Cheese is one of the most commonly found foods in everyday meals. Cheese also has various types of cheese that can be enjoyed on its own, as an appetizer, or as a topping that can give a great taste to any dish. However, to maintain the flavor and prevent cheese from losing its unique characteristics, we need to pay attention to how cheese is stored after use. This is important because the way cheese is stored can also significantly affect its flavor and quality.
In this article, we will recommend the best way to store cheese to maintain its quality, flavor, and texture. Let’s find out how to properly store your cheese:
How to store cheese to stay fresh
1. Avoid storing cheese in plastic
To maintain the texture and prevent unwanted mold growth, storing cheese in the paper is more recommended than in plastic. This is because cheese is a food product that continues to undergo chemical changes even after being cut or packaged. Paper allows the cheese to “breathe” by allowing controlled air exchange. This prevents the accumulation of excess moisture and maintains the ideal moisture level of the cheese to avoid mold growth, slimy cheese or spoilage.
Belcube from The Laughing Cow is a cheese product with individual packaging innovation that makes it practical for consumption. The practical and individually wrapped packaging of Belcube cheese can also help cheese lovers avoid the potential for premature spoilage. Belcube is also packaged with airtight packaging to help maintain the freshness of the cheese, so Belmoomy can enjoy the authentic taste and soft texture of their favorite variety without worrying about any damage to the Belcube.
Read More: Introducing The Benefits and Composition of Belcube Cheese
2. Storing cheese in the refrigerator
Cheese can be stored in the refrigerator but must be kept at an appropriate temperature. Temperatures that are too cold may cause the cheese to become too hard or brittle. The optimal temperature is around 7-13°C (45-44°F). Also, avoid storing cheese on the refrigerator door as this experiences temperature fluctuations that can damage the cheese. Therefore, it is recommended to store cheese in the main part of the refrigerator, where the temperature is more consistent.
3. Avoid mixing cheeses in one place
Avoiding mixing different types of cheese in one storage area is also an important step in maintaining the flavor, texture, and characteristics of every cheese. This is because different types of cheese have different flavors that can be easily influenced by the aroma of the surrounding cheese. When cheeses are stored together, their flavors can mix, resulting in an undesirable blend of flavors. For example, a cheese with a strong aroma may overpower the flavor of another cheese that is milder when stored together. Apart from that, each type of cheese may require slightly different temperature and humidity conditions for optimal storage. By separating them, you can cater to the needs of each cheese more effectively.
4. Apply oil to prevent mold.
Olive, canola and vegetable oils are natural solutions to prevent mold growth on cheese. The antimicrobial properties of these oils can form a protective film on the surface of the cheese, inhibit mold growth, and extend the shelf life of the cheese. You can rub the cut surface of the cheese with a little oil, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you find mold growing on your stored cheese, the mold is growing on the oil, not on the cheese itself. Then, you can wipe it with a paper towel and rinse it with warm water.
Read More: Recommendations for Halal and Safe-to-Consume Cheese!
5. Keep cheese separate from foods that have strong odors.
Cheese is one of the most aroma-sensitive foods, so it is advisable to separate foods with strong odors such as garlic, onions, and other types of flavored cheeses. These pungent-smelling foods can easily transmit the aroma to other foods that are nearby. Cheese contaminated by strongly flavored foods can affect the flavor and freshness of the cheese. Therefore, it is important to avoid storing cheese together with strongly flavored foods and maintain air circulation in the refrigerator or cheese storage area.
For those who indulge in cheese regularly, it is important to pay attention to how cheese is stored so that the taste, texture, and quality of your favorite cheese are maintained when you want to enjoy it. An important thing to consider when storing cheese is to maintain the moisture level of the cheese to avoid unwanted mold growth. This can be prevented by paying attention to the right storage material, separating it from strong-flavored foods, applying oil on the surface of the cheese and other things.
The Laughing Cow introduces its inventive individualized cheese packaging, crafted with your cleanliness and enjoyment in mind. Embracing this innovation, products such as Belcube and others within The Laughing Cow range aim to minimize contamination risks associated with external factors and protect the cheese from mold, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all cheese enthusiasts.
