Properly storing cheese is essential to maintain its flavor, texture, and overall quality. Cheese is a living food, often containing active cultures and natural fats that can degrade when exposed to improper conditions. Without proper storage, cheese can dry out, become overly moist, or develop unpleasant odors, all of which compromise its taste and usability. For instance, cheeses like brie or camembert can become slimy if stored in too much moisture, while hard cheeses like parmesan can turn brittle and lose their rich flavors if they dry out.
Storing cheese correctly also prevents waste by extending its shelf life. Improper storage can lead to the growth of harmful molds or bacteria, rendering the cheese unsafe to eat. Proper wrapping and placement in the refrigerator ensure the cheese stays fresh while retaining its unique characteristics, from creamy textures to complex flavors. Additionally, it minimizes the risk of cross-contamination, where strong-smelling cheeses can influence the taste or aroma of other foods stored nearby.
Cheese storage is about more than just preservation; it honors the craftsmanship and effort behind creating this artisanal product. Proper storage allows cheese to mature gracefully, particularly in aged varieties, ensuring you experience it at its best. Whether for casual snacking or enhancing recipes, taking care of your cheese ensures that every bite is as enjoyable as intended.
How do you properly store cheese?
Properly storing your cheese is essential; however, the best approach depends on the type of cheese—soft, semi-soft, hard, or aged.
- Store soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese in their original packaging or wrap them loosely in wax or parchment paper to allow them to breathe while preventing them from drying out. Avoid plastic wrap, which traps moisture and can encourage mold. Keep these cheeses in the refrigerator’s vegetable drawer, where the temperature is slightly warmer and more stable.
- For semi-soft and hard cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or parmesan, wrap them in wax or parchment paper first, followed by a loose layer of aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness while allowing some air circulation. Vacuum-sealing is an excellent option for long-term storage, especially for hard cheeses, as it prevents exposure to air entirely. If vacuum sealing isn’t an option, you can use resealable plastic bags and be sure to press out as much air as possible.
- Aged cheeses like pecorino or aged gouda are best stored in a cool, dry environment, such as the cheese drawer of your refrigerator. If you are dealing with blue cheese, keep it in a dedicated container to avoid its strong aroma permeating other foods.
Cheese should always be kept away from direct contact with water and stored in the main body of the refrigerator, where the temperature is most consistent. Hard cheeses can be frozen for long-term storage, though this may slightly alter their texture. Always be sure to label the cheese with its purchase date and type to track its freshness.
What about natural food wraps, are they good for cheese?
Natural food wraps, like Buzzee wraps, can be excellent for proper cheese storage due to their breathable and eco-friendly properties. Made from materials like beeswax, organic cotton, jojoba oil, and tree resin, these wraps create a protective layer around the cheese while allowing it to breathe. This is especially important for preserving the texture and flavor of cheese, as it prevents excess moisture build-up, which can lead to spoilage, and avoids drying out, which can compromise its texture.
Unlike plastic wrap, which traps moisture and creates an airtight seal, natural food wraps offer a balance of humidity control. This makes them ideal for soft cheeses like brie or camembert, as well as semi-soft and hard cheeses like cheddar and gouda. The wraps are also reusable and washable, making them a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics, aligning with eco-conscious living.
The natural antimicrobial properties of beeswax and jojoba oil can also help inhibit the growth of unwanted bacteria and mold, extending the freshness of the cheese. By using wraps like Buzzee’s natural food wraps, you not only protect the quality of your cheese but also contribute to reducing environmental waste. These versatile wraps are both functional and sustainable, offering a modern solution to traditional cheese storage challenges.
Interested in natural food wraps? Take a peek at all of the Buzzee wraps we offer!
How do you store your cheese? Let us know in the comments!
