How to Store Cheese in the Refrigerator: A Guide to Keeping Your Cheese Fresh

Cheese is a beloved ingredient in many kitchens that offers a range of flavors, textures, and uses. Whether you're a fan of sharp cheddar, creamy brie, or tangy blue cheese, knowing how to store cheese in the refrigerator is essential to maintaining its quality and extending its shelf life. Improper storage can lead to dried-out, moldy, or overly soft cheese. With a few simple tips, you can keep your cheese fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

Why Proper Cheese Storage Matters

Cheese is a living food that continues to age and develop even after it’s been packaged and sold. It's flavor, texture, and moisture content can change over time, especially if it’s not stored correctly. Proper storage not only preserves the taste and texture of your cheese but also prevents it from spoiling prematurely. Here's how to store cheese in the refrigerator to ensure it stays at its best.

1. Choose the Right Wrap

The way you wrap your cheese plays a significant role in its longevity. Different types of cheese require different wrapping methods to maintain their freshness:

• Hard and Semi-Hard Cheeses (e.g., Cheddar, Gouda, Parmesan):

  • These cheeses benefit from being wrapped in cheese paper or wax paper. These materials allow the cheese to breathe while protecting it from drying out. After wrapping, place the cheese in a loose plastic bag or an airtight container to further prevent moisture loss.

• Soft Cheeses (e.g., Brie, Camembert):

  • Soft cheeses should also be wrapped in cheese paper or wax paper. Because they have higher moisture content, they can become overly soft or develop an off flavor if wrapped too tightly in plastic. Wrapping them in breathable paper helps maintain their texture.

• Blue Cheeses (e.g., Roquefort, Gorgonzola):

  • Blue cheeses should be wrapped in wax paper, parchment paper, or aluminum foil. These materials allow the cheese to breathe while containing the strong odors that blue cheese can emit. Avoid plastic wrap, as it can cause blue cheeses to become too moist.

2. Control Humidity

Cheese thrives in a slightly humid environment. If your refrigerator tends to be on the dry side, you can create a more humid environment by storing your wrapped cheese in a designated cheese drawer, a plastic container with a few holes punched in the lid, or a partially open plastic bag. This will help prevent the cheese from drying out.

3. Keep It Cool, but Not Too Cold

Cheese is best stored at a temperature between 35°F and 45°F (1.5°C to 7°C). The vegetable or cheese drawer in your refrigerator is usually the ideal spot, as it's typically a little warmer and more humid than the rest of the fridge. Avoid placing cheese near the freezer compartment or in the coldest parts of the refrigerator, as this can cause the cheese to become too hard or develop ice crystals.

4. Store Cheese Separately

Different types of cheese can have strong, distinct aromas that may transfer to one another if stored together. To prevent flavor contamination, store each type of cheese separately or either in its own container or wrapped individually. This is particularly important for strong-smelling cheeses like blue cheese or aged cheese.

5. Rewrap Cheese After Use

Each time you use your cheese, be sure to rewrap it properly. If the original wrapping has become greasy, wet, or torn, rewrap the cheese in fresh paper or the appropriate material to maintain its freshness.

6. Know When to Use It Up

Even with proper storage, cheese won’t last forever. Hard cheeses like Parmesan or aged cheddar can last for several weeks or even months, while soft cheeses should be used within a week or two. Keep an eye on your cheese, and if you notice any mold (other than the naturally occurring mold on blue cheese) or an off smell, it’s time to discard it.

7. Freezing Cheese: A Last Resort

While it's generally best to avoid freezing cheese, you can freeze hard and semi-hard cheeses if you won’t be able to use them before they spoil. Keep in mind that freezing can alter the texture, making the cheese crumbly. If you do freeze cheese, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. Thaw the cheese in the refrigerator before use, and use it in cooked dishes where texture is less important, such as in casseroles or melted on top of dishes.

Conclusion

Storing cheese properly in the refrigerator is key to enjoying it at its best. By wrapping it correctly, controlling humidity, and keeping it at the right temperature, you can extend the life of your cheese and savor its rich flavors for longer. Remember, cheese is a delicate and living product, and with just a little care, you can ensure that each bite is as delicious as the first. So next time you bring home a wedge of your favorite cheese, follow these tips to store it like a pro!