Bushra Griffith
Freezing cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life, but it is important to use the right materials to wrap it. While plastic wrap is convenient and transparent, it can cause cheese to spoil faster and even develop a slimy rind. Aluminum foil is a popular alternative, but it is not ideal for long-term storage as it can react with the acids and salts in the cheese, imparting a metallic taste. The best way to freeze cheese is to use a combination of parchment paper and aluminum foil. The parchment paper creates a barrier, while the foil keeps everything in place during freezing. This method can preserve cheese for up to a month.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Foil is not the best option for storing cheese
While foil is often used to wrap and freeze cheese, it is not the best option for storing this dairy product.
Firstly, foil does not provide an ideal barrier for cheese. When storing cheese, it is important to limit oxygen to prevent the growth of mycelia and spores, which can cause discoloration and a degraded taste. Foil is not airtight, and therefore does not effectively limit oxygen or create an optimal barrier for cheese. Other materials, such as special cheese paper, parchment paper, or beeswax wraps, are better suited for this purpose as they create a more effective barrier.
Secondly, foil can negatively impact the texture and consistency of the cheese. When cheese is frozen, it is important to retain its moisture to maintain its original texture and consistency. Foil does not allow for adequate airflow or breathability, which can result in a mushy texture upon thawing. This makes the cheese unsuitable for slicing, grating, or crumbling, limiting its culinary applications.
Additionally, foil can be cumbersome and wasteful. It is not always easy to wrap cheese tightly in foil, and reusing foil can be unhygienic and ineffective. Other storage options, such as reusable bags or containers, offer more convenience and sustainability.
Furthermore, foil can affect the flavor of the cheese. Certain cheeses, like blue cheese, are wrapped in foil to limit oxygen and control the replication of mycelia and spores, which contribute to their unique flavor. However, foil can also trap odors and affect the overall taste of the cheese, especially if it is stored for extended periods.
Lastly, foil may not be the safest option for food storage. While it is generally considered safe, some health concerns have been raised about the potential transfer of foil particles to the cheese, especially when used for extended periods or at high temperatures.
In conclusion, while foil is a commonly used option for wrapping and freezing cheese, it is not the best choice for maintaining cheese's optimal texture, flavor, or freshness over time. Alternative storage methods, such as vacuum sealing, using special cheese paper, or storing in glass containers, are more effective and preferable for preserving cheese.
Cheese's Culinary Trinity: Appetizer, Main, Dessert
You may want to see also
Foil can be used to wrap hard, low-moisture cheeses for a few days
When it comes to storing cheese, the goal is to balance airflow and humidity to prevent the cheese from drying out, becoming soggy, or developing mould. While plastic wrap is convenient and transparent, it can cause cheese to spoil faster as it does not allow the cheese to breathe, leading to wet, mouldy cheese. Plastic wrap can also impart an unpleasant plastic taste to the cheese.
To effectively use foil for short-term storage, wrap the cheese tightly in foil, ensuring no part of the cheese is exposed. If the cheese weighs more than 1.5 kg, it is recommended to first wrap it in a damp cheesecloth or other cloth before wrapping it in foil. It is important to note that once the cheese is unwrapped, the foil should be discarded, and new foil should be used if wrapping the cheese again.
For longer-term storage, it is recommended to use parchment paper or wax paper, which allows the cheese to breathe and prevents additional moisture. The cheese can then be wrapped in foil to help keep everything in place. This method can preserve the cheese for about a month.
Additionally, freezing cheese is an option to extend its shelf life. When freezing cheese, it is essential to portion it before freezing to thaw only what is needed, as freezing and thawing can affect the texture and increase the risk of moisture imbalance. To freeze cheese, wrap it in parchment paper followed by foil, or use a vacuum sealer, which can preserve the cheese for up to two months.
Cheese Spread: A Quick Pasta Sauce
You may want to see also
Vacuum sealing is a good method to preserve cheese
Vacuum sealing is a preferred method of freezing cheese as it virtually eliminates contact with the surrounding air and allows cheese to be frozen for the longest time. Vacuum sealing can preserve cheese for up to two months, whereas the parchment and foil method will keep the cheese for only one month.
Vacuum sealing is not recommended for all types of cheese. It is not suitable for soft-ripened cheeses such as Brie, which should be wrapped in cheese paper, kept in the fridge, and enjoyed within about seven days. Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan and Cheddar, are more suitable for vacuum sealing as they have a longer shelf life and mould does not penetrate as far into the cheese.
It is important to note that the cost of vacuum sealer bags can be high and may lead to excess plastic waste. Additionally, once vacuum-sealed cheese is unwrapped, it should be discarded and the cheese should be wrapped in new packaging.
