When there are no other options, or is it possible to freeze processed cheese?
Processed cheese is a very popular product that is widely used for preparing various dishes and as a snack. Sometimes it may turn out that more of it is purchased than is necessary for use.
You should try to save any product that is no longer useful. One solution is freezing. Is it possible to freeze processed cheese and how to do it correctly, we will tell you further.
Content
How can freezing affect the quality of the product?
Processed cheese curds have been produced on an industrial scale for more than 100 years. It is also possible to prepare them at home, without the use of complex industrial equipment.
All processed cheeses can be divided into the following groups:
- pasty;
- sweet;
- sausages;
- chunky.
This product is not intended by the manufacturer to be frozen. But if you need it for baking or directly for spreading, it is quite possible to extend its shelf life using the freezer.
The exception is those cheeses that contain additional ingredients - flavorings, herbs, mushrooms, etc. This product cannot be frozen and must be used before the expiration date.
How to freeze correctly?
Processed cheese goes on sale already packaged. In most cases the packages are small, which allows you to buy as much product as you need.
These are not scarce products; they are always available in the retail chain. If cheese needs to be frozen, then you should pay attention to the original packaging and type of product.
If you plan to freeze, then you need to put the processed cheese in the freezer before the expiration date.
In baths
The product, which is in plastic containers, so-called trays, You can put it directly in this packaging and put it in the freezer.
If the container has already been opened, you should make sure that no crumbs get into the tray. Additionally, you can wrap the original packaging in cling film and attach a label with the date.
After defrosting, the product, which was no longer solid to begin with, will acquire an even more viscous, viscous consistency. After thawing, you should not store it for a long time - it is advisable to eat it within a couple of days.
Friendship and similar
“Druzhba” and similar cheese curds have foil packaging. The product is packaged at the factory in small portions - sticks, which are convenient for freezing. If there are several packages, they can be placed in one bag, indicating the general date of placing the product in the freezer.
It will not be possible to cut it into pieces or cubes when thawed. It also doesn't make sense to cut it until it's completely thawed, since once completely thawed, it will turn into a stringy mass suitable only for spreading on toast.
Home
Processed cheese can be made from hard cheese or from cottage cheese at home.Cooked this way, it will be pliable enough to spread on bread.
When planning long-term storage, portions of cheese are placed in tubs or small containers. Please note that this homemade product has a very limited shelf life., so you shouldn’t defrost more than you need for a couple of days.
If the homemade cheese was made from meltable hard cheese, then until it has completely thawed, it can be grated and immediately used to top meat in French or in casseroles. Packaging prepared for the freezer must be tightly closed.
How long to store in the freezer?
Fresh product in suitable packaging can last in the freezer for up to three months. You can also put the product in the freezer for just half an hour so that the sliced variety can be easily thinly sliced or grated.
If the cheese is only slightly set by frost and does not lie at low temperatures for a long time, its consistency and taste do not undergo noticeable changes.
In order not to forget exactly when the cheese was sent to the freezer for long-term storage, It is recommended to use date tags. Read about the shelf life of processed cheese in this article about the storage period without refrigeration - in this.
Conclusion
Whether or not to freeze processed cheese depends on the amount of product available and how you plan to use it. It is advisable to use this storage method only when another option to preserve the freshness of the product is impossible.
