Tips for Cheese Ageing and Storage

Tips for Cheese Ageing and Storage

Cheese, when stored properly, can be an incredibly long-lasting food item that even improves with age. In fact, some types of cheese can last years after being made and with the ageing process the flavours can become much more pronounced and complex. In this article, we'll show you how to store your cheese properly so that it lasts longer and tastes better than ever before.
 


Choose the right cheese

The first step in proper cheese storage and ageing is choosing the right cheese for the job. Different types of cheese have different storage requirements, so it’s important to consider what type of cheese you plan to store and age. Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, can be stored at room temperature for several months, while softer cheeses, such as Brie, should be stored in the refrigerator.

 

Keep cheese away from direct sunlight

If you're going to store cheese for any length of time, it's important to keep it away from direct sunlight as much as possible. Sunlight can cause the cheese to dry out and go bad faster than if they were stored in a cool, dark place.
 

Cheese gifts should be kept in containers with lids on them so that you can seal out air and moisture. If you don't have a container with an airtight lid available, wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap before storing it in the fridge or another location where there isn't much light exposure (but don't forget about your other food items!). Cheese will also keep longer when refrigerated because temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit slow down bacterial growth significantly


 

Different cheese types have different storage requirements

Blocks of cheese should be stored upright so that air can circulate properly around them. The best way to do this is to place your block on a wooden cutting board or plate, then put another plate or other flat object on top of it. This ensures that the sides and bottom are kept off surfaces that may collect moisture in the air.
 

The ideal temperature range for ageing cheeses is between 10-13 degrees Celsius. It's important not to store them anywhere warmer than this, since high temperatures encourage bacterial growth which can cause spoilage or mouldy spots on your beloved aged cheddar; nor should you keep it cool enough for too long--you don't want it freezing!

 

Cut-out pieces of cheese should be wrapped in waxed paper or cloth to prevent drying out or mould growth. You can use a tea towel, cloth napkin, or other absorbent material as an outer wrapping and then wrap the whole thing in plastic wrap to keep it airtight.

 

Soft or semi-soft cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks after being cut, but freshness will decrease over time. Some cheeses, such as ricotta and cottage cheese, are best used within 3 days of being opened.


 

Turn It Regularly

Turning the cheese regularly will help to ensure that it is ageing evenly. This is especially important for hard cheeses, as they can develop dry spots or uneven texture if not turned regularly.

 

Give It Time

Cheese needs time to reach its full flavour potential, so it’s important to be patient when storing and ageing cheese. Different types of cheese require different ageing times, so be sure to check the packaging for specific instructions. Generally, hard cheeses should be aged for at least a few months, while softer cheeses can be aged for as little as a few weeks.

 

Hopefully, these tips will help you keep your cheese fresher for longer. You don't have to follow all of them at once, but if you're looking for ways to improve your cheese-eating experience, then took a look at our luxury cheese gifts!

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