Kamil Perry
Tillamook cheese is advertised as melty and thick-cut, perfect for cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. However, some customers have complained about the cheese's inability to melt, describing it as rubbery or waxy. This issue could be attributed to changes in the cheese-making process, including the sourcing of milk from different facilities and the shipping of partially processed cheese to various facilities for packaging. While the company recommends consuming their cheese before the printed best-by date, their naturally-aged cheddar cheese can continue to age and sharpen in the refrigerator if stored properly.
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What You'll Learn
Tillamook cheese is not stored properly
Tillamook cheese may not melt properly if it has not been stored correctly. Proper storage is key to ensuring the longevity of your cheese.
Firstly, all Tillamook cheese should be stored in the fridge, ideally at a temperature below 40° Fahrenheit. Keeping cheese in a cool environment is essential to prevent spoilage. If you plan to store cheese for a long period, it is best to keep it in the coldest section of the fridge.
To maintain freshness, keep the cheese sealed in its original packaging. If the original vacuum seal is broken, there is a higher risk of mold growth and oxidation. Rewrap the cheese tightly in wax paper or cheese paper, then place it in a sealed plastic bag or an airtight container. This storage method is especially important for hard or semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, and gouda to prevent them from drying out.
For soft cheeses like brie, camembert, and goat cheese, the double-wrap method can also be used, but the technique is slightly different. Wrap the cheese in wax paper, then loosely wrap it again with plastic wrap or foil to allow the cheese to breathe and maintain humidity.
If you have purchased shredded or crumbled cheese, store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors in the fridge. For cheese that comes in brine, such as feta or fresh mozzarella, keep it stored in the brine or an olive oil marinade to maintain moisture and flavor.
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The cheese is past its expiration date
The cheese may be past its expiration date for a number of reasons. Firstly, Tillamook cheese is a naturally aged cheddar, and if stored correctly, it can continue to age and sharpen in the fridge. However, if not stored properly, the cheese can spoil and become unsafe to eat.
Secondly, the expiration date on cheese is not always accurate. In the US, there are no regulations on date marking for cheese, so the dates are often arbitrary. The actual shelf life of cheese depends on a variety of factors, including the type of cheese, moisture content, and storage conditions.
Thirdly, some people may simply prefer to consume cheese past its expiration date to reduce food waste. However, it is important to use common sense and instinct when deciding whether to keep or toss cheese that is past its expiration date. Proper storage, such as wrapping and sealing the cheese, can help extend its shelf life.
Finally, the cheese may be past its expiration date due to a combination of the above factors. The aging process, storage conditions, and individual preferences for food waste can all contribute to a situation where someone is considering consuming cheese past its expiration date. It is important to use one's senses, such as sight, smell, and taste, to determine if the cheese is still safe to eat. If there are signs of spoilage, such as mold, odd odors, or a sour flavor, it is best to discard the cheese.
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The cheese is not a variety that melts easily
Tillamook cheese is available in a variety of different types, including Farmstyle Thick Cut and Thin Cut slices. While the Thick Cut slices are great for baked dishes, the Thin Cut slices are ideal for cheeseburgers and sandwiches. The company also offers Farmstyle Fine Cut cheese, which is perfect for melting on top of baked potatoes, mac & cheese, and other dishes.
However, some customers have reported issues with melting certain types of Tillamook cheese. In particular, some have noted that the medium cheddar cheese purchased from Costco or the factory store did not melt well and had a waxy or rubbery texture. This could be due to the cheese being partially processed or the milk sourced from different locations, impacting the overall quality and melting ability of the cheese.
Additionally, stirred curd cheeses like Tillamook's Monterey Jack, Colby, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, and Hot Habanero Jack are not recommended for melting due to their higher moisture content. These cheeses are more prone to spoilage and should not be consumed after their code date has passed.
To ensure the best melting results with Tillamook cheese, it is recommended to follow the suggested use and storage instructions provided by the company for each specific variety. Proper storage, such as keeping the cheese sealed or wrapped, can help maintain its quality and melting abilities.
