How to store your cheese at home this Christmas
You’ve stocked up on your favourite cheese ahead of the festive season and managed to not eat it all on one sitting – hurray for leftovers!
But to keep it at its best throughout the party season and beyond, how you store your cheese at home is crucial to ensure it stays fresh and tasty for as long as possible.
Here are our top tips:
KEEP IT COOL
Cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, preferably in the cheese drawer or a separate compartment where the temperature is slightly warmer than the rest of the fridge.
The ideal temperature range for most cheeses is between 1 and 3 degrees celsius. If the cheese is left at room temperature for too long, it can start to spoil and develop mould or bacteria.
WRAP IT UP
Cheese should be wrapped in wax paper, parchment paper, cheese paper or even beeswax wraps to help it retain moisture while allowing it to breathe.
Avoid wrapping cheese in plastic wrap, as this can cause the cheese to sweat and promote the growth of mould. If the cheese comes in a plastic wrapper, transfer it to a paper wrap or container before putting it in the fridge.
KEEP IT SEPARATE
Stronger-smelling cheeses like our blue cheeses should be stored separately from other cheeses to prevent their flavours from mixing. Try using separate containers or wrap them individually to keep from coming into contact with each other.
DON'T FREEZE IT
While some cheeses can be frozen, it's generally not recommended as freezing can affect the texture and flavour of the cheese.
If you must freeze cheese, cut it in to small pieces, grate it and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil and then thaw it in the refrigerator slowly before using.
USE IT IN TIME
Cheese doesn't last forever (sadly), and different types of cheese have a huge range of different shelf lives.
Hard cheeses like cheddar or parmesan can last for several months in the refrigerator, while softer cheeses like brie, camembert or our softer blues may only last for a week or two. Check the expiry date on your cheese and make sure you use it within the date.