Beginner’s Guide to Preserving Cheese

Preserving cheese is essential to maintain its flavor, texture, and longevity. There are several methods to preserve cheese, each with its own benefits and suitable cheese types. This guide will cover the most common techniques: waxing, vacuum sealing, and bandaging.

Why Preserve Cheese?

Preserving cheese helps to:

  • Extend its shelf life
  • Maintain its quality
  • Prevent mold growth
  • Retain moisture

Techniques for Preserving Cheese

1. Waxing

Waxing is a traditional method used primarily for hard cheeses. It involves coating the cheese in a layer of food-grade wax, which protects it from mold and helps retain moisture.

“Waxing your cheese preserves it while it is aging. It prevents mold from growing on the surfaces and helps to retain the moisture in the cheese.” – Curd Nerd

Suitable Cheeses:

  • Cheddar
  • Gouda
  • Edam
  • Parmesan

Steps to Wax Cheese:

  1. Prepare the Cheese: Ensure the cheese is dry and has a hardened rind.
  2. Melt the Wax: Use a double boiler to melt the cheese wax to around 160-170°F (71-77°C).
  3. Apply the Wax: Dip the cheese into the wax or use a brush to coat it. Apply 2-3 layers, allowing each layer to harden before applying the next.
  4. Label the Cheese: Write the cheese type and date on a label and stick it onto the wax.

Benefits:

  • Prevents mold growth
  • Retains moisture
  • Suitable for long-term aging

Drawbacks:

  • Can be messy
  • Requires specific equipment

2. Vacuum Sealing

Vacuum sealing involves placing the cheese in a plastic bag and using a vacuum sealer to remove the air, creating an airtight environment. This method is modern and convenient, especially for home cheesemakers.

“Vacuum sealing can significantly extend the shelf life of cheese. With no air to disrupt the cheese, its freshness is maintained for a longer period.” – Invacus

Suitable Cheeses:

  • Hard cheeses (e.g., Parmesan, Cheddar)
  • Semi-hard cheeses (e.g., Gouda, Swiss)

Steps to Vacuum Seal Cheese:

  1. Prepare the Cheese: Ensure the cheese is dry and clean.
  2. Place in Bag: Put the cheese in a vacuum-seal bag.
  3. Seal the Bag: Use a vacuum sealer to remove the air and seal the bag.

Benefits:

  • Extends shelf life
  • Prevents mold and bacteria growth
  • Space-efficient

Drawbacks:

  • Can alter flavor development
  • May cause texture changes

3. Bandaging

Bandaging involves wrapping the cheese in cloth and applying a layer of fat, such as lard or butter. This method is traditional and allows the cheese to breathe while aging.

“Bandaging allows the cheese to breathe while aging, enhancing its flavor development.” – Preserved Home

Suitable Cheeses:

  • Cheddar
  • Lancashire
  • Cheshire

Steps to Bandage Cheese:

  1. Prepare the Cheese: Ensure the cheese is dry.
  2. Wrap in Cloth: Use a clean, food-grade cloth to wrap the cheese.
  3. Apply Fat: Coat the cloth with lard or butter to create a seal.

Benefits:

  • Allows the cheese to breathe
  • Traditional method
  • Enhances flavor development

Drawbacks:

  • Requires regular maintenance
  • Can be labor-intensive

Comparison Table

MethodSuitable CheesesBenefitsDrawbacks
WaxingHard cheeses (Cheddar, Gouda, Edam, Parmesan)Prevents mold, retains moisture, long-term agingMessy, requires specific equipment
Vacuum SealingHard and semi-hard cheeses (Parmesan, Cheddar, Gouda, Swiss)Extends shelf life, prevents mold, space-efficientAlters flavor, may change texture
BandagingHard cheeses (Cheddar, Lancashire, Cheshire)Allows breathing, traditional, enhances flavorRequires maintenance, labor-intensive

Additional Tips

  • Storage: Store cheese in a cool, dark place with controlled humidity.
  • Labeling: Always label your cheese with the type and date of preservation.
  • Maintenance: Regularly check for mold and rotate the cheese if necessary.

By following these methods, you can ensure your cheese remains fresh and flavorful for an extended period. Choose the method that best suits your needs and the type of cheese you are preserving.