Autumn brings a variety of party foods to store shelves, enticing many to indulge in fancy cheeses for charcuterie boards or pasta dishes.
However, purchasing cheeses, even the common ones, can be expensive, and it’s frustrating to see them spoil quickly after spending a significant amount.
Storing cheese in the fridge can be tricky due to its sensitivity to moisture levels. Inadequate humidity can lead to dryness and staleness, while excessive moisture can foster mold growth.
To address this issue, an expert from Over the Moon Dairy shared a simple method to preserve cheese effectively using only baking paper. The key is allowing the cheese to breathe while preventing it from drying out by wrapping it in a porous material like cheese paper, baking paper, or breathable plastic wrap designed for cheese.
Many experts suggest investing in wax paper or specialty wraps to store cheese, but using baking paper is an effective and cost-efficient alternative. The breathable nature of baking paper promotes air circulation around the cheese, preventing moisture buildup that could attract harmful bacteria and mold spores.
By loosely wrapping cheese in baking paper and placing it in a lidded food storage container, you can retain moisture and prevent the cheese from becoming hard or developing an undesirable texture. Storing the container in the fridge’s bottom drawer, which maintains consistent temperature and humidity, further helps preserve cheese freshness.
Remember to change the wrapping every few days or weekly to prevent bacterial buildup. Hard cheeses can last a month or longer, semi-firm varieties stay fresh for two to three weeks, while softer cheeses like mozzarella should be consumed within days.
Following these storage tips will help extend the shelf life of your favorite cheeses without additional costs, allowing you to enjoy them without worrying about spoilage.