How should block cheese be stored for maximum shelf life?
Just like it says in the title, how can I store blocks of cheese for max shelf life? I will be making a grilled cheese sandwich and shredding 3 varieties of cheese (cheddar, swiss, parm(?)) and I am afraid that I won't be able to use three whole blocks on one sandwich.
Best Answer
Hard, aged cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan are fine to freeze, particularly if you're going to be melting them when you get around to using them anyway. Freezing causes ice particles to break up the molecules of the cheese, and when they thaw, they leave holes in what was (prior to freezing) a pretty smooth cheese. So you might notice if you freeze blocks of cheese, they are more crumbly when you unfreeze them than they were when you bought them. The cheeses you're working with should be fine if stored properly, but softer / creamier cheeses (brie, harvarti, etc.) might become somewhat unpleasant if you freeze them.
As far as storage is concerned, you can actually do one of two things:
- Grate the cheese before you freeze it. All you need to do for this method is grate your cheese and put it in a ziploc freezer bag (thicker than a regular zip-top bag). Just make sure to squeeze the air out before sealing, and seal it well.
- Freeze the cheese in blocks. Wrap them in plastic wrap and then put then in a ziploc bag, and you should be all set; it'll keep for 4-6 months. (source)
No matter which method you use, you may notice a slight change in texture. Make sure you thaw the cheese before using it. (Though I've put frozen shredded mozzarella on pizza and frozen shredded Mexican cheese blend - a blend of cheddar, monterey jack, queso blanco and asadero - on tacos and not had any trouble.)
Pictures about "How should block cheese be stored for maximum shelf life?"
Quick Answer about "How should block cheese be stored for maximum shelf life?"
Wrap blocks of cheese (or other types that don't come in resealable packaging) in wax, parchment, or cheese paper and store the cheese on the top or middle shelf, or in a drawer. Keep it above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination.How do you store block cheese long term?
One way to protect cheese is to use cheese paper, or wax or parchment paper, wrapping the cheese tightly then sealing it with tape. Hard cheeses that you'll eat fairly quickly do pretty well wrapped in plastic wrap, or placed in a sealed plastic bag or sealed glass container.How should firm cheese be stored for maximum shelf life and quality?
Store your cheeses in the lower shelf of your refrigerator, far from foods with strong odours, to avoid absorption of unwanted tastes and smells. Your refrigerator's vegetable drawer will make a good storage place.What is the appropriate way of storing cheese?
Whatever the sort of cheese, store it in the vegetable crisper of the refrigerator, where the temperature is cold and stable. Use a fresh piece of plastic wrap or wax paper to rewrap cheese after each use.How do you increase the shelf life of cheese?
According to literatures, the main methods for cheese shelf life extension are addition of preservative, modified atmosphere (MAP), high pressure, active coating, edible coating and combination of them.You've Been Storing Cheese Wrong Your Entire Life
More answers regarding how should block cheese be stored for maximum shelf life?
Answer 2
The best way to keep cheese in the fridge ... and the way I've made semisoft cheeses like cheddar last 6-10 weeks, sometimes more:
- Wrap the cheese in butcher paper, or baking parchment if you can't get butcher paper.
- Enclose the wrapped cheese in a plastic grocery bag or plastic wrap.
- Each time you slice off some of the cheese, change the paper.
The paper keeps the cheese dry, and the plastic keeps it moist. So the cheese doesn't dessicate, but doesn't get moldy either. Works a charm.
Answer 3
I've had good luck simply storing the cheese tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. If you use a good quality wrap material and wrap it tightly, the cheese will stay dry and also not lose moisture.
In the past I tried using ziploc bags, evacuating air before sealing, but the simple plastic wrap approach works better. I can keep 6-7 types of cheese fresh during the time it takes my family of four to eat it... up to several months depending on cheese type.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Castorly Stock, Ron Lach, Mick Haupt, Mark Stebnicki