Properly Storing Cheese

Cheese is a versatile and delicious ingredient, but it can easily spoil or lose its flavor if not stored correctly. Here’s a tip on how to store different types of cheese properly:

Hard Cheeses (e.g., Cheddar, Parmesan): Wrap hard cheeses in wax paper or parchment paper, followed by a layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This allows the cheese to breathe while preventing it from drying out. Keep it in the vegetable crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
Soft Cheeses (e.g., Brie, Camembert): Soft cheeses should be stored in their original packaging or wrapped in wax paper and then placed in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Keep them in the refrigerator.
Blue Cheeses (e.g., Roquefort, Gorgonzola): Wrap blue cheeses tightly in plastic wrap to prevent their strong flavors from permeating other foods in your fridge. Store them in the cheese or deli drawer.
Fresh Cheeses (e.g., Mozzarella, Goat Cheese): Keep fresh cheeses in their original packaging or wrap them in plastic wrap. To maintain their moisture and texture, place them in an airtight container or a resealable bag.
Aged or Specialty Cheeses: For expensive or specialty cheeses, consider investing in cheese paper, which is designed to keep cheese fresher for longer. If you don’t have cheese paper, use wax paper or parchment paper followed by plastic wrap.
Cheese Storage: Temperature Matters: The ideal temperature for cheese storage is around 35°F to 45°F (1°C to 7°C). Use a designated cheese drawer in your refrigerator or an airtight container to maintain the proper temperature and humidity.
Allow Cheese to Breathe: When serving cheese, it’s essential to let it come to room temperature for its full flavor to shine. Take it out of the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before serving.

By following these storage tips, you can prolong the life of your cheese and enjoy its flavors and textures to the fullest.