Wrapping cheese in baking paper is a simple method that can help keep it fresh and full of flavour for longer, according to an expert from Over the Moon Dairy, as previously reported by the Express.
Autumn marks the arrival of party food in supermarkets, with many people indulging in premium cheeses for charcuterie boards or pasta dishes. Yet even standard cheeses can prove costly, and there's nothing more frustrating than splashing out on cheese only to watch it deteriorate within days.
Why Cheese Is Tricky to Store
Cheese is notoriously tricky to store in the fridge due to its sensitivity to humidity levels. Insufficient moisture will leave it dry and stale, while excessive moisture promotes mould growth.
The expert said: "The goal is to let the cheese breathe while keeping it from drying out, so your best bet is to wrap it in a finely porous material, such as cheese paper or baking paper, or breathable plastic wrap made especially for cheese."
When researching cheese storage methods, numerous experts suggest investing in wax paper or specialist wraps, though this defeats the purpose if you're attempting to economise.
How Baking Paper Helps
Baking paper works perfectly well, being a breathable material that permits air circulation around the cheese, preventing moisture accumulation on the surface which can attract bacteria and mould spores.
Additionally, it functions as a protective layer, retaining sufficient moisture to stop the cheese from hardening, ensuring it doesn't become stale or develop a crusty exterior.
It's a remarkably straightforward method to preserve cheese for an extended period without any expense, allowing you to purchase your preferred varieties without concern about spoilage.
How to Use Baking Paper to Keep Cheese Fresh for Longer
Simply wrap the cheese loosely in baking paper, then place it inside a lidded food storage container. The expert added: "The baking paper helps keep the cheese from drying out, while the loose coating of plastic (or box) holds in some moisture, allowing airflow in and around the cheese."
Afterwards, store the container in a bottom drawer of your fridge, as it's designed to maintain a more consistent temperature and humidity level than the main compartment, which helps preserve cheese freshness.
Ensure you replace the wrapping every few days or at minimum once weekly to prevent bacterial growth, and your cheese should remain fresh considerably longer than usual.
Hard cheeses will keep for a month or more, while semi-firm varieties will last between two to three weeks. Softer cheeses such as mozzarella are intended to be consumed within several days, so prolonged storage isn't advisable.
