Cheese is a living, delicate, and flavorful product—but only if it’s stored correctly! Poor storage can alter its texture and taste, or lead to unnecessary waste. Here are 5 easy-to-follow tips to help keep your cheese fresh for longer without compromising quality.
1. Avoid plastic wrap: let it breathe
Plastic wrap traps moisture and restricts airflow, accelerating mold growth. Instead, use parchment paper, specialty cheese paper, or a clean, dry cloth to wrap your cheese gently.
2. Use an airtight container: control odors and moisture
Storing cheese in an airtight container helps reduce strong odors in the fridge and regulates humidity. It also prevents the cheese’s aroma from affecting other foods while maintaining its texture.
3. Store in the right place: not too cold, not too dry
The vegetable drawer of your refrigerator is usually the best place to store cheese. It’s cool, but not overly cold, and maintains a relatively high humidity—ideal for keeping cheese in good condition.
4. Hard cheeses: grate and freeze
Hard cheeses like Comté or Parmesan can be grated and stored in the freezer for future use. This is a smart way to avoid waste and always have grated cheese ready to go for recipes or garnishing.
5. Bring to room temperature before serving
Cheese tastes best at room temperature—cold storage dulls its flavor and texture. Take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to allow it to reach room temperature—this enhances the taste experience significantly.
Proper storage = longer-lasting cheese with better flavor! These small habits will help you enjoy your favorite cheeses in the best possible condition.