Cheese Storage & Care: Tips for Keeping Your Cheese Fresh
Why Proper Cheese Storage is Important
Flavour Preservation
Storing cheese correctly helps to preserve its unique flavour profile and prevent it from becoming overly dry or bland.
Texture Maintenance
The right storage conditions can help maintain the texture of the cheese, ensuring it remains creamy, crumbly, or firm as intended.
Avoiding Spoilage
Proper storage practices help to prevent the growth of mould and bacteria, extending the shelf life of your cheese and reducing waste.
Tips for Storing Different Types of Cheese
Hard Cheeses (e.g., Cheddar, Parmesan)
- Wrap in Wax Paper: Wrap hard cheeses in wax paper to allow them to breathe and maintain their moisture.
- Refrigerate: Store in the vegetable crisper drawer or a cheese storage container in the refrigerator.
- Avoid Plastic Wrap: Avoid storing hard cheeses in plastic wrap, as it can cause the cheese to sweat and affect its flavour.
Soft Cheeses (e.g., Brie-style, Lord London)
- Original Packaging: Keep soft cheeses in their original packaging to maintain their moisture levels.
- Refrigerate: Store in the cheese drawer or in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
- Consume Quickly: Soft cheeses have a shorter shelf life and should be consumed within a few days of opening.
Blue Cheeses (e.g., Stilton, Roquefort)
- Wrap in Foil:Wrap blue cheeses in foil to prevent them from absorbing odours from other foods in the refrigerator.
- Refrigerate: Store in the cheese drawer or in a sealed container to maintain freshness.
- Consume Promptly: Blue cheeses can be stored for a longer period but should be consumed within a few weeks of opening.
Goat and Sheep Cheeses (e.g., Rachel Goat’s Cheese, Pavé Cobble Sheep's Cheese)
- Wrap in Parchment Paper: Wrap goat and sheep cheeses in parchment paper to allow them to breathe and retain their moisture.
- Refrigerate: Store in the cheese drawer or in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
- Consume Quickly: These cheeses have a shorter shelf life and should be consumed within a few days of opening.
Washed-Rind Cheeses (e.g., Taleggio, Morbier, Saval, Gubbeen)
- Wrap in Foil or Wax Paper: Wrap washed-rind cheeses in foil or wax paper to maintain their moisture and prevent them from drying out.
- Refrigerate: Store in the cheese drawer or in a sealed container to maintain freshness.
- Consume Promptly: Washed-rind cheeses should be consumed within a few weeks of opening for the best flavour.
Additional Tips for Cheese Storage
Cheese Storage Containers
Invest in a cheese storage container with a built-in cheese paper or cheese paper sheets. These containers are designed to maintain the optimal humidity level for storing cheese.
Cheese Drawer
Many modern refrigerators come equipped with a dedicated cheese drawer, which is the ideal place to store your cheese. If your refrigerator doesn't have a cheese drawer, the vegetable crisper drawer works well too.
Avoid Freezing Cheese
While it is possible to freeze cheese, it can alter the texture and flavour of the cheese, making it less enjoyable. It's best to consume cheese fresh or store it in the refrigerator following the above guidelines.
Allow Cheese to Come to Room Temperature
Before serving, allow your cheese to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to enhance its flavour and aroma.
Conclusion
Proper storage is essential for maintaining the flavour, texture, and freshness of your cheese. By following the tips and best practices outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that your cheese remains delicious and enjoyable for as long as possible. For the finest selection of British cheeses, visit our online store and explore our curated range of artisanal cheeses, carefully selected to cater to all tastes and preferences.