The best way to store cheese in the fridge is to wrap it in cheese paper or parchment paper and store it in the vegetable drawer. This will help to keep the cheese from drying out and will also prevent it from absorbing other smells from the fridge
Imagine this: you’ve finally splurged on that artisan cheese you’ve been craving – a creamy brie, a sharp cheddar, perhaps a pungent Roquefort. You bring it home, eagerly anticipating a delicious snack.
But days later, you find it’s dry, crumbly, and sadly, flavorless. Sound familiar? Proper cheese storage is crucial for maintaining its delicate flavors and preventing spoilage.
This guide will take you to a 5-step system to store cheese like a pro, ensuring every bite is a burst of cheesy goodness.
5 Simple Steps to Store Cheese Like a Pro
We’ve all been there. You splurge on a beautiful piece of cheese – maybe a creamy brie, a sharp cheddar, or something more adventurous. You bring it home, excited to savor it. But then, a few days later, it’s dry, crumbly, and the flavor you were dreaming of is gone.
Storing cheese properly is key to keeping it delicious and enjoying it at its best. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Choose the Right Wrapping
The way you wrap your cheese significantly impacts its flavor and longevity. Breathable materials are essential. They allow moisture to escape, preventing mold growth while also keeping the cheese from drying out too quickly.
Ideal Wrapping:
- Cheese paper: Specially designed for cheese, it’s highly breathable and often infused with natural oils.
- Parchment paper: A readily available option that offers good breathability.
- Wax paper: Similar to parchment, it provides a gentle barrier while allowing for some air circulation.
Plastic Wrap: Use Sparingly
While convenient, plastic wrap can trap moisture, leading to mold. It can also cause the cheese to become “sweaty” and lose its delicate aromas. Use it sparingly or only for short-term storage.
Step 2: Find the Optimal Storage Location
Where you store your cheese is just as important as how you wrap it. The ideal spot is often overlooked:
- The Vegetable Drawer: This drawer is designed to maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels, creating a perfect environment for most cheeses.
- Temperature Control: Extreme temperatures are the enemy of cheese.
- Too cold: Can cause the cheese to become hard and dry.
- Too warm: Encourages rapid ripening and can lead to spoilage.
- Keep it Away from Strong Smells: Cheese is a flavor sponge. Store it away from strong-smelling foods like onions, garlic, and fish. These aromas can easily be absorbed by the cheese, altering its delicate flavors.
Step 3: Consider Additional Storage Options
While the vegetable drawer is ideal, sometimes extra protection is needed:
- Cheese Boxes or Containers: These provide a dedicated space for your cheese, minimizing exposure to unwanted odors and maintaining a more stable environment. Look for boxes with good ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.
- Freezing Cheese (with Caution): Some cheeses, like cheddar and Parmesan, can be frozen. However, freezing can alter the texture of softer cheeses. If freezing is necessary, wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Tips for Storing Different Cheeses:
Soft Cheeses: Store them on a cheese board or plate lined with parchment paper to allow for proper air circulation.
Hard Cheeses: Can be stored for longer periods, but still benefit from proper wrapping and a cool, dry location.
Blue Cheeses: Store them in an airtight container to prevent strong odors from permeating other foods.
Step 4: Monitor and Maintain
Regular checks are crucial to ensure your cheese remains in top condition:
- Watch for Mold: Mold can appear quickly. Inspect your cheese daily, especially if you notice any signs of discoloration or unusual odors. If you find mold, cut it away generously, discarding the affected area and surrounding portions.
- Cutting and Re-wrapping: When cutting cheese, use a clean knife to minimize the spread of bacteria. Re-wrap the remaining cheese tightly in fresh paper or cloth to prevent further drying out.
Tips for Extending Shelf Life:
- Turn the cheese occasionally: This helps ensure even ripening and prevents the development of mold spots.
- Store cheese away from heat sources: Keep it away from stoves, ovens, and direct sunlight.
- Bring cheese to room temperature before serving: This allows the flavors to fully develop and enhances the overall enjoyment.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Perfectly Stored Cheese!
You’ve followed the guide:
Wrapped it right: Breathable materials like cheese paper, parchment, or wax paper are your friends.
Found the ideal spot: The vegetable drawer is your cheese’s happy place.
Considered extra protection: Cheese boxes or containers can help.
Monitored and maintained: Regular checks and proper cutting are key.
Now, it’s time to savor the fruits of your labor! Experiment with different storage methods to find what works best for your cheese and your preferences.
FAQs
How to keep cheese fresh in the refrigerator?
To keep your cheese fresh in the fridge, wrap it snugly in cheese paper, parchment paper, or wax paper. The veggie drawer is usually the best spot. Keep it away from strong smells like garlic and fish. Check on it often to make sure mold doesn’t grow. Let it sit out a bit before you eat it so the flavors can shine.
How do you keep cheese from going Mouldy in the fridge?
To prevent mold on your cheese, wrap it tightly in breathable materials like cheese paper or parchment paper. Store it in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator, away from strong-smelling foods. Check it often for any signs of mold and cut away any affected areas.
Is it better to store cheese in glass or plastic?
Glass is generally better for storing cheese. It doesn’t absorb odors like plastic can, and it helps maintain a more consistent humidity level.
What is the best material to store cheese in?
Cheese paper is the best material for storing cheese.
Conclusion
Storing cheese properly isn’t just about keeping it from spoiling, it’s about unlocking its full flavor potential.
By following these simple steps – choosing the right wrapping, finding the perfect spot, considering extra protection, and keeping an eye on it – you can ensure every bite is a true delight.
