When it comes to wrapping cheese, there are a few key factors to consider in order to keep your cheese fresh and delicious. The best wrap will depend on the type of cheese, how long you need it to stay fresh, and your personal preferences. Choosing the right wrap can help prevent mold growth, moisture loss, and other damage that can ruin your cheese. In this article, we will explore the most common wraps used for cheese storage and examine the pros and cons of each to help you determine the best option for your needs.
Parchment Paper
Parchment paper, also known as bakery paper, is one of the most popular choices for wrapping cheese. It is made from cellulose fibers that have been coated with silicone, which allows it to withstand high heat and provides a non-stick surface. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of using parchment paper to wrap cheese:
Pros:
- Non-stick surface won’t cling to soft cheeses
- Allows airflow to prevent mold growth
- Resists grease absorption
- Odorless and won’t impart flavors
- Heat resistant for oven use
- Readily available in grocery stores
- Disposable and non-reusable
Cons:
- Can dry out some cheese varieties
- Not moisture resistant
- May need additional barrier like plastic wrap
- Not suitable for long term storage
Overall, parchment paper is a good choice for short term cheese storage of around 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. The breathability helps prevent mold growth but the lack of moisture barrier means it shouldn’t be used for longer storage. It works best for firm, low moisture cheeses like parmesan or cheddar. Soft cheeses like brie may dry out too quickly with only parchment as a wrap.
Wax Paper
Wax paper is sometimes confused with parchment paper but they are very different. Wax paper has a thin coating of wax applied to basic paper, making it moisture resistant but not non-stick. Here are the main pros and cons of using wax paper for cheese storage:
Pros:
- Moisture barrier helps retain soft cheese moisture
- Disposable and non-reusable
- Odorless and won’t impart flavors
- Readily available in grocery stores
Cons:
- Can stick to softer cheeses
- Not breathable so can cause mold growth
- Not suitable for oven use
- May need additional barrier like plastic wrap
- Not ideal for long term storage
The moisture resistance of wax paper makes it a better choice than parchment for soft cheeses like brie or mozzarella. However, the lack of breathability limits its use for aging cheeses that require air circulation. It also should not be used for oven baking. Wax paper is best suited for short term fridge storage of soft cheeses.
Plastic Wrap
Flexible plastic wrap, like Saran wrap, is commonly used to wrap cheeses. The thin plastic film provides a good moisture barrier while also adhering closely to the shape of the cheese. Here are some plastic wrap pros and cons:
Pros:
- Excellent moisture barrier retains soft cheese moisture
- Clings tightly to cheese shape
- Helps prevent freezer burn
- Easy to apply and remove
- Disposable and non-reusable
- Readily available
Cons:
- Can cause mold if wrapped too tightly
- Some plastics can impart odor
- Not suitable for oven use
- Not sustainable or eco-friendly
- Difficult to wrap larger wedges neatly
Plastic wrap is ideal for short term fridge storage of soft cheeses like brie and mozzarella where retaining moisture is important. The cling wrap helps prevent drying out but should be applied loosely to allow some air exchange and prevent mold growth. Plastic wrap can also work for freezing cheese blocks or shreds. Just take care to wrap tightly and press out air bubbles to minimize freezer burn.
Cheese Paper
Cheese paper is a specialized paper designed just for wrapping cheeses. It is coated in a micro-perforated food-grade vegetable coating that provides moisture resistance while still allowing airflow. Here are some benefits and drawbacks:
Pros:
- Allows cheese to breathe while retaining moisture
- Conforms tightly to cheese shape
- Odorless and won’t impart flavors
- Ideal for cheese aging
- Prevents mold growth
- Moisture resistant but not greasy
- Can be reused several times
Cons:
- More expensive than other wraps
- Need to purchase online or specialty stores
- Reusable but not indestructible
- Requires careful wrapping technique
Cheese paper is the ideal choice for aging hard cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and gruyere. The breathability allows flavor development while the coating prevents early mold growth. It conforms tightly to cheese shapes and can be reused for several months if cared for properly. While pricier than other wraps, enthusiasts find the expense worthwhile for the best cheese results.
Foil
Aluminum foil can also be used to wrap cheeses, especially for grilling or oven baking purposes. Here are some pros and cons of using foil for cheese:
Pros:
- Waterproof and grease resistant
- Conforms closely to cheese shape
- Reflects heat so cheese melts evenly
- Can help prevent freezer burn
- Readily available
Cons:
- Not breathable so can cause mold
- Can react with high salt and acidic cheeses
- Not suitable for long term storage
- Can tear easily
- Not reusable
The reflective properties and moldability of foil make it very useful for grill or oven cooking of cheese. It helps the cheese melt evenly while also preventing sticking. However, foil should not be used for aging cheese in the fridge or freezer storage as it does not allow air exchange. Use it for cooking applications rather than storage.
Vacuum Sealing
Vacuum sealed bags can be a good choice for longer term cheese storage and prevention of mold growth. Here are some of the pros and cons of vacuum sealing:
Pros:
- Removes oxygen to severely limit mold growth
- Minimizes freezer burn
- Allows for long term fridge or freezer storage
- Cheese retains freshness longer
Cons:
- Requires vacuum sealer appliance
- Prevents cheese from breathing during aging
- Can crush soft cheeses if vacuum is too strong
- Cheese should be consumed shortly after opening
- Not reusable or eco-friendly
Vacuum sealing is ideal if you want to freeze cheese for several months or store in the fridge for extended periods. It helps prevent mold growth and freezer burn. However, the anaerobic environment stops the aging process so is not suitable for cheeses you want to continue to develop flavor. Use for firm cheeses and consume shortly after opening the vacuum sealed bag.
