What Are The Best Ways To Store Cheese After Serving?

“Hey there! I recently hosted a cheese and wine party, and now I’ve got a lot of leftover cheese. I’m not sure how to store it properly. Some of it is soft brie, some is a semi-hard gouda, and there’s even some blue cheese involved. I don’t want them to go to waste or lose their flavors. Could you give me some advice on the best ways to store these different types of cheese after serving?” Thanks, Katherine, Sydney, Australia.

What Are The Best Ways To Store Cheese After Serving?

Katherine, leftovers from a cheese party are both a blessing and a responsibility. Each type of cheese has its own unique storage requirements, and getting it right ensures that your cheese stays fresh and delicious until you’re ready to enjoy more of it.

Understanding the Types of Cheese

Before diving into the specifics, it’s useful to categorize cheese by texture and type:

• Soft Cheese: Brie, camembert, and fresh goat cheese.
• Semi-Hard Cheese: Gouda, cheddar, and Swiss.
• Blue Cheese: Roquefort, gorgonzola, and stilton.
• Hard Cheese: Parmesan, Asiago, and aged gouda.

General Storage Tips

No matter the type of cheese, a few universal tips will always apply:

• Temperature: Cheese should be stored in the warmest part of your refrigerator, typically the vegetable drawer. This area maintains a consistent temperature of around 35-45°F (2-7°C).
• Breathability: Cheese needs to breathe to maintain its flavor and texture. Avoid sealing it in airtight containers.
• Separation: Different types of cheese should be stored separately to avoid flavor contamination and spoilage due to different molds and bacteria.

Storing Soft Cheeses

Soft cheeses like brie and camembert are high in moisture content, making them more prone to spoilage.

• Wrapping: Wrap these cheeses in wax paper or parchment paper first. This preserves their moisture while still allowing them to breathe. Then, loosely wrap them in a plastic bag or place them in a covered container.
• Refrigeration: Store soft cheeses in the vegetable drawer of your fridge. The constant temperature helps maintain their creamy texture.
• Consumption Timeline: Soft cheeses are best consumed within a week of opening. The shorter shelf life is due to their high moisture content.

Storing Semi-Hard Cheeses

Gouda, cheddar, and Swiss, due to their firmer nature, require slightly different handling.

• Wrapping: Just like soft cheeses, start with a layer of wax or parchment paper, but you can follow up with a looser plastic wrap or place them in a resealable plastic bag. The goal is to protect them from drying out while allowing some air exchange.
• Mold Prevention: If you notice a bit of mold, don’t panic. Simply cut away the affected area at least an inch around and beneath the mold spot. The rest of the cheese should be fine.
• Refrigeration: These cheeses can also be stored in the vegetable drawer, keeping them slightly warmer than the rest of the fridge ensures they maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Consumption Timeline: Semi-hard cheeses can be stored for about two to four weeks after opening.

Storing Blue Cheeses

Blue cheeses, such as gorgonzola and Roquefort, have unique storage needs due to their mold-ripened nature.

• Wrapping: Use the same initial wax or parchment paper wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Foil works well with blue cheese as it helps to contain the strong odors and flavors.
• Mold Control: These cheeses are already moldy. If white mold appears on the exterior, it’s usually harmless, but it’s best to trim it off before rewrapping.
• Refrigeration: Store blue cheese in a tightly sealed container to prevent its strong scent from permeating other foods.
• Consumption Timeline: Blue cheeses can last up to a month when properly stored.

Storing Hard Cheeses

Parmesan and other hard cheeses are generally the simplest to store given their low moisture content.

• Wrapping: Use parchment or wax paper before adding a layer of plastic wrap or placing the cheese in a sealed bag. This method prevents the cheese from drying out.
• Grated Storage: If you’ve grated more hard cheese than you can use, storing it in an airtight container works fine. The low moisture content helps preserve it.
• Temperature: Store hard cheeses in the refrigerator, ideally in the warmer vegetable drawer.
• Consumption Timeline: Hard cheeses can last several months if stored properly. They can also be frozen, but freezing might alter their texture slightly.

Keeping Cheese Fresh Longer

Katherine, a few additional tricks can extend the life of your cheeses:

• Cheese Paper: Consider investing in specialized cheese paper. It’s designed to wick moisture away from the cheese while letting it breathe. Brands like Formaticum offer quality products.
• Wax Coating: For homemade cheeses or those purchased in bulk, you can dip them in cheese wax. This blocks out air and slows oxidation, extending shelf life considerably.
• Regular Check-ins: Make a habit of checking your stored cheese every few days. Trim away any unwanted mold immediately to prevent it from spreading.

Cheese Storage Do’s and Don’ts

Here are some quick tips to keep you on track:

Do’s:

• Store cheese in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator.
• Wrap cheese in wax or parchment paper, followed by a loose layer of plastic or foil.
• Use resealable plastic bags for harder cheeses after initial wrapping.

Don’ts:

• Don’t store cheese in airtight containers. It needs to breathe.
• Don’t leave cheese out for extended periods. Always refrigerate promptly after serving.
• Don’t discard cheese at the first sign of mold (unless it’s a soft cheese). Trim it off and rewrap.

Remembering Safety and Quality

Cheese is a living food, made up of various beneficial bacteria and molds. Ensuring it’s stored correctly keeps these elements balanced and supports the cheese’s natural aging process. Always use clean utensils to handle your cheese—this helps prevent unwanted bacteria from spoiling it.

Final Thoughts…

Katherine, keeping your cheeses fresh after a party ensures that you don’t miss out on enjoying the rich flavors and textures they offer. The key points to remember are appropriate wrapping, maintaining the right temperature, and keeping different types of cheese separate. Thanks for reaching out and happy cheese storing!