How to keep cheese in the refrigerator longer? Surely this question worries a huge number of “home-guardians” who regularly buy this truly spicy food product for their family.
Cheese is a favorite product of many.
Indeed, there are enough lovers of parmesan and mozzarella in our country. At present, the assortment of cheeses is simply striking in its variety, and each person has the opportunity to choose a “cow” product that is suitable in quality and price. It is an integral ingredient in pizza, some types of cold and hot soups, salads. Of course, it is very important that it is fresh in the prepared dishes, so the question of how to keep cheese in the refrigerator for longer is interesting to many. It is also worth noting that the above product is rich in proteins, vitamins and amino acids, which makes it valuable for health.
If the conditions for proper storage of the “cow” product are not observed, then it will dry quickly, its appearance and taste will deteriorate. Nevertheless, the question of how to keep cheese in the refrigerator for a longer time can be resolved, not just one, but several. Let's consider it in more detail.
Packaging must be correct
Those wishing to learn how to keep cheese in the refrigerator for longer should remember that in order to maintain a “natural” taste, each piece of the product must have its own packaging. At the same time, plastic bags should not be used in which the cheese simply “stops breathing”. Naturally, this leads to a deterioration in the taste of the product. In addition, there is a risk of bacteria, which is also not a favorable factor.
Considering the question of how to store cheese in the refrigerator, it should be emphasized that hard grades of the product do not spoil for as long as possible. French cheese with a pronounced aroma, it is recommended to wrap it with cling film before placing it in the refrigerator. Swiss cheese, which does not have such a specific smell, is best placed in an enamel or glass container. You can not wrap the “cow product” in paper, because it will quickly begin to grow stale and deteriorate. Alternatively, you can advise parchment.
Keep only in a cool place.
If your house does not have a basement or a cellar, then the only option to maintain the quality of the above food product is a refrigerator.
Moreover, it is very important to observe the correct temperature regime (from 6 to 8 degrees Celsius) and humidity (90%). This, of course, is one of the main secrets of how to store cheese in the refrigerator.
Avoid temperature extremes
The “cow” product does not like temperature changes. All this is fraught with the fact that it will begin to crumble, deteriorate and change its natural taste. To minimize these risks, always place cheese on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.
Storage should be separate
It should be noted that parmesan or mozzarella absorbs the smells of its environment, therefore, as already mentioned above, it is not recommended to store cheeses of different types in one package. In addition, each of them has its own unique aroma, and it would be a mistake to keep them in one bowl or container.
Those who are concerned about the question of how to keep cheese in the refrigerator should be aware that vegetables, fruits, dishes with a specific aroma should not be adjacent to this product.
Also, do not forget to wrap them in a plastic wrap after use, since cheeses not only absorb the aroma, but also distribute it.
Do not cut the peel
Storage of cheese in the refrigerator will be correct if the crust is not removed from the product. It allows you to maintain the flavor of cheese. It is very important to remember another important secret - no need to pre-chop the cheese, as this will lead to its drying. You need to cut off exactly the amount of product that you intend to eat.
Do not stock
We should not forget the rule that no cheese can be stored for too long, especially when it comes to a product that was made on the basis of raw milk. Going to the grocery store, you should not buy cheese in kilograms - it would be advisable to purchase a small amount of Roquefort or Eden. In this way, you will not allow the product to “lie down” at home. Agree, it is better to visit the supermarket once again in order to subsequently enjoy the aromatic taste of fresh cheese.
Features storage of cheese
Cheese, made with your own hands, should not be stored in the refrigerator for too long: it is best to eat it for 3-4 days.
We remind you again: do not try to put it in a plastic bag - store it in a glass or enameled container.
Features of storage of brine cheese
Such types of cheeses as feta cheese, suluguni and feta are best placed in brine or special whey in order to maintain the quality of these products. To remove salt, such a cheese is first sliced and then soaked in milk for about 8-9 hours.
In particular, feta cheese after soaking does not deteriorate for a very long time, while suluguni does not have this quality. However, a solution to this problem still exists: “Georgian” cheese should be stored in an airtight container filled with brine. In this case, it will be fresh for three months.
Shelf life
For many, the question of how much cheese is stored in the refrigerator is of paramount importance. The answer to it depends on what kind of "cow" product in question. In particular, hard cheeses at home may not deteriorate for about 7-10 days. Soft varieties retain freshness for 3 days, as they age quickly enough.
As for processed cheese, it retains freshness for only 2 days, at the end of which all the taste and healthy qualities of such a product disappear. Now you know how much cheese is stored in the refrigerator.
General recommendations
If, for one reason or another, the “cow” product nevertheless became dry, then you can correct the situation by soaking it in milk. If mold has formed on the cheese, then you should cut it off, and the cheese itself does not need to be thrown away: add it as an ingredient to the prepared dish. Vacuum packaging will help extend the shelf life of any cheese.