Cheese Storage Container
In addition to different wraps, the container you store cheese in can impact freshness. Some options for cheese containers include:
Ceramic Crock: Traditionally used for cheese aging, ceramic crocks allow airflow while also maintaining humidity levels. Their thick walls help regulate temperature fluctuations.
Wooden Box: Like ceramic, wood is porous and breathable while also providing humidity control in a closed container. Popular for cheese boards and gift boxes.
Tupperware: Airtight plastic containers prevent drying out of soft cheeses. Should only be used short term to avoid mold growth.
Waxed Box: Boxes coated in food-grade cheese wax provide moisture control with breathability. Often used by cheesemakers for aging.
Zip-top Bags: Press out air and use plastic bags to store grated or crumbled cheese in the freezer. Lay bags flat for efficient stacking.
Choose a container suited to the cheese type and your storage duration and method. Maintaining ideal humidity and breathability helps extend freshness while preventing mold growth.
How To Properly Wrap Cheese
Once you’ve chosen the best wrap and container option for your needs, proper technique is important for optimizing cheese freshness. Here are some tips:
– Wrap tightly without squeezing cheese to avoid misshaping.
– Make sure wrap adheres closely but not too tightly.
– For hard cheeses, wrap each one individually then place multiple packages in storage box.
– Use extra outer layer of plastic wrap if concerned about drying out.
– Label cheese wheel or package with cheese name and date for aging tracking.
– Wrap in paper, then plastic wrap, then foil for extra protection when freezing.
– Change wrap method from aging to storage for hard cheeses once desired firmness is reached.
– When freezing grated cheese, press out air before sealing bag. Flatten bag to maximize freezer space.
– Place soft cheese on a layer of parchment before using plastic wrap to prevent sticking.
With the right technique, you can keep cheeses fresh for use over many weeks or months. Proper wrapping is the key to enjoying your cheese at peak flavor.
How Long Does Cheese Last When Properly Wrapped?
The shelf life of cheese depends on the variety as well as proper storage. Here is a table outlining approximate cheese shelf life by type when properly wrapped:
| Cheese Type | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Soft cheese (brie, mozzarella) | 1-2 weeks | 1-2 months |
| Firm cheese (cheddar, gouda) | 3-4 weeks | 6 months |
| Blue cheese | 2-3 weeks | 6 months |
| Shredded cheese | 1 week | 6-8 months |
| Hard grating cheese (parmesan) | 6+ months | 1 year |
As you can see, cheese can last from 1-2 weeks to over 6 months depending on the type and whether it is refrigerated or frozen. Hard cheeses last longest thanks to lower moisture content. Freezing gives considerably longer shelf life but compromises texture for crumbly or shredded cheeses.
Signs Your Cheese Has Gone Bad
To get the most out of your carefully wrapped cheese, it’s helpful to know the signs of spoilage so you can enjoy it at its peak. Here’s what to look for:
– Mold: Fuzzy spots or dry powdery patches. Small amounts can be cut off hard cheese if remaining cheese is firm. Discard soft cheese once moldy.
– Off odors: Sharp, unpleasant smells instead of rich, earthy cheese scents. Ammonia-like odor is very bad.
– Change in color or texture: Unnatural colors like blue, black, or pink indicate spoilage. Softening, sliminess, or stickiness also signals the cheese is bad.
– Gas bubbles: Gassing and bulging of the wrap can mean the cheese is breaking down and producing gas from spoilage.
– Dry, crumbly texture: Extreme dryness, crumbs, cracks or powders are a sign hard cheeses are over-aged. Still safe to eat but poor quality.
With the exception of surface mold on hard cheeses, it is best to discard the cheese at the first signs of spoilage for food safety. Next time, adjust storage to maximize freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cheese wrap for aging cheese?
For aging semi-hard or hard cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, or Gouda, cheese paper is the best wrap. It allows air exchange while preventing early mold growth. Other breathable yet moisture-resistant wraps like cheese cloth or butcher paper also work well for aging.
Can you freeze cheese wrapped in plastic wrap?
Yes, plastic wrap can be used to freeze blocks or shredded cheese. Make sure to press out air and wrap tightly. Allow cheese to thaw overnight in the fridge before using for best texture. Plastic helps minimize freezer burn compared to porous wraps.
How long does cheese last in the fridge?
With proper wrapping, hard cheeses like parmesan can last from 3-6+ months in the fridge. Soft cheeses like brie and mozzarella have shorter shelf lives of 1-4 weeks. Make sure to use breathable material like cheese paper or parchment for aging hard cheeses. Monitor for mold and other signs of spoilage.
Can you reuse cheese wrap?
Some cheese wraps like cheese paper, cloth, and butcher paper can be reused. Take care to gently wash and thoroughly dry between uses to prevent mold growth. Reuse each sheet a maximum of 4-6 times before composting. Single use plastics and wax/parchment paper cannot be reused.
Is foil a good cheese wrap?
Foil is not recommended for cheese storage as it does not allow airflow. It can be used to wrap cheese intended for immediate cooking or consumption but should not be used to store cheese for aging. The anaerobic environment promotes bacteria and mold growth over time.
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal cheese wrap depends on the variety of cheese, your planned use, and length of storage. Breathable yet moisture-resistant materials like cheese paper provide the best environment for cheese aging while plastic and foil work for short term storage. Use proper technique to maximize freshness and enjoy your favorite cheeses at their peak! The right wrap helps your cheese avoid common problems like mold, drying out, freezer burn, and off-flavors.