Nothing completes a festive spread quite like a well-stocked cheeseboard, but keeping those leftover chunks and wedges fresh can be a frustrating challenge. Many of us buy more cheese than we can eat over the holidays, only to find it drying out or growing mould far too quickly in the fridge.
The Right Wrap Makes All The Difference
According to food safety specialist Mark McShane from Food Hygiene Certificate, the secret to longevity lies in ditching the plastic cling film. He recommends wrapping cheese in either wax paper or specialised cheese paper to properly manage moisture and air circulation.
"Hard and aged cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or Parmesan are best wrapped in cheese paper or wax paper, then loosely covered with foil," McShane advises. This method, he explains, allows necessary airflow while preventing the cheese surface from drying out or cracking.
Tailoring Technique to Cheese Type
Different cheeses have vastly different needs. McShane stresses that a one-size-fits-all approach leads to early spoilage.
For softer, bloomy-rind cheeses such as brie and camembert, slightly tighter wrapping is required to control moisture. "Ideally use cheese paper, because too much air will cause them to dry out, while too little can make them develop an ammonia smell," he notes.
Blue cheeses demand special attention. "They should always be wrapped separately and very securely because their moulds can easily spread to other cheeses," McShane warns. Storing blue cheese with other varieties can affect both flavour and safety.
Optimal Fridge Location and Handling
Where you place your cheese in the refrigerator is just as crucial as how you wrap it. McShane suggests utilising the vegetable drawer. "It provides a more stable humidity level that keeps cheeses fresher for a longer time," he says.
He also issues a clear warning about leaving cheese out at room temperature. To prevent food safety issues, cheese should only stay out for about two hours, or just one hour in a very warm room, before being returned to the fridge.
Once you've finished serving, always rewrap any remaining cheese in fresh paper. Never use plastic alone, as it traps moisture and promotes spoilage. By following these expert guidelines, you can significantly extend the life of your cheese. When stored correctly, firm cheeses can last three to six weeks, blue varieties one to three weeks, and soft cheeses typically remain fresh for five to ten days.
