Note to the thrifty housewife: is it possible to freeze Lambert cheese and how to do it correctly?
Lambert cheese is quite popular, having a delicate taste and texture with small eyes. There are several types of product that are used both as a snack and as part of various dishes.
If there is more cheese at home than is needed for use, the question arises about the possibility of freezing the excess. Is it possible to freeze Lambert cheese and how to do it correctly? We’ll tell you in the article.
Content
Is it suitable for freezing?
Under the name “Lambert” there is a whole line of cheeses classified as semi-hard rennet. All of them have a delicate structure with small holes and a creamy taste. Among them are classic, creamy and Tilsiter. The most popular among buyers is the classic one..
The manufacturer is the Wimm-Bill-Dann company, which produces other dairy products, as well as drinks and mineral water. The product has been on the domestic market for 20 years, and during this time its popularity has only grown.
A special feature of Lambert is the use of Altai milk for its production. For fermentation when producing cheese, special starter cultures are used. The cheese is medium-fat, with a light nutty note and creamy taste.
How long to store in the freezer?
With proper packaging and the necessary conditions, Lambert can be kept in the freezer for up to six months.
The following requirements are mandatory for this:
- The product must be initially of high quality and fresh.
- Only sealed packaging is suitable.
- One package must contain only one type of cheese.
- It must be ensured that there are no temperature fluctuations in the freezer.
The shelf life when grated is 2 times less than when frozen in one piece. Storage rules for Lambert cheese are discussed in this article.
How to freeze?
Lambert is produced in the form of cheese wheels of varying weights. To freeze the product, you must prepare:
- ensure proper quality;
- divide into portions (if necessary, grate).
Separately, you should worry about packaging. For cheese, it must be airtight, suitable for being in the freezer. Ziploc bags, vacuum bags and containers are suitable for this purpose.
Lump cheese can be first wrapped in parchment, and only then placed in an airtight package. If sliced cheese is frozen, then it is better to cover each plate with parchment. This will prevent sticking and make it easier to use after defrosting.
It is very important to package the product so that when defrosting, more cheese does not thaw than is necessary for one use. Lambert cannot be re-frozen even when it is intended for baking.
You just shouldn’t put cheese in the freezer in parchment alone, as this doesn’t ensure proper tightness. If the packaging does not meet the standards, Lambert may absorb foreign odors, oxidize and be damaged by direct exposure to low temperatures.
Defrosting features
Lambert is a product that is sensitive to temperature changes. To ensure that its texture is damaged as little as possible, it is best to defrost the cheese in a gentle way.
To do this, the packaging is first moved from the freezer to the refrigerator. Under such conditions, Lambert will defrost for several hours.
In some cases, even cheese can be used without defrosting. This applies to cheese shavings, which can be used without thawing if they are needed as a topping for a dish going into the freezer. It's enough to just crumble it.
But in all other situations, you need to wait for thawing in the refrigerator. Any acceleration of the defrosting process (with hot water, in the microwave, etc.) will most likely lead to Lambert changing its consistency and taste.
Once defrosted, cheese can no longer last as long as fresh cheese. It is advisable to use it immediately, maximum - leave it for a couple of days. After this, Lambert will only be suitable for baking.
Conclusion
Whether Lambert cheese can be frozen depends on how the product is planned to be used in the future. If it is used as an ingredient in a sauce or for baking, this is quite possible to organize.
But if you need it for a cheese plate or for sandwiches, then Lambert Best used fresh, not frozen.
