Important rules and expiration dates for sausage cheese
Sausage cheese is a product with a pronounced piquant taste and aroma. Its production technology has its own characteristics that differ from the process of making classic types of cheese.
In order for the product to be stored well and not spoil for a long time, it is necessary to follow certain rules. We will tell you about the storage times and conditions of sausage cheese in the article.
Content
What does it represent?
The basis for creating sausage cheese is melting technology. For the first time such a product was created more than 100 years ago and patented in Switzerland by Kraft Foods.
The raw materials used are only natural dairy products. These include rennet and other cheeses, cream, butter, whey, etc. Also in production, salt and special additives are used to help melt the main ingredient and maintain the consistency of the finished product.
After this, the mass placed in the mold is smoked for several hours. This gives the product a unique aroma and helps the cheese to be stored longer.
How long is it stored?
The shelf life of cheese in sealed original packaging corresponds to the information indicated on the label. After opening they shrink significantly.
In a refrigerator
In a refrigerator, a smoked cheese product can last up to 3-4 months on average, if the packaging is film, and otherwise not specified by the manufacturer. It can lie for up to 2 months if the shell is paraffin.
After opening the original packaging, the cheese can remain in the refrigerator for a week.. In this case, the cut site must be covered.
In the form of cutting into slices, the product can be stored for a very short time, 1-2 days. To do this, place the pieces in a container or wrap them in parchment.
At room temperature
The room temperature is too high for the cheese to sit for a long time. Even when packed hermetically, it cannot be kept warm for more than a few hours. When the package is opened - only 1-2 hours.
Storage conditions for smoked products
The optimal storage conditions for smoked cheese are: air temperature from 0 to +4-6°С, protection from direct sunlight and good air exchange.
Since the product has a pronounced aroma, this point must also be taken into account when organizing storage, isolating the cheese from other products. Violation of storage conditions leads to the fact that cheese products quickly deteriorate.
Freezing and its consequences
It is not advisable to freeze smoked cheese for long-term storage.. When using this method, the nutritional value will be preserved, but the taste, plastic consistency and aroma of the product will deteriorate.
In the future, it can only be used in dishes that are subject to heat treatment. The shelf life in the freezer is up to six months.
What to look for when purchasing?
When purchasing smoked cheese in a retail chain, you should study the label on the product, as well as make sure that the appearance corresponds to the norm:
the label must contain information about the manufacturer, product composition, expiration date;- the packaging must not be damaged;
- if it is possible to see the cut, then there should be no cracks, foreign inclusions or stickiness on it.
The composition should not indicate that a smoke flavor was used. Since this indicates a violation of traditional production technology, in which smoking is replaced by the use of liquid smoke and flavorings.
5 useful tips
To extend the shelf life of the product The following expert recommendations will be useful:
- Smoked cheese should not be placed in the refrigerator without packaging.
- A large piece stores better than sliced pieces.
- Parchment, foil or placing in a container is a must.
- Cling film is not the best option for preserving freshness, since air exchange in cellophane is disrupted and oxidative processes are activated, leading to spoilage.
- If the quality of the product is in doubt, although the expiration date has not yet expired, it is better not to use it for food.
Conclusion
Sausage cheese is not as healthy as hard and soft varieties, but its use will help diversify the table and give dishes an interesting taste and aroma. It is important that the product is of high quality and does not exceed its expiration date.
