Cheese Storage Tips

by Tracy Enslen

I often get asked, “What’s the best way to store my cheese?” Well, the answer depends on the kind of cheese.

The first thing to know is that natural cheese is a living thing that needs to breath. It has enzymes and bacteria that need air and moisture to survive, and if we control the environment correctly, we can make the most of our favorite cheeses.

Packaging
Since you probably bought your cheese wrapped in plastic at a store, you should always remove it and re-wrap it, because cheese will mold faster if it is left on.

If you have a hard cheese like cheddar, Swiss or Parmesan, you should wrap it in cheese paper. No cheese paper? No worries! Parchment or wax paper will work too. After it’s wrapped, place it in a Ziploc bag, which allows the cheese some air to breathe.

If you have a softer cheese like brie, Camembert or a blue cheese, you should store it in an airtight container after wrapping.

Storage
All cheeses should be stored in the vegetable drawer, far away from the freezer. It’s generally best not to freeze cheeses, because it often changes their texture and flavor profile. If you already have some cheese hiding in the back of your freezer don’t panic! Simply allow the frozen cheese to thaw slowly and use for cooking.

If your harder cheeses start to grow mold, just cut it off about ½ inch below the mold line and the cheese is fine!

If your softer cheeses develop mold or are past their expiration date, they should be thrown away.

Enjoy
Get one of your 3 daily servings of dairy by enjoying your favorite cheese with a sweet treat like grapes or apples, or pair with a glass of wine! Looking for a great recipe instead? We have 8 recipes every cheese lover needs! Not sure which type of cheese is right for you? Check out this cheese guide for some great suggestions.

Tracy Enslen

Tracy is the Vice President of Marketing for the American Dairy Association Mideast. Being married to a Chef and having experience in all aspects of food service, Tracy has a passion for food and where it comes from. She enjoys ATV riding, kayaking and spending time on her hobby farm.