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The cheese was produced in a different facility
Tillamook cheese is produced in different facilities, and the milk used in its production comes from various sources. The Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) has been criticized for its deceptive marketing, as more than two-thirds of the milk for its products comes from outside Tillamook County. In particular, a significant portion of the milk is sourced from Threemile Canyon Farms in Boardman, Oregon, a large-scale industrial dairy farm. This shift in milk sourcing and production facilities may have contributed to perceived changes in the quality of Tillamook cheese, including differences in texture and taste.
The variation in cheese quality can be attributed to several factors related to the production process and ingredient sources. Firstly, the milk from eastern Oregon, specifically Boardman, differs from the milk sourced locally in Tillamook County. This variation in milk composition can lead to changes in the final cheese product, affecting its melting properties, texture, and flavor. Secondly, the use of different facilities can introduce inconsistencies in cheese production. Even subtle differences in equipment, processes, and storage conditions can impact the characteristics of the cheese.
The aging process and storage conditions also play a crucial role in cheese quality. Properly aged cheese tends to have desirable flavor profiles and textures. However, if the cheese is not stored correctly, it can develop quality issues. Tillamook cheese, when stored unopened below 40°F, can continue to age and develop a sharper flavor. On the other hand, improper storage can lead to mold growth, drying, or other spoilage issues that negatively affect the cheese's texture and melting abilities.
Additionally, the use of animal rennet or vegetarian alternatives in cheese production can influence the melting properties and texture of the final product. Tillamook has utilized fermentation-produced rennet that is vegetarian and classified as "not genetically engineered" under USDA regulations. While this type of rennet is intended to mimic traditional bovine rennet, it may yield slightly different results in terms of melting and texture.
To ensure consistent quality, consumers concerned about the source of their cheese can look for markings on the wrapper that identify the facility where the cheese was produced. This information can help buyers make informed choices, especially if they have experienced issues with cheese melting or other quality aspects. By checking the production facility, consumers can narrow down potential sources of variation and make purchases that align with their preferences and expectations.
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The cheese was exposed to heat inconsistently
Tillamook cheese is marketed as a cheese that melts. It is used in grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, and melted over various dishes. However, some consumers have reported that their Tillamook cheese did not melt.
There could be several reasons why Tillamook cheese is not melting. One of the reasons could be the inconsistent exposure to heat. Cheese needs to be heated evenly for it to melt properly. If the heat is too high or too low, or if the cheese is not heated long enough, it may not melt properly.
To melt cheese, it is important to use the right temperature and technique. Grated or shredded cheese melts more easily than a block of cheese. Therefore, grating or shredding the cheese before melting it can help ensure that it melts evenly. Additionally, using a double boiler or a low-heat setting on a stove can help ensure that the cheese melts gradually and evenly.
If you are using a microwave to melt the cheese, make sure to use short bursts of heat and stir the cheese frequently to ensure even melting. Another factor that could contribute to inconsistent heat exposure is the thickness of the cheese slice. Tillamook cheese is available in thick-cut and thin-cut slices. The thick-cut slices might require more heat or time to melt compared to the thin-cut slices.
Therefore, if Tillamook cheese is exposed to inconsistent heat, it may not melt properly. To ensure proper melting, it is important to use the appropriate techniques, such as grating or shredding the cheese, controlling the heat source, and considering the thickness of the cheese slices.
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Frequently asked questions
If your Tillamook cheese isn't melting, it may be due to improper storage. Tillamook cheese should be stored in the fridge, in its original unopened package, below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
If Tillamook cheese isn't stored properly, it will mould.
Before consuming any cheese, check for mould, odour, a slimy texture, or a sour flavour. If any of these are present, it's best to discard the cheese.
If your pan is too hot, the bread might burn before the cheese has a chance to melt. Try cooking on low heat for a longer period of time.
It may be that the quality of your cheese has diminished over time. Try purchasing a new block of cheese and follow the storage instructions outlined above.
