Important features of the process: is it possible to freeze curd cheese and how to do it correctly?
Curd cheese is a dairy product that is perishable. It can be used both independently and as part of more complex dishes.
This is a popular product with a delicate, pleasant taste, which often serves as a light snack.
To prevent the product from disappearing or deteriorating, it must be stored correctly and used before the expiration date. Freezing can be a convenient solution, but is it safe for cheese?
Content
Is it possible to freeze?
Initially, curd cheese is not intended for freezing. But in some cases this is an acceptable option. The decision depends on how you plan to use the curd product after defrosting.
Freezing always, to a greater or lesser extent, changes the consistency of cream cheese. Read about freezing Cremette curd cheese here.
How does freezing affect quality?
One of the features of curd cheese that affects the preservation of the quality of the product when frozen is the inclusion of a large amount of water.
Moisture turns into ice when placed in freezer, and after thawing, water forms again.As a result, the curd mass loses its homogeneity and separates with the formation of whey.
The cheese becomes crumbly and even dry, and the moisture flows down in a puddle. This product is not suitable for serving. But it can be mixed, and even whipped, and then used as one of the ingredients in the preparation of complex dishes that are prepared by heating on the stove, in the oven or in the microwave.
For defrosted cottage cheese, you should not choose those recipes where the structure of the product is important and will be noticeable.
Rules
For freezing, you can use the original packaging or other, selected taking into account the volume of the product.
In original packaging
If the cheese is in an unopened sealed package from the factory, then it can be frozen in it. This will preserve the product with minimal loss of its properties. Only additionally should you attach a label on top indicating the date when the freezing was performed.
In a food container or bag
If the package has been opened or contains too much product, it may be best to transfer the contents into separate plastic containers of appropriate size.
The requirements for such containers are simple:
- reliable tight-fitting lid;
- relatively small volume.
How long to store in the freezer?
The duration of storage of curd cheese depends on its quality, fat content and the organization of storage itself.
When sending a fresh high-fat product to the cold, it can be stored for up to 3-4 months, but it is better to find a use for it earlier. This affects the degree of texture change.
To avoid confusion with dates, it is recommended to place a label on each package, which indicates exactly when the product was frozen. Read about the shelf life of curd cheese Here.
How to restore consistency after defrosting?
The curd product must be defrosted gradually, without exposure to high temperatures. To do this, it is placed directly in the packaging in which it was in the freezer and transferred to the refrigerator on a shelf. In a few hours the contents will thaw and the cheese can be used.
If, as a result of defrosting, whey has been released into the product itself and the product itself has become dry and uneven in consistency, you can try to restore its texture. To do this, the cheese should be defrosted until soft. In this form, you can mix it and then beat it with a mixer. There is no need to drain the whey.
5 useful tips
In order for frozen cheese to be successfully used, It is advisable to take into account the following recommendations:
- Only fresh, not stale products are suitable for freezing. Moreover, you should not put one that has been warm for some time into the freezer.
- Do not freeze and thaw the same product several times.
- Only one type of cheese can be placed in one package.
- Do not allow temperature changes in the freezer.
- It is best to freeze a large volume of product in separate portions, the size of which corresponds to the preparation of one dish.
Conclusion
Once you become familiar with the features of freezing curd cheese, you can extend its shelf life and use it exactly when you need it. At the same time, it is important to control the time the product is in the freezer and not to violate the freezing and thawing technology.
