Randy Chandler
It is not uncommon for cheese to get wet, and this can happen due to various reasons. For instance, if the cheese has been sitting out for a while, its protein chains loosen at room temperature, allowing butterfat to leech out and bead on the surface. This phenomenon is also observed when a sealed bag of cheese is left out, causing it to sweat and release moisture. In the case of prepackaged cheese, moisture can accumulate due to the natural production process, and in aged cheeses, the liquid that escapes is often whey, a byproduct of the aging process. While the appearance of wet cheese may be unappealing, it is generally safe to consume, and there are ways to mitigate the issue, such as keeping the cheese wrapped until serving or blotting the surface with a paper towel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why cheese gets wet | When cheese is left out at room temperature, the protein chains loosen, allowing butterfat to leech out and bead on the surface. This is more common in hard cheeses with high butterfat content, such as aged sheep milk cheeses. |
| What to do if cheese gets wet | If the cheese is unopened and wet, it is safe to eat. The liquid is usually whey, a natural byproduct of the aging process. Simply blot the surface with a paper towel before consuming. To prevent beading, keep the cheese wrapped until serving and avoid pre-slicing. |
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What You'll Learn
Don't panic, wet cheese is often safe to eat
Don't panic—wet cheese is often safe to eat! Firstly, it's important to understand why cheese gets wet. Cheese is made up of coagulated milk solids or curd, and when it's brought to room temperature, the protein chains loosen, allowing butterfat to leech out and bead on the surface. This is a natural process and is more likely to occur with hard cheeses, especially aged sheep milk cheeses, which have the highest butterfat content.
If your cheese feels wet when you open it, don't worry. That's whey, a clear liquid that can sometimes seep out of aged cheeses as part of the aging process, and it's perfectly safe to eat. Simply blot it with a paper towel and enjoy your cheese as usual. You may also notice white crystals on your cheese, which are also safe to consume and are an indicator of a complex, aged flavor.
However, if your cheese is pre-shredded and has developed wet spots, it could be due to anti-clumping starches collecting moisture in certain spots. While this is usually safe, if the cheese smells off or has been left out in high temperatures, it's best to discard it.
In general, when it comes to determining whether cheese is safe to eat, use your senses of sight, smell, and taste. If the cheese has mold, an unpleasant smell, or an extremely bitter taste, it's best to throw it out. Otherwise, it's likely safe to consume, even if it's a bit wet.
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Blot the cheese with a paper towel
If your cheese has gotten wet, the first thing to do is not to panic. It is quite common for cheeses to develop moisture due to their natural production process, and this moisture is usually safe to consume. In fact, the liquid is often whey, which is a byproduct of the cheese-making process and is perfectly safe to consume.
If you are concerned about the moisture, one simple solution is to blot the cheese with a paper towel. This will help to absorb the excess moisture and restore the cheese to a more appealing, dry state. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Take a clean, absorbent paper towel and place it on a flat surface.
- Gently place the cheese on the paper towel, being careful not to apply too much pressure.
- Let the cheese sit on the paper towel for a few seconds to allow the towel to absorb the moisture.
- Carefully flip the cheese over and blot the other side.
- Repeat the process with a new paper towel if necessary, until the cheese is dry to the touch.
By blotting the cheese with a paper towel, you can effectively remove the excess moisture without compromising the quality or taste of the cheese. This technique is simple, quick, and effective, making it a go-to solution for wet cheese.
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Avoid hard cheeses, opt for fresh or semi-soft
If you want to avoid the shine of dew drops on the surface of your cheese, it is best to avoid hard cheeses. Hard cheeses, especially aged sheep milk cheeses, have the highest butterfat content. When brought to room temperature, the fat within the cheese loosens, allowing the butterfat to leech out and bead on the surface.
Fresh cheeses and bloomies are a good alternative, as they are less prone to this condition. Semi-soft cheeses, including washed rinds and blues, are also less inclined to shine. These cheeses have lower butterfat content, reducing the likelihood of beading.
