Cheese Connoisseurs: Unwrapping The Mystery Of Wax-Covered Cheeses

Cheese wax is a special type of wax used to coat cheeses and prevent unwanted mould growth while retaining moisture. It comes in a variety of colours, with red, yellow and black being the most common. While the colour of the wax doesn't change the cheese's composition or flavour, it can be used to indicate the age of the cheese. For example, young cheddar is often coated in red wax, while black wax usually indicates aged cheese. One of the most well-known red-waxed cheeses is Gouda, a semi-hard Dutch cheese with a mild, nutty flavour. Other cheeses that are commonly coated in wax include cheddar, Parmesan, and Edam.

Waxed cheese is coated to prevent unwanted mould growth and retain moisture

Wax is a common coating for many types of cheese, from Gouda to cheddar. It is used as a protective layer to prevent unwanted mould growth and to retain moisture in the cheese.

Wax is a highly effective sealant, creating a barrier that locks out bacteria and mould while keeping the cheese inside fresh. It is typically made from paraffin, a petroleum-based solid, but it differs from standard paraffin wax in that it is softer and more pliable. This means it can be easily peeled away from the cheese without cracking or crumbling. Cheese wax is also more durable than beeswax, another natural alternative.

Application

Cheese wax is applied by either brushing or dipping. Brushing involves using a natural bristle brush to coat the cheese evenly, while dipping involves submerging the cheese into melted wax, creating a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing finish. Both methods require multiple coats to ensure an airtight seal.

Colour

Cheese wax comes in a variety of colours, from red to purple, and even festive colours like bright green for St. Patrick's Day. The colour of the wax is purely aesthetic and does not affect the cheese's composition or flavour. The choice of colour is usually left to the cheese company, although certain traditional cheeses are associated with specific colours, such as red wax for Gouda or black wax for aged cheddar.

Reuse

After enjoying the cheese, the wax can be reused. Simply melt it down, strain it through a cheesecloth to remove any remaining cheese, and it's ready to use again. This wax can be used for a variety of purposes, including sealing jars and bottles, as a fire starter, or even for creating your own wax seals.

Cheese wax is made from paraffin, microcrystalline waxes, and colouring

Cheese wax is a special kind of wax used to preserve cheese. It acts as a seal, preventing mould and bacteria from entering while keeping the cheese inside fresh. It is made from paraffin, microcrystalline waxes, and colouring.

Paraffin is derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale. It is often colourless and has a low melting point. In addition to cheese wax, paraffin is used in candles, crayons, waterproofing products, sports equipment, spa treatments, and protection for produce.

Microcrystalline wax is also derived from petroleum, specifically crude oil. It has a smaller crystal structure than paraffin wax, making it more viscous and flexible. It is used in health and grooming products, cosmetic products, grease thickeners, sports equipment, adhesives, and as an additive to other waxes.

The colouring used in cheese wax can be any colour of the rainbow, from red to purple. The colour of the wax does not change the cheese's composition or flavour. The choice of colour is typically up to the cheese company and how they want to package their product. For example, red wax provides a striking contrast to yellow or white cheese.

Cheese wax can be applied in two ways: brushing it on or dipping the cheese into it. Both methods effectively preserve the cheese, but dipping creates a more uniform surface, resulting in a cleaner-looking shell.

Wax colour doesn't change the cheese's composition or flavour

Cheese wax is a special type of wax used to preserve cheese. It works as a seal to prevent unwanted mould and bacteria from growing on the cheese while retaining its moisture. While cheese wax is paraffin-based, it is better suited for preserving cheese than regular paraffin wax, which is crumbly and brittle. Cheese wax is also more durable than beeswax.

Cheese wax comes in a variety of colours, from red to purple, and any colour of wax can be used to coat any type of cheese. The most common colours are red, yellow, and black. However, the colour of the wax does not affect the cheese's composition or flavour. The choice of wax colour is typically up to the cheese company and how they want to package their product.

For example, red wax is often used to coat young cheddar, while black wax is commonly used for aged cheeses like Parmesan or mature cheddar. Some cheeses, like Gouda, are known for their red wax coating, while others, like cheddar, may be coated in red or black wax depending on their age.

While the wax colour does not impact the cheese's flavour, it can be used to indicate the age or type of cheese. Additionally, festive colours can be used to coordinate with holidays or special occasions.

Waxed cheeses include Gouda, Edam, and Cheddar

Gouda, a Dutch cheese dating back to the 12th century, is often coated in red or yellow wax. It has a mild, nutty flavour and a smooth, creamy texture. Similarly, Edam, another Dutch cheese, is also coated in red or yellow wax. It has a mild, smooth, and firm texture. Due to their similarities, Gouda and Edam often have the same recommended wine and food pairings.

Cheddar is another variety of cheese that is commonly coated in wax, particularly red wax for young cheddar and black wax for aged cheddar. Cheddar ranges from pale yellow to bright orange in colour, with a mild, semi-hard, and creamy texture. As cheddar ages, it becomes crumblier, developing a sharper, nuttier flavour, and salt crystals form in the cheese, making it saltier.

Cheese wax can be reused to seal jars and bottles, as a firestarter, or to wax homemade cheese

Cheese wax is a specialty wax used for preserving cheese. It is typically made from paraffin wax, microcrystalline waxes, and colouring. While the wax is coloured, this is purely for aesthetic reasons and does not indicate the type of cheese. The wax is soft and pliable, and can be peeled away from the cheese without cracking or crumbling.

Once you have finished your cheese, you can reuse the wax for a variety of purposes. Here are some ideas:

Seal jars and bottles

If you have a bottle or a jar with a lid that you would like to reseal, you can use cheese wax. Melt the wax in a metal pan or canister. Once melted, carefully dip the closed bottle or jar into the wax to re-seal the top.

Firestarter

The oil found inside the wax is great for sustaining flames, making it a perfect substitute for dry kindling or for camping trips. Simply melt the wax and roll it into several small balls to help start fires in wood burners.

Wax homemade cheese

If you or someone you know is making their own hard cheese, you can melt the wax down and use it to coat your own cheesy creations. Once melted, strain it through a cheesecloth to remove any remaining bits of cheese to ensure it is clean.

Frequently asked questions