Is it a perishable product, or how long can cottage cheese be stored at room temperature?

Cottage cheese has a balanced composition and high nutritional value.

To get the maximum benefit from using this product, you need to know the storage features.

It is important to know: is it possible to store cottage cheese at room temperature and for how long, how to do it correctly, and what are the ways to prolong freshness.

Can it be stored?

At room temperature the product is stored for 4-6 hours. Under some circumstances, the time can be increased to 12 hours. The warmer the room, the faster the cottage cheese sours.

At high temperatures, the fermentation process begins and microorganisms develop, which significantly spoils the taste of the product and depreciates the benefits. Fermentation does not stop even at low positive temperatures, so after 2-3 days of storage the quality of the cottage cheese decreases.

The storage period is also affected by:

1. Cooking method. Homemade cottage cheese is prepared from natural ingredients, without preservatives or additives, so its shelf life will be the shortest.

   Industrial options can last longer indoors.

2. Package. The product retains its quality for the longest time in a vacuum container. Next comes foil and parchment. In last place is plain paper.
3. Place. Both homemade and industrial cottage cheese are recommended to be stored at temperatures up to 6 degrees. Under such conditions, the shelf life can reach up to 30 days. The higher the storage temperature, the fewer hours the product will remain fresh.
4. Fat content. A delicacy with a high percentage of fat content (from 18%) has the shortest shelf life. A product with medium fat content (from 9%) can withstand longer. Products with low fat content (2-5%) can last the longest.

According to GOST R 52096-2003, the shelf life of cottage cheese is set by the manufacturer.

Proper storage

The most difficult thing is to preserve homemade, farm, and loose cottage cheese. Especially in summer. It must either be eaten soon or used for cooking. To preserve the taste and freshness of the product, you need to wrap it in damp cotton cloth or a waffle towel.

Then put it in the coolest, darkest place in the house:

• floor,
• cellar,
• pantry,
• balcony,
• veranda.

So it can stand for up to 12 hours depending on the air temperature. Dishes are of no small importance during storage.

The following containers will be most successful:

• ceramic;
• clay;
• glass;
• enameled.

Undesirable storage containers cottage cheese:

1. Polyethylene bags.
2. Plastic containers.
3. Open vessels.
4. Metal containers.

This way the product goes rotten faster, losing quality and benefits.

Store-bought cottage cheese can last for some time at room temperature in its original packaging. If the packaging is opened, the product should only be stored in the refrigerator for a limited period of time.

How to increase the shelf life without refrigeration?

Slightly extend the shelf life of cottage cheese without refrigeration Natural preservatives will help:

• salt,
• sugar,
• lemon juice.

For example, you can use this method:

1. Take a clay pot.
2. Sprinkle some table salt on the bottom.
3. Line with cotton cloth.
4. Post the cottage cheese.
5. Cover with a lid or cloth.
6. Put the oppression on.
7. Place in a dark, cool place.

A great way to preserve homemade treats invented in warm countries:

• place the cottage cheese in a linen or cotton bag to drain the whey;
• roll it into balls;
• Place parchment or paper on a baking sheet;
• arrange the balls;
• dry in the oven at a temperature of 45-50 degrees.

This dish is called kurum, kort or kurt in different countries. It cuts well with a knife and does not require storage in the refrigerator, while retaining all the valuable substances.

Homemade cottage cheese is also perfectly stored in its own serum up to 15 days without refrigeration. If after this time the whey is heated to 70-75 degrees, then the product can remain fresh for the same amount of time.

The manufacturer indicates expiration dates on industrial products.. As a rule, the storage temperature requirement on packages is the same: no more than 6 degrees.

The video will show you how to prepare shelf-stable cottage cheese:

Conclusion

Cottage cheese is a perishable product, so at high temperatures it quickly loses its taste and beneficial qualities. The recommended storage temperature for the product is no higher than 6 degrees.At higher rates, the cottage cheese can last only a few hours.

The shelf life is also affected by the method of preparation, packaging, and fat content.. You can increase the freshness of delicacies using natural preservatives, the right containers, and unique processing methods.