Cheese is a delicious and versatile food that can be enjoyed in many different ways. However, it is important to store cheese properly to maintain its flavor and texture. Here are some tips on how to store cheese properly:
1. Choose the Right Storage Container
- Cheese Paper: Cheese paper is a special type of paper that is designed to allow cheese to breathe. This helps to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
- Wax Paper: Wax paper is another good option for storing cheese. It is important to wrap the cheese tightly in wax paper to prevent it from drying out.
- Plastic Wrap: Plastic wrap can be used to store cheese, but it is not the ideal option. Plastic wrap can trap moisture, which can lead to mold growth. If you use plastic wrap, make sure to wrap the cheese loosely.
2. Store Cheese in the Refrigerator
- Vegetable Crisper: The vegetable crisper is the ideal place to store cheese. It is cool and dark, and it has the right humidity level for cheese.
- Back of the Refrigerator: If you don’t have a vegetable crisper, you can store cheese in the back of the refrigerator. This is the coldest part of the refrigerator, which is ideal for storing cheese.
3. Avoid Storing Cheese Near Strong-Smelling Foods
Cheese can absorb the odors of other foods. This can affect the flavor of the cheese. Therefore, it is important to store cheese away from strong-smelling foods, such as fish, meat, and onions.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Refrigerator
Overcrowding the refrigerator can make it difficult for the cold air to circulate. This can lead to the cheese spoiling more quickly.
5. Wrap Cheese Properly
When wrapping cheese, make sure to wrap it tightly enough to prevent air from getting in, but not so tightly that the cheese cannot breathe.
6. Check Cheese Regularly
It is important to check your cheese regularly for signs of mold or spoilage. If you see any mold on the cheese, discard it immediately.
7. Ripen Cheese at Room Temperature
Some cheeses, such as Brie and Camembert, need to be ripened at room temperature before they are eaten. This allows the cheese to develop its flavor and texture.
Additional Tips:
- If you have a lot of cheese, you can store it in a cheese box. This will help to keep the cheese fresh and prevent it from absorbing odors.
- You can also use a sugar cube to absorb moisture and prevent mold growth.
- If you are going to be storing cheese for a long time, you can freeze it. However, freezing can affect the texture of the cheese.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your cheese stays fresh and delicious.