What Should You Do Immediately After Buying Cheese?
Once you’ve brought your cheese home, take these immediate steps:
Unwrap store packaging: Remove plastic wrap or foil from the cheese shop.
Re-wrap properly: Use cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment to rewrap the cheese.
Label and date: Mark each cheese with its type and purchase date.
Store appropriately: Place in the cheese drawer or crisper of your refrigerator.
Separate strong cheeses: Store pungent cheeses separately to prevent odor transfer.
How to Store Your Cheese Until You Are Ready to Use It?
Proper storage ensures your cheese stays fresh until you’re ready to enjoy it:
Use proper wrapping: Wrap in breathable materials like cheese paper or wax paper.
Maintain proper humidity: Store in the cheese drawer or crisper where humidity is controlled.
Check regularly: Inspect cheese every few days for signs of spoilage.
Rotate stock: Use older cheeses first to ensure nothing goes to waste.
Avoid frequent handling: Minimize touching the cheese to prevent introducing bacteria.
Storage Step
Purpose
Best Practice
Rewrapping
Maintain freshness
Use cheese paper or wax paper
Labeling
Track freshness
Include cheese type and purchase date
Refrigeration
Slow aging process
Store in cheese drawer at 35-45°F (1.7-7.2°C)
Separation
Prevent flavor transfer
Store strong cheeses separately
Regular checks
Ensure quality
Inspect every few days for spoilage
Conclusion: Mastering Cheese Storage for Optimal Flavor and Longevity
Proper cheese storage is an art that combines understanding the nature of cheese with practical techniques. By following these guidelines for wrapping and storing different types of cheese, you can ensure that your cheese maintains its flavor, texture, and quality for as long as possible. Remember, cheese is a living product that continues to age even after purchase, so proper care is essential to enjoy it at its best. Whether you’re a casual cheese enthusiast or a connoisseur, mastering these storage techniques will help you get the most out of every cheese you buy, reducing waste and enhancing your culinary experiences.
Cheese Wrapping FAQ
How do you wrap homemade cheese?
Wrapping homemade cheese properly is crucial for maintaining its quality and flavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Allow the cheese to dry:
After making, let the cheese develop a slight rind
This may take 1-3 days, depending on the cheese type
Choose your wrapping material:
Cheese paper (best option)
Wax paper
Parchment paper
Wrapping process:
Cut a piece of wrapping material large enough to fully enclose the cheese
Place the cheese in the center of the paper
Fold the paper over the cheese, creating a tight seal
Secure with tape if needed
Add a secondary wrap:
Loosely wrap the cheese in plastic wrap or aluminum foil
This helps maintain humidity without trapping too much moisture
Label and date the cheese
Store in the refrigerator:
Place in the vegetable crisper for best results
Maintain temperature between 35-45°F (1.7-7.2°C)
Remember to rewrap the cheese in fresh material each time you use it to prevent mold growth and maintain freshness.
What is the best cheese for a wrap?
When choosing cheese for a wrap (sandwich), consider these factors:
Meltability: Soft to semi-soft cheeses work well
Flavor: Choose a cheese that complements other ingredients
Texture: Opt for cheeses that won’t crumble or become too oily
Some of the best cheeses for wraps include:
Cheddar:
Classic flavor, melts well
Available in various strengths
Gouda:
Smooth, slightly sweet flavor
Melts beautifully
Provolone:
Mild flavor, great melting properties
Complements many ingredients
Mozzarella:
Mild, creamy flavor
Excellent melting cheese
Swiss:
Nutty flavor, melts well
Pairs nicely with meats
Havarti:
Buttery flavor, melts smoothly
Great for vegetable wraps
Pepper Jack:
Adds a spicy kick
Melts well, great for southwest-style wraps
Ultimately, the best cheese for a wrap depends on personal preference and the other ingredients in your wrap.
What cloth is used to wrap cheese?
Several types of cloth are used to wrap cheese, each with its own benefits:
Cheesecloth:
Traditional choice for wrapping and making cheese
Allows cheese to breathe while protecting it
Available in different grades of fineness
Butter Muslin:
Finer weave than standard cheesecloth
Excellent for soft cheeses
Reusable and durable
Bandage Cloth:
Used for traditional cloth-bound cheeses
Allows for controlled moisture loss during aging
Often made of cotton or linen
Beeswax Wraps:
Eco-friendly alternative
Reusable and washable
Helps maintain cheese moisture
Parchment Paper:
Not a cloth, but often used as a first layer
Prevents cheese from sticking to outer wrapping
The choice of cloth depends on the type of cheese, its stage of aging, and personal preference. For home storage, a combination of parchment paper and cheesecloth often works well.
How do professionals wrap cheese?
