Randy Chandler
Shredded cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to top off salads, stuffed inside burgers, or melted into a delicious bowl of pasta. But how do you store it to keep it fresh for longer? The best way to store shredded cheese is to place it in an airtight container or a ziplock bag and keep it in the fridge. If you're storing freshly shredded cheese, it's best to use it within 2-3 days. Pre-shredded cheese usually lasts about 5 days in the fridge and can be frozen to last longer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Store shredded cheese in a Ziploc bag, an airtight container, or the package it came in, sealed tightly |
| Moisture | Cheese continuously expels moisture as it ages, so it's important to prevent it from drying out too quickly |
| Mold | Surface mold is generally not a problem, but new mold on shredded cheese may pose a contamination risk and cannot be safely removed |
| Fridge | Store cheese in the coolest and darkest part of the refrigerator |
| Freezing | Freeze shredded cheese leftovers at the end of the week |
| Shelf life | Pre-shredded cheese usually has a short fridge life of about 5 days |
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What You'll Learn
Storing shredded cheese in the freezer
When preparing shredded cheese for freezing, it is recommended to shred only the amount of cheese you believe you will use at a later date. Shredded cheese is more susceptible to mould, and freezing prolongs its shelf life, so shredding a large amount at once may not be ideal.
To store shredded cheese in the freezer, place the shredded cheese in an airtight, resealable plastic freezer bag. You can also use a freezer-safe container, ensuring the container is not filled to the brim to allow for expansion during freezing. It is important to remove as much air as possible from the bag or container before sealing. Then, seal the bag or container and place it in the freezer.
When you are ready to use the shredded cheese, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw. It is best to thaw shredded cheese in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before use. This allows the cheese to regain moisture lost during the freezing process. Alternatively, you can leave the frozen shredded cheese at room temperature for about 20 minutes to thaw.
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Using an airtight container
Shredded cheese can be stored in an airtight container. This method is preferred over plastic wrap, parchment paper, and zip-top bags. While plastic wrap can be used, it is not ideal as it traps moisture against the surface of the cheese, leading to the growth of mould and the development of unpleasant flavours. Parchment paper, on the other hand, can cause the cheese to dry out and become crumbly.
Airtight containers, such as Tupperware or zip-top bags, are effective in prolonging the shelf life of shredded cheese. They help regulate moisture levels, preventing the cheese from drying out too quickly while also minimising the risk of mould growth. It is important to note that moisture trapped inside containers can still promote mould growth, so it is recommended to store cheese in the coolest and darkest part of the refrigerator to slow down the release of moisture and delay spoilage.
When using an airtight container, it is advisable to shred only the amount of cheese needed for the next 2-3 days. This reduces the likelihood of mould contamination and ensures the cheese is consumed at its freshest. Storing shredded cheese in an airtight container can help maintain its quality and flavour for a longer duration.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that pre-shredded cheese often contains additives and has a shorter fridge life of about 5 days. Therefore, shredding your own cheese is recommended for enhanced flavour and to avoid any unwanted additives. By shredding and storing cheese in an airtight container, you can optimise its freshness, flavour, and longevity.
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Using a ziplock bag
Shredded cheese can be stored in a ziplock bag. This method is convenient if you want to shred a large block of cheese all at once and store it for later use.
To use this method, grate the desired amount of cheese and then pack the shreds into a ziplock bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it tightly. This will help to prevent the cheese from drying out and will also keep it fresh for longer.
It is recommended to store the ziplock bag of shredded cheese in the freezer, especially if you plan on keeping it for more than a few days. Frozen shredded cheese can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before use. This method can also be used to freeze blocks of cheese, which can then be shredded straight from the freezer when needed.
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The best way to store different types of cheese
The best way to store cheese depends on its type, moisture content, and texture.
Hard Cheeses
Hard cheeses, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano and aged Gouda, have low moisture content and can be stored by wrapping them in wax or parchment paper, then adding a layer of plastic wrap. They should be placed in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator, where the temperature is cold and stable. A block of hard, aged cheese can last three to four weeks. Once opened, shredded hard cheeses can last up to a month in the fridge.
Soft and Semi-Soft Cheeses
Soft and semi-soft cheeses, such as goat cheese, Camembert, and Brie, have a high moisture content. They should be stored in a resealable plastic container in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Soft and semi-soft cheeses should be consumed within a week.
Fresh Cheeses
Fresh cheeses, such as mozzarella and Feta, have not been aged or pressed in molds. They should be stored in their original packaging, and the water should be changed every few days. Fresh cheeses can last between 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator. If the original packaging is not resealable, fresh cheeses can be transferred to a plastic container or bag. However, it is important to note that plastic wrap can cause cheese to dry out and affect its flavour.
Crumbled Cheeses
Cheeses that are crumbled, such as blue cheese, often come in airtight plastic tubs, which are ideal for storage. Blue cheese crumbles can last for about a week in the refrigerator but can also be frozen for later use.
Shredded Cheeses
Freshly shredded cheese can be stored in a Ziploc bag or airtight container. It is recommended to shred only the amount of cheese needed for the next 2-3 days, as shredded cheese has a shorter fridge life of about 5 days. Pre-shredded cheese should be stored in its original packaging, tightly sealed, to prevent the shreds from drying out.
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How long shredded cheese lasts
The shelf life of shredded cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, moisture content, storage method, and whether it is purchased pre-shredded or shredded at home.
Pre-shredded cheese bought from stores usually lasts longer than shredded cheese at home. This is because shredding cheese at home can introduce contaminants that shorten its shelf life. Pre-shredded cheese is also often coated in cellulose to prevent sticking, which can extend its shelf life.
Hard cheeses like Parmesan, Swiss, and cheddar have a lower moisture content and higher salt content than soft cheeses, making them last longer. Once opened, hard cheeses can last at least three to four weeks in the refrigerator when properly stored. Soft cheeses, on the other hand, have a higher moisture content, making them more perishable. They typically last around a week in the fridge.
To extend the shelf life of shredded cheese, it is important to store it properly. This includes using breathable paper, such as wax paper or cheese paper, to wrap the cheese, followed by sealing it in an airtight container like a Tupperware or Ziploc bag. It is also recommended to store cheese in the coolest and darkest part of the refrigerator.
Additionally, it is important to watch out for mould. While surface mould can generally be removed, mould on shredded, soft, or very soft cheeses can pose a contamination risk and should be discarded. An unpleasant ammonia smell is also an indication that the cheese has gone bad.
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Frequently asked questions
To store shredded cheese, place it in an airtight, resealable plastic freezer bag and freeze it for up to three months. You can also store pre-shredded cheese in the package it came in, tightly sealed, to prevent the cheese shreds from drying out.
Pre-shredded cheese has a short fridge life, lasting about 5 days.
Leftover feta cheese should be stored in the brine it comes in. If kept this way, feta usually lasts for about a month. If you don't have enough brine, you can coat the cheese in olive oil.
