Cheese is a delicious and versatile food, but it is also delicate.
Storing cheese the right way is essential to preserve its freshness, flavor, and texture, while preventing mold formation or premature spoilage.
With the right strategies, you can extend the life of cheese and minimize food waste.
Here’s how to handle each type of cheese, what materials to use, and how to organize the refrigerator for optimal storage.
Why is it important to store cheese correctly?
Cheese is a living product, in which enzymatic and microbiological processes continue even after purchase, contributing to the evolution of its flavor, texture, and aroma.
These changes occur due to the action of natural bacteria and molds that continue the aging process.
The storage of cheese depends on factors such as humidity, air exposure, and temperature.
Excessive exposure to air accelerates mold formation, while an environment that is too dry or too humid can alter its texture.
Storing cheese correctly helps not only to preserve its organoleptic qualities but also to avoid food waste.
The best materials for storing cheese
Choosing the right material to wrap cheese is crucial.
Fresh cheeses, like mozzarella or ricotta, should be kept in their liquid and in airtight containers, while aged cheeses require some breathability.
Here are some materials to consider:
- Waxed or oiled paper: ideal for aged and semi-aged cheeses, as it allows the cheese to "breathe".
It enables slight transpiration, preventing the formation of condensation that can promote mold growth.
Moreover, it protects the cheese from external odors, preserving its original flavor.
- Plastic wrap: suitable only for fresh or soft cheeses that will be consumed quickly, plastic wrap retains moisture and prevents drying out.
However, it limits the cheese’s ability to breathe, so it is important to replace it often to avoid moisture buildup and bad odors.
- Damp cotton cloths: a traditional method perfect for wrapping aged cheeses, like Parmesan, because it maintains the right level of humidity without blocking transpiration.
The cloth must be washed and moistened regularly to avoid contamination.
- Airtight containers: ideal for fresh cheeses like ricotta and mozzarella, airtight containers protect from refrigerator moisture and prevent contamination with other foods.
Ideally, use glass or ceramic containers for more effective preservation.
Specific storage for each type of cheese
There is no one-size-fits-all rule for all cheeses; each type requires specific care:
- Fresh cheeses: mozzarella, ricotta, and burrata should be stored in their whey in closed containers, at a temperature between 32°F and 39°F.
- Soft cheeses: brie and camembert should be wrapped in waxed paper and stored in the less cold part of the refrigerator, where the temperature is around 39°F to 46°F.
- Semi-aged cheeses: taleggio and fontina need a slightly breathable wrap, like oiled paper, and a stable temperature between 39°F and 43°F.
- Aged cheeses: Parmigiano Reggiano and pecorino can be wrapped in a slightly damp cotton cloth or specific cheese paper, stored in the lower part of the refrigerator.
How to organize the refrigerator to preserve cheese
A well-organized refrigerator can make a difference in preserving cheese.
- Dedicating an exclusive compartment to dairy products helps avoid contamination of smells and flavors.
- Place fresher cheeses in sealed containers and aged cheeses wrapped in appropriate materials.
- Avoid placing cheese near fruits or vegetables, which can release moisture or ethylene gas, accelerating spoilage.
Discover how to organize your refrigerator to maximize food freshness.
Mistakes to Avoid in Cheese Storage
Storing cheese might seem simple, but it's easy to make mistakes that compromise its freshness.
Here are the most common ones:
- Wrapping cheese in plastic: prevents breathing and promotes mold growth.
- Not changing the storage material: an old wrap can accumulate moisture and bacteria.
- Leaving cheese exposed to air: accelerates deterioration and alters the flavor.
How to Handle Mold on Cheese
The presence of mold does not always mean that the cheese must be thrown away.
In aged cheeses, it is possible to remove the moldy part with a knife, making sure to cut about 1-2 cm around the affected area.
On the other hand, in fresh or soft cheeses, mold might indicate a deeper spoilage, so it is better to avoid consumption.
Freezing Cheese: Yes or No?
Freezing cheese can be a solution to avoid waste, but it is not suitable for all types of dairy products.
Fresh cheeses tend to lose texture, while aged cheeses may become crumbly.
If you decide to freeze, divide the cheese into portions and wrap it in aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or food storage bags, consuming it within 2-3 months.
Adopting the right storage strategies not only extends the freshness of the cheese but also contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle by reducing food waste.
Each type of cheese has specific needs, but with the right materials and a well-organized refrigerator, you can best preserve its flavor and quality.