper allows cheese to breathe while packaged and naturally restricts bacterial growth on the surface.
Cheese paper is also biodegradable. For example, Formaticum's wax-coated paper is biodegradable and is made of food-grade plastic. This type of cheese paper is also free of chemicals and allows for oxygen exchange.
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It is designed to be permeable to moisture
Cheese paper is designed to be permeable to moisture to maintain optimal humidity, preventing the cheese from drying out. The paper is made to be porous, allowing oxygen exchange and enabling the release of gases like ammonia. This feature is essential for keeping cheese fresh and preventing mold growth.
The permeability of cheese paper is achieved through the use of specific materials and coatings. Some cheese papers are made from cellulose and have a grease-proof coating, while others are wax-coated or use paraffin. These coatings create a semi-permeable barrier that allows for slight moisture exchange, ensuring the cheese retains the right amount of moisture.
The breathability of cheese paper is a key factor in its design. It allows the cheese to "breathe," which is crucial for maintaining freshness and flavor. This breathability also helps regulate humidity, ensuring the cheese is neither too moist nor too dry. By allowing gas exchange and controlling moisture loss, cheese paper creates an ideal environment for cheese storage.
The importance of using the right type of paper for cheese storage cannot be overstated. While plastic wrap may seem like a convenient option, it can negatively impact the quality of the cheese. Low-density polyethylene, for example, is not commonly used for food packaging because it can affect the flavor of fatty foods like cheese. Cheese needs porosity, and cheese paper provides that necessary permeability.
Cheese paper is specifically designed to meet the unique storage requirements of cheese. Its moisture permeability helps maintain the right balance of humidity, preventing drying out while also allowing for gas exchange. This combination of features contributes to the extended shelf life and preservation of flavor that cheese paper provides.
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It allows oxygen exchange
Cheese paper is designed to allow oxygen exchange, which is essential for maintaining the freshness and quality of cheese. Oxygen exchange helps regulate humidity, preventing the cheese from drying out while also ensuring it does not become too moist. This controlled environment allows cheese to age optimally and prolongs its shelf life.
The paper's breathability is achieved through its porous or semi-permeable nature, allowing the exchange of moisture and gases. This characteristic is particularly important for cheese storage as it needs some porosity. The inner layer of cheese paper is typically coated with paraffin, which absorbs moisture from the cheese, while the outer layer is made of micro-perforated polypropylene paper, enabling gas exchange and controlled moisture loss.
The wax coating on cheese paper plays a crucial role in achieving the desired oxygen exchange. This coating creates a semi-permeable barrier that allows for slight moisture exchange, preventing the cheese from drying out. The wax coating also enables the release of gases, such as ammonia, which can build up during the aging process.
Additionally, cheese paper is often made with sustainable and biodegradable materials. For example, Formaticum's Zero cheese paper is a compostable, biodegradable, and recyclable product made from paper sourced from certified sustainable forests. It features a cellulose-based and grease-proof coating, ensuring that it is porous to oxygen, which is ideal for aged cheeses.
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It is better than plastic wrap
Cheese paper is a far superior alternative to plastic wrap for storing cheese. Firstly, cheese needs to breathe, and plastic wrap acts as a full barrier, whereas cheese paper is designed to be permeable to moisture and allow for oxygen exchange. This porosity is essential for maintaining the freshness and flavour of the cheese, as it regulates humidity, preventing the cheese from drying out or becoming too moist.
Cheese paper is also better for the environment than plastic wrap. For example, Formaticum's Zero cheese paper is a premium, unique compostable, biodegradable, recyclable, and plastic-free material. It is made from paper sourced from certified sustainable forests and has a special cellulose-based and grease-proof coating. Similarly, Saxelby cheese paper is made primarily of calcium carbonate, the main component in egg shells, and is 100% recyclable.
Cheese paper is also more versatile than plastic wrap. It comes in different sizes, from 11" x 14" sheets to rolls ranging from 12 to 36 cm in width and 750 to 1500 inches in length. This variety allows for customisation based on the type and size of cheese being stored. Additionally, cheese paper can be used for other foods besides cheese, such as charcuterie, making it a more versatile option than plastic wrap.
Finally, cheese paper is specifically designed for cheese storage, whereas plastic wrap is a general-purpose food storage solution. Cheese paper takes into account the unique needs of cheese, such as breathability and humidity control, resulting in better cheese preservation and flavour retention. As a result, cheese enthusiasts worldwide have rejoiced over the availability of cheese paper for home use, recognising its advantages over plastic wrap for storing their beloved cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese paper is made of paper, sourced from certified sustainable forests, and coated with wax. The wax coating creates a semi-permeable barrier that allows for slight moisture exchange and prevents the cheese from drying out. The paper is also coated with a special cellulose-based and grease-proof coating that is porous to oxygen, making it ideal for packaging aged cheeses.
Cheese paper is designed to keep cheese fresh and tasting its best for longer. It does this by allowing the cheese to breathe and maintaining optimal humidity, preventing the cheese from drying out. Cheese paper is also used to regulate humidity, ensuring the cheese does not become too moist or too dry.
Cheese paper can be purchased online from retailers such as Amazon and Formaticum. It is also available from specialist cheese retailers such as Saxelby Artisan Cheese.
