Frederic Melton
There are several ways to keep cheese from getting mouldy, including the use of specific wrapping materials, storage methods, and preservatives. The type of cheese also determines the best preservation method, with different approaches for hard and soft cheeses. Some people advocate for plastic wrappings, while others suggest alternatives such as wax paper, parchment paper, cheese paper, or cheesecloth. Freezing cheese is also a popular method, although it can affect the texture of the cheese, making it crumble when sliced.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wrapping Material | Parchment paper, wax paper, cheese paper, plastic wrap, cheesecloth, tin foil, plastic bags, freezer bags, food-grade plastic gloves, cheese storage bags, cheese domes, cheese storage containers |
| Wrapping Technique | Wrap tightly, seal in a loose plastic bag, partially seal plastic bag, grate or shred before storing, store in a freezer-safe bag, store in an airtight container, wrap in wax |
| Other Techniques | Clean refrigerator regularly, use separate cutting boards and knives for different cheeses, monitor humidity levels, use a vinegar solution, rub the cut faces of the cheese with oil, cut large blocks into smaller portions, wrap individually, store at the appropriate temperature |
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What You'll Learn
Parchment paper and wax paper
Wrapping cheese in parchment paper or wax paper is a good way to keep it fresh and prevent mould. Firstly, it is important to unwrap cheese from its original packaging, especially if it is plastic, to prevent suffocation and negative effects on taste and texture. Parchment paper and wax paper are porous, so they protect the cheese from air exposure while still allowing it to breathe. They also provide a moisture barrier.
However, they offer good breathability but less moisture control compared to cheese paper. If you are using parchment or wax paper, it is recommended to then seal the wrapped cheese in a loose plastic bag or a dedicated cheese storage bag. This will help to keep excess moisture at bay.
It is also important to change the wrapping periodically if you don't use up the cheese right away. You can also use greaseproof paper or baking paper, and then put it in a Tupperware container. If you are using wax paper, you can wrap the cheese tightly and store it in a freezer Ziploc bag.
Some people suggest freezing cheese to prolong its life, but this can affect its texture. Hard cheeses will last twice as long if they are tightly wrapped before freezing, but once frozen, hard cheeses cannot be sliced, and will crumble when thawed.
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Plastic wrap and bags
If you want to use plastic wrap, it is best to use it in combination with another material that allows the cheese to breathe, such as wax or parchment paper. First, wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper, then loosely cover it with plastic wrap or place it in a resealable plastic bag with some air inside. This will help keep the cheese from drying out while still allowing it to breathe.
Another option is to use a dedicated cheese storage bag, which is designed to allow the cheese to breathe while protecting it from excessive moisture or air exposure. These bags can be reused, making them a more environmentally friendly option than plastic wrap.
When storing cheese in the freezer, it is important to use freezer-friendly plastic and bags. Hard cheeses can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. This will help to extend the life of the cheese and keep it fresh.
Overall, while plastic wrap and bags can be used to store cheese, it is important to use them in combination with other materials that allow the cheese to breathe and protect it from moisture.
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Cheese bags and cheese paper
Formaticum is a well-known manufacturer of cheese bags and cheese paper. Their products are made from a two-ply material consisting of wax-coated paper and a thin porous polyethylene plastic. This allows moisture to wick but not totally escape, keeping the cheese fresh. Formaticum's cheese bags have been found to last up to two weeks longer than homemade cheese wraps.
If you can't find or don't want to buy cheese paper, you can wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper and then put it in a partially sealed plastic bag. This will help protect the cheese from air exposure while still allowing it to breathe. It's important to change the wrapping periodically if you don't use up the cheese right away.
Overall, cheese bags and cheese paper are a great investment for anyone looking to keep their cheese fresh and mould-free. By allowing the cheese to breathe and protecting it from excessive moisture, these storage methods can help extend the life of your cheese.
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Freezing cheese
Wrapping and Storing Cheese for Freezing
Before freezing, it is essential to wrap the cheese tightly to prevent air exposure. Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan or cheddar, can be wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. Alternatively, you can use wax paper or parchment paper designed for cheese preservation, which allows the cheese to breathe while protecting it from excess moisture. Ensure that the cheese is sealed tightly before placing it in the freezer.
Thawing and Using Frozen Cheese
When you are ready to use the frozen cheese, remove it from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator. Do not try to slice hard cheeses after thawing, as they will crumble. Instead, use the thawed cheese for recipes that require shredded or crumbled cheese. Frozen cheese is perfect for dishes like salads or omelettes, where you need crumbled cheese.
Other Tips for Freezing Cheese
- Freeze cheese in portion-sized pieces: Consider pre-slicing or shredding the cheese into portions before freezing. This minimises handling and helps keep the cheese fresh for longer.
- Label the wrapping: Always label the cheese with the type and date of freezing. This helps you keep track of freshness and ensures you consume the cheese within a safe timeframe.
- Use food-grade plastic gloves: When handling cheese, minimise direct contact with your hands to prevent the transfer of bacteria that can encourage mould growth.
- Freeze larger pieces and shred as needed: If you buy cheese in bulk, you can freeze the large blocks and shred the amount you need, returning the rest to the freezer.
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Other storage methods
Some other methods to store cheese and prevent mould include:
- Using a vinegar solution: dip a paper towel in white vinegar and wipe the cut surfaces of the cheese before storing.
- Using food-grade plastic gloves or plastic wrap to handle the cheese.
- Using cheese bags or cheese paper to store cheese. It is porous, protecting the cheese from air exposure while still allowing it to breathe.
- Using wax paper or parchment paper to wrap the cheese, then sealing it in a loose plastic bag or a dedicated cheese storage bag.
- Using tin foil, which doesn't wrap as tightly as plastic wrap, thus slowing down mould growth.
- Freezing cheese: for harder varieties like Parmesan or cheddar, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and store them in the freezer.
- Using a cheese dome or specialised cheese storage container.
- Storing cheese in the refrigerator at the appropriate temperature.
- Monitoring humidity levels in the storage area (aiming for 80-85% for most cheeses).
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese paper is the best wrapping material for storing cheese as it is porous, allowing the cheese to breathe while protecting it from air exposure. If you can't find cheese paper, you can use wax or parchment paper, then loosely cover it with plastic wrap or place it in a resealable plastic bag with some air inside.
To prevent mould from growing on your cheese, you can rub the cut faces of the cheese with a light coat of olive, canola or another vegetable oil, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also use a vinegar solution by dipping a paper towel in white vinegar and wiping the cut surfaces of the cheese before storing it.
To keep your cheese fresh, store it in the refrigerator at the appropriate temperature and monitor humidity levels (aiming for 80-85% for most cheeses). You should also clean your refrigerator regularly to prevent mould spores and use separate cutting boards and knives for different types of cheese.