Velveeta Cheese Dip: Quick, Easy, and Delicious!
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Insulation Sandwich Wrapping Paper Aluminum Foil Sheets - [50 Pack] - (14" x 10.3") - Aluminum Foil Sandwich Wrap Sheets For Sandwich Wraps, Burritos and BBQ](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71sFeYs9zFL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Freezing cheese changes its texture
Freezing cheese is a great way to make it last longer and save it from going bad. However, it's important to note that freezing cheese will likely change its texture. This is because cheese generally retains moisture, and its water and fat content will form ice crystals when frozen. These ice crystals can damage the protein structure of the cheese, and both fat and protein contribute to the texture of the cheese.
The texture change is more noticeable in softer cheeses due to their higher moisture content, which results in more ice crystals forming. As a result, freezing softer cheeses can significantly damage their structure, and they may become a pool of undesirable liquid when thawed. So, it's best to buy and serve soft cheeses fresh and freeze semi-firm to firm cheeses instead.
Hard block cheeses, such as Parmesan, cheddar, and Monterey Jack, are ideal for freezing due to their low moisture content. While freezing can still make these cheeses more crumbly, mealy, and difficult to slice, they will continue to melt just fine. Therefore, they are perfect for cooking or baking recipes, such as lasagna, rather than serving on a charcuterie board.
To minimize texture changes, it's essential to properly thaw frozen cheese. Allowing the cheese to slowly thaw in the refrigerator helps retain moisture, improving texture and consistency. It's also crucial to avoid refreezing, as this can make the cheese overly crumbly. Portioning the cheese before freezing is also recommended, so you only thaw the amount of cheese you need, reducing the risk of moisture imbalance or spoilage.
The Magic of Vegetarian Enzymes in Cheesemaking
You may want to see also
Cheese should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its quality
When storing cheese in the refrigerator, it is important to wrap it properly. Plastic wrap can be used to rewrap cheese after opening, but it should not be used as the primary wrapping as it is not a good barrier against oxygen, odours, and moisture. This can cause the cheese to spoil faster and take on an unpleasant taste or smell. Additionally, if left wrapped in plastic for too long, the cheese can suffocate and become slimy-rinded and discoloured.
Other wrapping options for cheese include wax paper, parchment paper, cheese paper, and aluminium foil. Wax paper and parchment paper allow the cheese to breathe and prevent additional moisture. Cheese paper is also effective but tends to be more expensive. If using aluminium foil, it is recommended to wrap the cheese first in wax paper or parchment paper, or cheesecloth, as foil is not a good barrier against oxygen, dryness, excess moisture, mould, and off-flavours. Foil can also react with the acids and salts in some cheeses, imparting a metallic taste.
To further extend the shelf life of cheese, it can be frozen. Freezing cheese can be done using a vacuum sealer, which eliminates contact with surrounding air, or by wrapping the cheese tightly in parchment paper followed by aluminium foil. It is important to note that freezing and thawing cheese can affect its texture, and previously frozen cheese may become overly crumbly. Therefore, it is recommended to portion the cheese before freezing so that only the necessary amount is thawed for consumption.
Cheese Board: A Tasty Way to Display Delicacies
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can freeze cheese, although some types freeze better than others. Cheese intended to be used for cooking will freeze better than cheese meant to be served on its own.
You can use a vacuum sealer, which is the preferred method as it eliminates contact with the surrounding air and allows cheese to be frozen the longest. If that's not an option, you can use parchment paper followed by aluminium foil.
It is best to thaw frozen cheese in the refrigerator. Place it on a flat plate or surface, ideally wrapped or in an airtight container, and give it about 12 hours to thaw. It is best to eat the cheese after it has been thawed and not to refreeze it.
Some alternatives to foil for wrapping cheese include plastic wrap, cheese paper, waxed paper, glass containers, and beeswax reusable wraps.
![Insulation Sandwich Wrapping Paper Aluminum Foil Sheets - [150 sheets] - 10 3/4" x14" - Aluminum Foil Sandwich Wrap Sheets For Sandwich Wraps, Burritos and BBQ](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/716dxnQpl9L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![Insulation Sandwich Wrapping Paper Aluminum Foil Sheets - [150 sheets] - 10 3/4" x14" - Aluminum Foil Sandwich Wrap Sheets For Sandwich Wraps, Burritos and BBQ](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71cZ8uxc4HL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![[500 Pack] Insulated Foil Sandwich Wrap Sheets - 10 3/4" x 14" Durable, and Easy to Use for Sandwiches and Snacks, Catering and Food Service,](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71++vo+oT3L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