Professional cheese wrapping techniques vary depending on the cheese type and intended use, but generally follow these steps:
Initial Assessment:
Evaluate the cheese’s moisture content and texture
Determine the appropriate wrapping method
Primary Wrap:
Use specialized cheese paper or wax paper
Wrap tightly to prevent air pockets
For soft cheeses, use a looser wrap to allow breathing
Sealing:
Fold edges to create a tight seal
Use food-safe tape if necessary
Secondary Wrap (if needed):
For very soft or blue cheeses, add a layer of aluminum foil
This helps maintain humidity and prevent odor transfer
Labeling:
Include cheese name, date wrapped, and expiration date
Add any special storage instructions
Storage:
Place in temperature and humidity-controlled environments
Rotate stock to ensure freshness
Professionals often use specialized equipment like vacuum sealers for certain cheeses, especially those intended for longer storage or transportation.
Is it better to wrap cheese in plastic or foil?
The choice between plastic and foil for wrapping cheese depends on the cheese type and storage duration. Here’s a comparison:
Plastic Wrap:
Pros:
Creates an airtight seal
Prevents moisture loss
Readily available
Cons:
Can trap too much moisture, promoting mold growth
May transfer plastic odors to cheese
Not environmentally friendly
Best for: Short-term storage of harder cheeses
Aluminum Foil:
Pros:
Allows cheese to breathe
Doesn’t transfer odors
Can be reused
Cons:
May not seal as tightly as plastic
Can tear easily
Might react with acidic cheeses
Best for: Stronger-flavored cheeses, blue cheeses
Recommendation:
For optimal cheese storage, use cheese paper or wax paper as the primary wrap, followed by a loose layer of plastic wrap or foil. This method allows the cheese to breathe while preventing excessive moisture loss.
What is the best wrapper for cheese?
The best wrapper for cheese is one that balances moisture retention and air circulation. Here are the top options:
Cheese Paper:
Specially designed for cheese storage
Allows cheese to breathe while maintaining humidity
Often has a waxy inner layer and porous outer layer
Best overall choice for most cheeses
Wax Paper:
Good alternative to cheese paper
Allows some breathability
Prevents sticking
Parchment Paper:
Similar benefits to wax paper
Good for wrapping before adding a secondary layer
Beeswax Wraps:
Eco-friendly option
Reusable and washable
Maintains cheese moisture well
Cloth Wraps (like cheesecloth):
Traditional method for certain cheeses
Allows excellent breathability
Best for harder, aged cheeses
For best results, use one of these options as your primary wrap, then loosely cover with plastic wrap or foil for additional protection. Always choose food-grade materials and avoid direct contact with plastic for long-term storage.
Is it OK to wrap cheese in cling film?
While cling film (plastic wrap) is commonly used, it’s not ideal for cheese storage:
Short-term use (1-2 days):
Acceptable for hard cheeses
Can help prevent drying out
Convenient for quick storage
Long-term use (more than 2-3 days):
Not recommended for most cheeses
Can trap too much moisture, promoting mold growth
May transfer plastic odors and flavors to the cheese
Prevents cheese from “breathing,” affecting flavor and texture
Better alternatives:
Cheese paper
Wax paper
Parchment paper
Beeswax wraps
If you must use cling film, wrap the cheese loosely and change the wrap frequently. For better results, use cling film as a secondary wrap over cheese paper or wax paper.
What is the best way to wrap cheese to keep it fresh?
To keep cheese fresh, follow these best practices:
Choose the right wrapping material:
Cheese paper (ideal)
Wax paper or parchment paper as alternatives
Wrapping technique:
Wrap loosely to allow some air circulation
For soft cheeses, leave a small opening for breathing
For hard cheeses, wrap more tightly to prevent drying
Double wrapping method:
First layer: Cheese paper or wax paper
Second layer: Loose plastic wrap or aluminum foil
Storage location:
Store in the vegetable crisper drawer of your refrigerator
Maintain temperature between 35-45°F (1.7-7.2°C)
Separate strong-smelling cheeses:
Use separate containers or wrap more tightly
Prevents odor transfer between cheeses
Regular maintenance:
Change wrapping every few days or after each use
Check for signs of mold or drying
Serving tips:
Bring cheese to room temperature before serving for best flavor
Only unwrap the amount you plan to use
Remember, different cheese types may require slightly different storage methods. Generally, harder cheeses can tolerate more wrapping, while softer cheeses need more breathing room.
Conclusion: Best Practices for Cheese Wrapping
To ensure your cheese stays fresh and flavorful, keep these key points in mind:
Choose appropriate wrapping materials:
Cheese paper is the best overall choice
Wax paper or parchment paper are good alternatives
Avoid long-term storage in plastic wrap alone
Tailor wrapping to cheese type:
Soft cheeses need more breathing room
Hard cheeses can be wrapped more tightly
Use the double-wrapping method:
Inner layer for breathability
Outer layer for additional protection
Store properly:
Use the vegetable crisper in your refrigerator
Maintain consistent temperature and humidity
Regular maintenance:
Change wrapping frequently
Check for signs of spoilage
Consider cheese variety:
Different cheeses may require specific storage methods
Consult cheese mongers for specialty cheeses
By following these guidelines, you can extend the life of your cheeses and ensure they maintain their best flavors and textures. Remember, proper storage is key to enjoying your cheese at its finest!