Unfortunately, good cheese storage is more than ensuring it is safe from hungry mice. Like all food, cheese needs proper storage to remain fresh, flavorful, and safe to consume. When determining how to store cheese, the most important thing to remember is that cheese needs to breathe. Breathing prevents the cheese from both drying out and becoming too moist.
Different types of cheese require different storage techniques to ensure they remain at their best. While there are similarities in storage techniques among all cheeses, there is no one size fits all approach.
For example, soft cheeses are highly perishable, so they require special care when it comes to storage. On the other hand, hard cheeses are a bit heartier and can often be stored at room temperature, although they will last longer if they are correctly stored in the refrigerator.
With this in mind, here are some easy tips to help store cheese to ensure it stays at its best for as long as possible.
Store soft and hard cheeses in cheese paper
While it’s not something that is stocked in most average kitchens, the best way to store cheese is in cheese paper.
Cheese paper, also known as cheese storage sheets, are waxed and porous which allows the cheese to breathe while also maintaining enough moisture to prevent the cheese from drying out.
Formaticum is perhaps the most well-known manufacturer of cheese storage paper. Cheese paper comes in a range of sizes and is suitable for both soft and hard cheeses. https://www.amazon.com/Formaticum-Cheese-Storage-Labels-Sheets/dp/B002I47P40?th=1
Store soft and hard cheeses in cheese storage bags
Like cheese storage paper, cheese storage bags are also made from waxed porous paper, but in bag form. This is arguably more convenient than having to wrap cheese in paper.
Cheese storage bags can be reused for the same type of cheese until butter stains appear on the paper https://www.formaticum.com/products/cheese-storage-bags?variant=47116193418
Store soft and hard cheeses in waxed paper or parchment paper
If you don’t have cheese paper or cheese storage bags to hand (let’s be honest, most of us don’t), wax paper (aka parchment paper) will also do a good job. Ensure that you secure the parchment paper with a piece of tape so that it doesn’t open up while in the fridge.
Some people also recommend placing the wrapped cheese in an open plastic bag in the fridge although it is debatable as to how much this helps.
Store cheese in the vegetable drawer of your fridge
The best place for cheese to be stored is in a cool, dark place where there is enough air circulation. The optimal temperature is between 33 and 40°F. Practically, the best place for most of us to store cheese is in the refrigerator.
However, if you really want to give your cheese the best chance of retaining its full potential, put it in the vegetable drawer (aka the crisper drawer). This is the part of the refrigerator with the most consistent temperature. If your fridge has a cheese drawer, this is also a good storage option.
Never wrap your cheese in plastic wrap
Plastic wrap, cling film, glad wrap… whatever you call it, don’t wrap your cheese in it.
Plastic wrap stops cheese from breathing meaning that the cheese becomes suffocated and this leads to bad things for both the cheese, and its consumer.
Suffocated cheese takes on new flavors, due ot the growth of unwanted molds and bacteria, and can also take on a plasticy flavor from the plastic wrap. Furthermore, it leads to the accumulation of ammonium gas which can’t escape (and consequently spoils the cheese).
Even your vacuum sealed 1 kg block of cheddar would benefit from being wrapped in cheese paper or parchment paper rather than in plastic.
Freeze cheese cautiously
Strictly speaking, you can freeze cheese. Assuming it is defrosted appropriately and consumed within an appropriate timeframe, it will be safe to eat.
On the plus side, freezing cheese can be a great way to extend its shelf life. To freeze cheese, start by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place the cheese in a freezer-safe container or bag. Label the container or bag with the date the cheese was frozen and use it within six months.
When you’re ready to use frozen cheese, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Do not thaw the cheese at room temperature as this can cause bacteria to grow. Once the cheese has thawed, it should be used within a few days.
On the downside, freezing cheese changes its texture. This is why it is recommended to only freeze cheese that will then be used for cooking. Once melted or incorporated into a dish, the texture won’t be noticed.
Also take note that soft cheeses, like brie, camembert, and blue cheeses don’t freeze well. So, stick to freezing hard cheeses and only when they will be cooked.
Take cheese out of the fridge one hour before consuming
Cheese is best consumed at room temperature. This is when the flavors and texture of the cheese are at their best.
Take your cheese out of the fridge with enough time to allow it to warm up to room temperature before serving.
Take extra measures for blue cheese
Blue cheese is, well, pungent! Which is, of course, one of the reasons why many of us love it so much. The downside to this appealing characteristic is that blue cheese can taint other cheeses in its vicinity.
Therefore, after wrapping the blue cheese in suitable paper, add another layer of protection by placing the blue cheese in its own container to ensure it keeps its molds to itself.
Store fresh cheeses in their own containers
Treat fresh cheeses differently – these should not be wrapped in paper. Instead, keep them in the airtight containers they came in and/or a brine solution to keep them fresh.
Depending on how long fresh cheeses are in your fridge before being eaten, you may need to change the water or brine every few days.
Invest in a Cheese Grotto
For true cheeseaholics, a cheese grotto is perhaps the ultimate cheese storage solution.
Check out this amazing piece of cheese storage kit which allows you to store your cheese unwrapped in the grotto which can be placed either on the counter or in the fridge. This cheese storage solution really does take the cake (take the cheese..?) https://cheesegrotto.com/
Date your cheese
Sadly, dating your cheese doesn’t involve taking it out for dinner… rather, have a roll of masking tape and a pen handy next to the fridge. When you open a new cheese, stick a small piece of masking tape on it with the date.
This will help you to keep track of your cheese and make sure you eat it before its past its best.
The best cheese containers for storage
The best containers for storing cheese are glass or stainless steel containers with tight-fitting lids.
A plastic airtight container will also do the job if you don’t have a glass or stainless steel container, but choose a container that is BPA-free.
It is important to make sure that the container is large enough to hold the amount of cheese you’re storing. If the container is too small, the cheese may not have enough air circulation, which can cause it to spoil more quickly.
How to Tell if Cheese Has Gone Bad
The best way to tell if cheese has gone bad is to look for visible signs of spoilage. Bad cheese will have an off-putting smell and a slimy or sticky texture.
It may also have mold or discoloration on the surface. If you see any of these signs, it’s best to discard the cheese.
Conclusion – Final Tips for Storing Cheese
When it comes to determining how to store cheese, the first step is to determine which cheese you are dealing with: soft cheese… fresh cheese… hard cheese… aged cheese… cheddar cheese… fresh mozzarella… shredded cheese… ripened cheese… moldy cheese… firm cheese…
How to store cheese depends on what cheese you are storing and what your kitchen basics (and budget) look like. For most of us, wax paper will be the best option to hand for storing soft cheeses and hard cheeses. Fresh cheeses require airtight containers, but these are usually easy to hand as bought cheeses will come in them.
If you love cheese, looking after its taste and texture are high priorities. Following these simple tips will ensure that your cheese stays as delicous as possible for as long as it takes for it to be eaten – which, to be honest, for many of us may not be that long.