Kamil Perry
Cheese is a beloved food item, but it can be tricky to store. The best place for cheese in the fridge is in a drawer, where the temperature is colder and more stable. This keeps the cheese from drying out. Wrapping cheese in wax or parchment paper, then adding a layer of plastic wrap, can help maintain moisture levels and prevent the cheese from absorbing other flavours in the fridge. For soft cheeses, a tightly sealed container is best. Freezing cheese is also an option, especially for cooking, but this may affect the taste.
Where to put cheese in the fridge
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of container | Airtight container, Tupperware, ziplock bag, plastic wrap, wax paper, specialty cheese paper, plastic bag, glass container |
| Type of cheese | Hard, semi-hard, soft, semi-soft, blue cheese |
| Placement in the fridge | Vegetable crisper, drawer, freezer |
| Other considerations | Avoid strong-smelling foods, label the cheese, prevent mould |
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What You'll Learn
Wrapping and sealing cheese
For hard cheeses, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or aged Gouda, it is recommended to wrap them in wax or parchment paper. Then, add an extra layer of protection by wrapping them in plastic wrap. This helps maintain moisture and keeps the cheese from drying out. Place the wrapped cheese in the refrigerator's vegetable crisper drawer, where the temperature is cold and stable.
Semi-hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Swiss, and Gruyere, should be handled similarly. Wrap them in plastic wrap or specialty cheese paper, ensuring that the cheese is completely covered. Then, place them in the crisper drawer. Aim to consume these cheeses within 7 to 10 days for optimal freshness.
Soft and semi-soft cheeses, like goat cheese, Camembert, and Brie, have a high moisture content. For these varieties, consider wrapping them in cling wrap or plastic wrap, then placing them in a sealed container in the fridge. This will help prevent the cheese from drying out and maintain its texture.
If you want to store cheese for a longer period, consider freezing it. Cut the cheese into manageable pieces and wrap them individually in plastic wrap or wax paper. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer bag or airtight container before placing them in the freezer. When needed, take out the desired amount and defrost it gently.
Additionally, some people suggest using vinegar to deter mould. You can soak a paper towel or napkin with vinegar and wrap it around the cheese before placing it in a ziplock bag or container. This may help extend the shelf life of your cheese.
Remember to always use fresh wrapping materials and to label the cheese with the type and date of purchase. This will help you monitor the freshness of your cheese and ensure you consume it within a safe timeframe.
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Placement in the fridge
When storing cheese in the fridge, it is important to consider the type of cheese and its water content. Soft and semi-soft cheeses like goat, Camembert, and Brie have a high water content. For these types of cheeses, it is recommended to use a tightly sealed container to prevent them from drying out. Placing them in the vegetable crisper drawer of the fridge can also help maintain a stable temperature and humidity level.
Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, and Gruyere, can be wrapped in plastic wrap or specialty cheese paper and then placed in the crisper drawer. These cheeses should be consumed within 7 to 10 days for optimal taste and quality. Alternatively, they can be vacuum-sealed and frozen to extend their shelf life.
Hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano and aged Gouda have a longer shelf life and can be stored in the fridge for three to four weeks. These cheeses can be wrapped in wax or parchment paper, then sealed in plastic wrap, and placed in the fridge drawer. Freezing hard cheeses is also an option, but it is recommended to cut them into manageable pieces first.
Regardless of the type of cheese, it is important to prevent strong odours from affecting the flavour of the cheese. Storing cheese in an airtight container or sealed bag can help achieve this. Additionally, labelling the cheese with the type and date of purchase can help you keep track of its freshness.
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Preventing mould
Cheese is a dairy product, which makes it a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mould. To prevent mould, it is important to store cheese at the proper temperature and humidity. The American Cheese Society recommends storing cheese at temperatures between 35°F and 45°F (2°C to 7°C). The ideal humidity level for cheese is slightly higher than that of a typical refrigerator, so it is best to store cheese in the crisper drawer.
To prevent mould, it is also important to use the correct wrapping material. Cheese needs to breathe, so it is best to avoid using plastic wrap or airtight containers. Instead, use wax or parchment paper, then loosely cover it with plastic wrap or place it in a resealable plastic bag with some air inside. For the best possible package, surround the wax or parchment paper with aluminium foil. Change the wrapping periodically if you don’t use up the cheese right away.
Another way to prevent mould is to 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. If mould starts to grow, it will be on the oil, not the cheese itself. Then, you can just wipe it off with a paper towel and rinse it under lukewarm water.
For hard cheeses with a low moisture content, such as Parmesan, Pecorino, and aged Cheddar, you can use a clean paper towel dipped in white vinegar to dampen the cheese block and then wrap it in plastic. The vinegar's acidity slows down mould growth without affecting the flavour. However, for softer cheeses, this method can cause sogginess or texture changes.
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Maintaining moisture
Maintaining the right amount of moisture is key to keeping cheese fresh. The harder the cheese, the less moisture it has, and the longer it will last. Softer cheeses like feta, Brie, and Gorgonzola have higher moisture content and will spoil more quickly. Firm cheeses like aged cheddar and Parmesan have lower moisture content and will last longer.
To maintain the right amount of moisture, it is important to store cheese in a way that allows it to breathe. Plastic wrap should be avoided as it cuts off the air supply, essentially suffocating the cheese. Instead, use specialty cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper, which provide airflow and humidity. These types of paper are porous, allowing moisture to wick but not totally escape. Wrap the cheese in paper and then loosely wrap it in plastic to protect it from the flavours of the fridge. Alternatively, place the wrapped cheese in a Ziploc bag, ensuring there is still some air in the bag.
For soft, creamy cheeses like goat cheese, mozzarella, and ricotta, it is best to keep them in their original containers or in a resealable container. This will help to maintain the right amount of moisture and prevent spoilage. If the cheese is in a brining solution, change the solution every few days or if it becomes contaminated.
For harder cheeses, it is important to maintain moisture to prevent them from drying out. If storing in the fridge for a long period, wrap the cheese in wax paper or parchment paper, then place it in an airtight container. This will help to regulate moisture and prevent the cheese from drying out.
Additionally, the location of the cheese in the fridge can impact moisture levels. The drawers in the refrigerator have the most consistent temperature and humidity, so cheese won't dry out. The bottom drawer is the best option as it has the highest humidity.
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Cheese storage containers
There are various types of cheese storage containers available, including those made from stainless steel, plastic, and silicone. Some containers are designed specifically for sliced cheese, while others are more versatile and can store blocks of cheese or shredded cheese. Most containers are airtight with a lid, and some even have a built-in slicer for easy and uniform slicing.
When using a cheese storage container, it is important to note that cheese should be wrapped first. The type of wrapping depends on the cheese. Hard cheeses can be wrapped in wax or parchment paper, then a layer of plastic wrap, while soft and semi-soft cheeses with high moisture content, like goat, Camembert, and Brie, should be wrapped in specialty cheese paper, which lets the cheese breathe and prevents it from drying out.
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Frequently asked questions
It’s best to keep cheese in a drawer in the fridge. Drawers are warmer and more humid, so the cheese won't dry out.
Wrap hard cheese in wax paper, parchment paper, or cheese paper, then add a layer of plastic wrap and place it in the fridge drawer.
Soft cheeses should be stored in a tightly sealed container like Tupperware.
Fresh cheese like mozzarella or feta can be left in its original packaging, but change the water every couple of days.
The lifespan of cheese depends on the variety. Hard cheeses last longer than soft cheeses. A block of hard, aged cheese can last three to four weeks, while soft cheeses should be used within 7 to 10 days.
