Useful tips on how to properly store cheese in the refrigerator for a long time

foto51477-1 Cheese is one of the most popular and versatile products.

In retail chains it is presented in a wide range from delicate neutral to piquant tastes, of different consistencies and with different preparation technologies.

Whatever variety is chosen, it is important to know how to properly store cheese in the refrigerator in order to preserve its taste and aroma for a long time.

Content

Proper storage
What is the best way to keep it fresh for a long time?
Temperature
Conclusion

Proper storage

The best place to store cheese for a long time is the refrigerator. Stable levels of temperature and humidity, as well as protection from sunlight, allow the product to sit for a long time without losing its properties.

Before opening the original packaging

Factory sealed packaging is the best option for long-term storage of cheese products. It helps preserve the taste and properties, and also protects the cheese from the penetration of air, moisture and foreign odors.

Storing closed packaging does not create problems. Before opening, it can simply lie on a shelf in the refrigerator. No additional action is required. The shelf life of the product and the conditions under which it is kept are indicated by the manufacturer on the label.

After

foto51477-2 Once the sealed packaging from the manufacturer is removed, the shelf life of the product is sharply reduced.

How long can the cheese last? will largely depend on its type:

hard – 1.5-2 weeks;
semi-solid - 1-1.5 weeks, etc.

The softer the cheese, the shorter its shelf life.Brine types have their own peculiarity - they must be left in the same liquid in which they were located. If the packaging was soft, then it is better to transfer all the contents into a food container and cover it with a lid.

The aroma of the cheese will be revealed more fully if, when serving, the product is removed from the refrigerator a little in advance, 30-60 minutes. For information on storing cheese after opening the package, read this article.

After packaging

If the product was bought in one piece, then at home you should not divide it into separate parts, since one large bar is stored better than several small ones. Otherwise, if separation is unavoidable, each part must be packed separately.

If packaging was carried out in a store, the sales period for such cheese is only 12 hours. Whether purchased from a store or packaged yourself, the piece will need to be repackaged. To do this, each part should be wrapped in parchment, and then in foil or placed in a cheese pan.

Read about storing packaged cheese here, about cheesecakes - Here.

What is the best way to keep it fresh for a long time?

In order for cheese to be stored for as long as possible, it must have suitable packaging. If the packaging is factory, then the product should be in it until the time it is needed..

One option for extending the shelf life of cheese is freezing. This method has its weaknesses. Its main disadvantage is a change in the consistency and taste of the product. Moreover, the softer the cheese and the more water it contains, the stronger these changes will be.

Freezing can be used if you plan to use cheese in dishes that are cooked at high temperatures - sauces, pizza, sprinkling meat when baking, etc.

Solid

foto51477-3 Using parchment is the best option extend the storage of hard cheese.

You should not use cling film instead - the cheese will become wet in it, which will affect its taste and can lead to spoilage. Plain paper is also not suitable for packaging, since the product will dry out quickly in it.

Super-hard varieties, such as Parmesan, store best. Read about storing Parmesan in this article.

Soft

Soft cheeses can dry out during storage, so It is advisable to wrap them in foil. The same should be done with melted varieties, but it is best to leave them in the individual packaging in which they were sold or in the so-called “baths”.

The exception is smoked processed cheeses. Due to the peculiarities of production technology, they are stored longer and are less susceptible to changes in texture. But they should also be packaged, making sure to cover the cut.

Read about storing processed cheese here.

Other varieties

Blue cheeses require special attention. Because of their peculiarity, they are not left unpacked in the refrigerator, even for a short time. This is due to the fact that they can spoil other products. Foil, cheese paper or parchment can be used as packaging material. They are stored for a short period of time - up to a week.

Brine cheeses are sold in a special liquid. This is where they need to be stored at home in the refrigerator. The type of brine can indicate the condition of the cheese.

If it has become cloudy, it would be better to take out the cheese, wash it and prepare a new solution of water and salt for it. Pickled varieties are not stored for long - only about three days after opening the package. Read about storing blue cheese Here.

Temperature

foto51477-4 For cheese, the best temperature range for storage is between 0°C and +6°C. These are the conditions that are provided simply on the refrigerator shelf. Wherein humidity should be between 85 and 90%.

In order for the product to last longer, it is better to keep it off the door and place it away from the edge of the shelf.

In this case, the cheese will lie at a stable temperature, which will not change much due to the opening of the refrigerator door and the entry of warm air. At low air humidity, the cheese may begin to dry out, and at high humidity, there is a risk of mold and rapid spoilage.

Conclusion

Storing cheese in the refrigerator requires compliance with a number of rules, including the use of suitable packaging. Most varieties are perishable and do not last long., so it is not advisable to stock up for future use.