Is it possible to mature shop-bought hard cheese?
Is there a way in which I can continue the maturation process for blocks of shop-bought cheddar (or other hard) cheese of around 190g "packed in a protective atmosphere". The cheese is too bland for my taste.
Best Answer
Yes you can mature cheeses, most hard cheeses can be matured either in the refridgerator or elsewhere. Remove from the plastic packaging, the cheese will need to breathe, but not dry out - a cardboard box, paper towels, parchment paper would work. Just be careful on the amount of moisture & bacteria/mold growth.
You'll find a lot more helpful information if you search on "maturing cheeses" or "maturing cheeses at home".
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Quick Answer about "Is it possible to mature shop-bought hard cheese?"
Yes you can mature cheeses, most hard cheeses can be matured either in the refridgerator or elsewhere. Remove from the plastic packaging, the cheese will need to breathe, but not dry out - a cardboard box, paper towels, parchment paper would work. Just be careful on the amount of moisture & bacteria/mold growth.Can you age cheese after you buy it?
Yes, aging cheese at home will often improve its flavor and texture.How do you age cheese from the store?
You can age cheese in a regular refrigerator. Unfortunately, a standard refrigerator is 10-15 degrees cooler then a cheese cave and has the tendency to remove moisture from the air, causing unprotected cheese to dry out. The lower temperature causes the aging process to slow down.How can I ripen cheese at home?
One is by placing the cheeses on open aging shelves in a temperature and humidity controlled 'cave', cellar, or adapted refrigerator. If using individual ripening boxes for each cheese, place the box lid slightly ajar to allow for some air flow or open the box lid for a period of time on a regular basis.What can I do with really hard cheese?
Wrap the cheese in a damp paper towel, place it in a resealable plastic bag, and chill it for a day. Then remove the towel and store the cheese in the bag \u2014 it should be good to grate!How to Cure/Age and Store Hard Cheeses!
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