If you’re fed up of your cheese going mouldy just days after opening it, there’s something you can do to help. A recipe developer has shared a simple trick to prevent it from spoiling too quickly
Cheese is a staple item found in most people’s fridges, being a versatile ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes – from sandwiches to salads to pizzas. However, keeping it fresh can be a challenge, as it can sometimes mould, sweat or even dry out, often due to improper food storage methods.
But there’s a simple hack to prevent this – ditching the plastic wrapper can significantly help in maintaining your cheese’s freshness. Mimi Morley, Senior Recipe Developer at HelloFresh, has shared her top tips for keeping ingredients fresh. With the platform having over 250,000 followers on Instagram, she’s a recipe expert worth listening to.
She advises: “Cheese should always be stored in the fridge. Once you’ve opened it, keep it at its best by wrapping it in baking paper (or cheese paper if you have it), as opposed to clingfilm, which can make the cheese sweat.”
If you weren’t aware, wrapping cheese in parchment paper can help it last longer and stay fresh. This household item allows the cheese to breathe, prevents moisture build-up and combats the growth of mould.
Additionally, the paper helps retain moisture, preventing the cheese from drying out. It serves a really important purpose.
Once you’ve sliced off the cheese you require, simply wrap up the remaining chunk like a parcel to keep this kitchen staple fresh. It’s a straightforward swap that can make a significant difference in maintaining your cheese’s freshness, and it’s a method endorsed by many experts.
Ditching the original wrapper for baking paper is seen as a crucial step in preserving your cheese’s quality, and it’s a task that takes mere moments to complete.
Why is parchment paper ideal for cheese storage?
There are several reasons. Firstly, it allows air circulation, which prevents the cheese from sweating and fosters a healthy environment.
Additionally, it helps regulate moisture levels, preventing the cheese from drying out or becoming overly moist. It also aids in warding off mould growth by not trapping any moisture.
Parchment paper is incredibly versatile, and is likely already a staple in most kitchens. It can be used with various types of cheese and serves numerous other purposes around the home.
When using it, ensure you wrap the cheese tightly before returning it to the fridge. For an extra layer of protection, consider placing the wrapped cheese into a container or zip bag.
If you’re out of baking paper, wax paper can also do the trick, providing another handy alternative for keeping your cheese fresh.
To prolong the freshness of your cheese, it’s recommended to store it in a fridge, ideally in the vegetable drawer, or central part where temperature and humidity remain stable.
It’s also suggested to steer clear of plastic wrap as it can encourage mould growth by trapping moisture. Additionally, tightly wrapping your cheese in parchment paper is considered a crucial step in maintaining its freshness.
Always adhere to the packet instructions regarding how long you should keep your cheese. It’s vital to check the best before dates and refrain from consuming any cheese that has developed mould.