Kamil Perry
Cheese wax, which comes in every colour of the rainbow, is used to preserve cheese by creating a seal that keeps mould and bacteria out. While red is one of the most common colours of cheese wax, along with yellow and black, the colour doesn't change the cheese's composition or flavour. Red wax is often used to coat Gouda, Edam, and cheddar cheeses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Sealing cheese to lock mould and bacteria out while keeping the cheese fresh |
| Composition | Paraffin-based |
| Properties | More durable than regular paraffin wax or beeswax; flexible; does not peel or crack |
| Application | Brushing on or dipping |
| Colour | Any colour, but most commonly red, yellow, or black |
| Cheese types coated with red wax | Gouda, Edam, Cheddar |
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What You'll Learn
Red wax is used for cheeses like Red Wax Gouda, Edam, and cheddar
Red wax is commonly used for cheeses like Red Wax Gouda, Edam, and cheddar. Red Wax Gouda, a Dutch cheese that originated in the 12th century, is coated with red wax to prevent it from drying out. The cheese is made from whole cow's milk and is dried for a few days before waxing. Similarly, Edam, another Dutch semi-hard cheese, is also often coated in red wax. Both Gouda and Edam are known for their mild flavor and smooth, firm texture, and they are frequently recommended for similar wine and food pairings.
Cheddar, a mild semi-hard cheese with a creamy texture, is another variety that is commonly coated in red wax. The wax color is used to distinguish young cheddar, which is typically packaged in red wax, from aged cheddar, which is often coated in black wax. Black wax is often used to indicate the age of a cheese, and many cheesemakers use it for their older products.
Cheese wax, including red wax, is specifically designed for preserving cheese. It acts as a seal to keep mold and bacteria out while maintaining the freshness of the cheese. Cheese wax is paraffin-based, but it is formulated to be more durable and flexible than regular paraffin wax, which tends to be crumbly and brittle. To apply cheese wax, cheesemakers typically use a brushing or dipping technique, and two or three coats are standard to ensure adequate protection from mold and ultraviolet light.
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Wax colour doesn't change the cheese's composition or flavour
Cheese wax comes in a variety of colours, including red, yellow, black, purple, and green. The colour of the wax is chosen by the cheese company and does not indicate the type of cheese underneath. For example, red wax is commonly used for Gouda, Edam, and young Cheddar, while black wax is often used for older Cheddar. However, there are no official meanings associated with cheese wax colours, and companies have free rein to use whatever colour they prefer.
The most common method of applying cheese wax is by hand-dipping the cheese into the melted wax. This creates a uniform surface and a clean-looking shell. The wax colour should be opaque to ensure that it is thick enough to protect the cheese from ultraviolet light. Clear wax is sometimes used as a base coat before applying the coloured wax.
Consumers can reuse cheese wax by melting it and either storing it for later use or reusing it immediately. Properly waxed cheese can last for years, but once the wax coating is removed, the cheese should be refrigerated to retain flavour and prevent mould.
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Clear wax is often used as a base coat before applying coloured wax
Cheese wax, including red cheese wax, is paraffin-based. It is used to preserve cheese and protect it from mould and bacteria. While any colour of wax can be used to coat any type of cheese, red, yellow, and black are the most common. For example, red wax is often used to coat young cheddar, while black wax is used for aged cheddar. Red wax is also used for cheeses like Gouda and Edam.
In other contexts, such as automotive detailing, a clear coat is also often applied before waxing. The clear coat protects the coloured paint and creates shine. It also helps to "hide" light swirls and scratches in the paint, making the colour pop. Applying wax over the clear coat provides additional protection against external elements such as bird droppings and water spots.
When applying wax, it is important to follow the instructions provided with the product. For example, when waxing a car, it is recommended to wash and dry the vehicle before waxing and to avoid waxing in direct sunlight or during the heat of the day.
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Wax seals the cheese, locking out mould and bacteria
Cheese wax comes in a variety of colours, including red, yellow, and black, and can be applied to any type of cheese. The colour of the wax does not alter the flavour or composition of the cheese. Typically, red wax is used to coat younger cheddars, while black wax is used for older cheddars. Wax can be applied to cheese in one of two ways: brushing or dipping. When applying wax, it is important to ensure that the cheese is at room temperature and that the wax is melted at a low heat of around 210°F. Two thin coats of wax are recommended, with the first layer hardening before the second is applied.
The wax coating helps to keep the cheese fresh by creating a seal that locks out mould and bacteria. This seal also protects the cheese from ultraviolet light, which can cause deterioration. A properly waxed cheese wheel will have an opaque coating, indicating that the wax is thick enough to provide adequate protection.
Some cheeses, such as Babybel, use two layers of wax for added protection. The inner layer of wax is clear, while the outer layer is red. However, reusing wax from store-bought cheeses is not recommended due to the risk of contamination.
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Babybel cheese uses two layers of wax
Cheese wax is a special type of wax designed to preserve cheeses. It works as a seal, preventing mould and bacteria from forming while keeping the cheese fresh. While it comes in every colour of the rainbow, the most common colours are red, yellow, and black. The colour of the wax does not affect the cheese's composition or flavour.
The wax used for Babybel cheese is a mixture of paraffin and microcrystalline waxes, which are safe to ingest and free from harmful chemicals like Bisphenol. It is also cheap to produce, fully recyclable, and biodegradable, making it a sustainable option. The wax coating allows Babybel cheese to last up to six months in the refrigerator, providing long-term preservation.
While the wax is safe to ingest, it is not recommended for consumption due to its taste. Babybel cheese is a miniaturised version of Edam cheese, known for its semi-hard texture and mildly sweet, nutty flavour. The wax coating helps to preserve the cheese's freshness and flavour, ensuring that consumers can enjoy a high-quality product.
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Frequently asked questions
Red cheese wax is made from paraffin-based wax. It is used to preserve cheese and prevent it from drying out.
Red wax is commonly used to coat gouda, edam, and cheddar cheeses.
The cheese wax is first melted at a low heat of 210°F. It is then applied to the cheese at room temperature through brushing or dipping. Two thin layers of wax are typically used, with the first layer being allowed to harden before the second is applied.
![[Pack of 3] Dutchmark Red Wax Gouda Cheese – Semi-Firm, Nutty, and Mellow Flavor – Aged 4 Weeks, Imported from Holland – Perfect for Snacking, Cheese Boards, and Pairing with Wine – Ship Refrigerated with Express Mail and Ice Packs - Approx 3 Pound Each](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51U95vt9gwL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