If you are serving cheese at a party or event, it is advisable to keep the cheese wrapped until just before serving. The wrapper can absorb the leeching butterfat, preventing the cheese from becoming too shiny. If beading still occurs, you can blot the cheese's surface with a paper towel.
Additionally, it is best not to pre-slice or portion the cheese. While the outside may show beading, the inside will likely be unaffected, ensuring each slice looks fresh. Instead, put out smaller pieces more frequently, so large wedges aren't left sitting out for extended periods.
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Keep cheese wrapped until serving
If you want to keep your cheese wrapped until serving, it is important to know the right way to wrap and store it. Cheese is a living, breathing thing, and closing it off from air is one of the worst things you can do to it. Wrapping cheese directly in plastic wrap is not recommended as it cuts off the air supply, leading to wet, mouldy, wasted cheese. Plastic wrap also has a taste, and it takes just a day for that flavour to start making its way into the cheese.
The best way to store cheese is to use specialty cheese paper, which provides airflow and humidity, keeping the cheese healthy and happy. Alternatively, wrap the cheese in parchment or waxed paper, then loosely in plastic wrap or a plastic bag. This method provides breathability for the cheese without drying it out. Make sure to leave some air in the bag so that the cheese has plenty of oxygen and humidity.
It is also important to note that the smaller the piece of cheese, the faster it will go bad. Therefore, it is recommended to buy small quantities of cheese more frequently, so you don't have to store it. Hard cheeses like Cheddar can last a couple of weeks or more if properly wrapped and chilled, while softer cheeses like Brie should be eaten within a few days.
Additionally, if you are serving cheese at a party or event, it is best not to pre-slice or portion the cheese. This way, even if the outside shows beading, the inside won't, and each new slice will look great.
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Buy smaller quantities to avoid leftovers
If you're tired of your cheese getting wet, you might want to consider buying smaller quantities to avoid having leftovers. This way, you can enjoy your cheese at its best and reduce the chances of it getting soggy. Here are some tips to help you do that:
Firstly, understand that cheese is made up primarily of coagulated milk solids, or curd. It contains water as well as fats, and when it gets too warm, it can start to "sweat," releasing moisture on its surface. This is why buying smaller quantities can help, as you'll be able to finish the cheese before it has a chance to get too warm and sweaty.
When purchasing cheese, opt for fresh cheeses, bloomies, and semi-soft cheeses such as washed rinds and blues. These varieties are less prone to developing a shiny coating. Stay away from hard cheeses, especially aged sheep milk cheeses, which have a high butterfat content and are more likely to get wet.
Instead of buying one large block of cheese, consider purchasing several smaller pieces. This way, you can open a new piece when you've finished the previous one, ensuring that each portion is enjoyed at its peak. It also helps to keep the cheese wrapped until just before serving to minimise air exposure and slow down the release of moisture.
If you're buying pre-shredded cheese, be aware that it often contains anti-clumping starches that can collect moisture in specific spots, making it wet and gooey. Again, buying smaller quantities can help reduce this issue, as you're more likely to finish the cheese before it has a chance to get too warm.
Finally, consider your shopping habits and how often you can get to the store. If you can shop more frequently, you can buy smaller quantities of cheese that you can consume within a shorter time frame. This way, you'll always have fresh cheese on hand and reduce the chances of it getting wet.
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Frequently asked questions
If your cheese gets wet, it is most likely due to the cheese warming up and the liquids expanding more quickly than the solids. This is perfectly natural and safe to eat. Simply blot the cheese with a paper towel or napkin and consume as normal.
Cheese contains water and fats, and when it is exposed to warmer temperatures, it will begin to "sweat", releasing moisture on its surface. This is more common in pre-shredded cheese due to the anti-clumping starches used.
Yes, wet cheese is safe to eat. The liquid that appears is whey, which is a natural part of the cheese-aging process. However, if the cheese is moldy or smells off, it is best to discard it.
To prevent your cheese from getting wet, keep it wrapped in its original packaging until you are ready to serve it. This will help absorb any moisture. You can also try to buy smaller quantities of cheese so that you don't have large amounts left over.
