The favorite delicacy of French kings: how long does brie cheese last and under what conditions?
Brie is a cheese that has gained popularity among gourmets around the world.
The original gourmet product has a fairly high cost, so it is so important to store it correctly and use it before the expiration date.
We will talk about the terms and storage conditions of brie cheese below.
Content
Product Features
Brie is a soft cheese that got its name from the French province where it was first produced back in the Middle Ages. Now it is a well-known product that can be found in different variations, including with herbs. According to the classic recipe, it is prepared from cow's milk.
A pleasant characteristic aroma and mild taste make it a universal product., which can even be served at the holiday table. To allow the brie to develop its full flavor, it should be removed from the refrigerator in advance. The thinner the cake (head) of the cheese, the brighter and sharper its taste.
Best before date
Creamy brie cheese has a soft consistency. If stored incorrectly, bacteria quickly begin to develop in it, and the product deteriorates.
The shelf life directly depends on storage conditions and the availability of packaging.
When sealed, the product can remain in the refrigerator until the expiration date., which is specified by the manufacturer, on average - up to three months. Once the head is cut, it is not recommended to store the pieces for more than a week.
When storing any cheese, the rule applies: the softer the consistency of the product, the faster it will spoil.
Storage in sealed packaging
Sealed packaging allows you to store the product for a long time. The optimal temperature for brie is in the range from +2 to +4? C. These are the conditions provided to the product in the refrigerator.
If you do not plan to use the cheese immediately, it is better to store it unopened in the refrigerator.
After opening
Once the package is opened and the brie is cut, oxidative processes begin to occur in it. There is also a possibility of the surface of the product drying out and exchanging odors with other products. To avoid this, it is recommended to use packaging suitable for storing the gourmet product.
Cheese should not be wrapped directly in plastic, as without air it will begin to release moisture and deteriorate. You can prevent this by wrapping the piece first in parchment before placing it in a bag or plastic food container with a lid.
The shelf life of brie, even under favorable conditions in the refrigerator, is no more than 7-10 days, but it is better to use it in the first three days. Brie can be kept warm for only a few hours without compromising its quality.
Freezing
Due to the texture and presence of mold on top of the cheese, freezing it to extend shelf life is not recommended.
If there is no choice, then if properly packaged, brie can be placed in the freezer.It should be borne in mind that after defrosting, such a cheese product will no longer retain all its qualities.
After thawing, it is no longer served in its pure form, but can only be used as an ingredient in the preparation of more complex dishes with heat treatment. Frozen cheese can be stored for no more than 3 months. Read more here.
4 signs of damage
Even brie that is already moldy can go bad. You can determine that it has become unusable by the following signs:
- Unpleasant strong ammonia smell.
- The surface loses its elasticity and density, and literally collapses when pressed.
- The crust has inclusions of a color uncharacteristic for a fresh product, and gradually turns from light to dark.
- Slimy surface.
The following reasons can lead to damage:
- violations of technology during production;
- improper transportation and/or storage;
- storing the product beyond its expiration date.
Conclusion
One of the favorite foods of French kings, brie has long been considered a dish for the elite.
To enjoy the taste of every piece of fine cheese, it must be stored correctly, following useful recommendations. You can not only buy such a product ready-made, but also make it yourself.
