Shelf life of cheese at room temperature or in the refrigerator

Storing cheese is not particularly difficult if you know certain rules and create the right conditions. At home, the shelf life and temperature depend on whether the cheese is stored in the refrigerator or without it.

Shelf life and storage conditions of various varieties

Depending on the density and preparation technology, different types of cheeses are classified. The difference lies in the taste and conditions required for each variety.

• Soft. The consistency is creamy, soft or curd-like. This type is not subject to additional processing. There are types with a crust. For soft fresh varieties, a temperature of 0-8 C is suitable. If the product is moldy, 0-6 C. Air humidity should be 70-85%. They are stored for about 5 days after release. Varieties in brine prefer temperatures up to 8C. They can be stored from a month to 2.5-3 months.
• Semi-solid. The consistency is also creamy, but dense. The ripening period and pressing technology distinguish these varieties from soft ones. The conditions are the same as for durum varieties.
• Solid. Cannot be cut. They are used mainly grated. Or served in pieces. Such cheeses are stored from a month to a year, at -4 - 0 C. The recommended air humidity is in the range of 85-90%.
• Smoked. The density is close to solid. The difference lies in the method of preparation and the taste of the final product. Film packaging will help preserve it for up to 4 months. Paraffin for about 2 months. The packaging must be dry.The presence of moisture indicates improper storage. The color of the product must be uniform. Storage temperature 2-6 C.
• Fused. Refers to a cheese product. Since the composition often includes vegetable fats. Quite unpretentious. Can be stored for about a year. The storage place should be dry, with good ventilation. Air humidity is no more than 90% and no less than 85%. Temperature -4 - 0 C.

If the cheese was prepared independently, then it should be stored for no more than 3-4 days. Therefore, you should not make too large a quantity.

The data provided is generalized. Each individual variety has its own characteristics, which will determine the correct conditions.

Factors that lead to spoilage

Even the freshest and highest quality cheese can lose its taste characteristics or deteriorate if the following factors are allowed to influence:

1. Temperature too high. It has a particularly detrimental effect on varieties with high humidity. Such conditions favor the development of pathogenic bacteria. For drier cheeses, the risk is less. But, with prolonged exposure to high temperatures, they can also deteriorate. This factor also has a bad effect on appearance and taste. The surface becomes sticky and the taste goes rancid.
2. Temperature too low. Cold environments can dry out the product. The maturation process slows down. Cold can also ruin the taste. Even using a refrigerator, you should place the cheese in a special place with an appropriate temperature regime.
3. Incorrect packaging. Cheeses for sale are offered in vacuum packages.When using immediately after purchase, remove the vacuum or plastic packaging. For further storage, wrap it in special breathable paper. You can use aluminum foil.

Refrigerator storage

Home conditions involve the use of a refrigerator. In order not to spoil the taste and prevent it from spoiling, it is necessary to create the right conditions.

It is important to choose the right place for placement:

• The refrigerator door is not suitable for this purpose. The food stored on it is more often exposed to temperature changes. This is detrimental to most varieties;
• The drawers of the lower section of the refrigerator are perfect. They are designed to store fruits and vegetables. They can be successfully used for cheese;
• The place must be selected away from the freezer;
• You should remember about the correct packaging. Foil or parchment paper meets these requirements. Or a material that allows "breathing". You can pierce the packaging so that small holes facilitate additional ventilation;
• You can put the cheese on a plate and cover it with plastic. Or use special plastic containers that come with the refrigerator;

If you do everything right, then:

• A hard head of cheese can be stored for 60 days. A large piece will not spoil in 30 days;
• A head of soft cheese can be stored for up to 15 days.

In the freezer

Sometimes it is necessary to extend the shelf life, since immediate consumption is not planned. Then you can resort to freezing.

• You should know that some properties are lost when frozen.Possible crumbling. The original aroma is missing;
• It is not recommended to serve a product that has been frozen. Best used in cooking;
• You can grate it before placing it in the freezer. This will make it easier to use after defrosting;
• Soft varieties become watery;
• The product can be stored frozen for 2-3 months.

At room temperature

These conditions provide for a minimum storage period. To extend it, you need to know the following:

1. The storage place should be dry and dark;
2. The product must be wrapped in a napkin moistened with a salty solution. This will prevent it from becoming airy and dry;
3. At room temperature, it can be used no later than 7 days;
4. If possible, prepare a dry, ventilated place with a wooden surface;
5. Home conditions also include storage in a cellar (if there is one).

Recommendations

Some tips will help you preserve cheese longer without losing its properties or deteriorating its taste:

• It is recommended to avoid sudden changes in temperature;
• Before serving, it is recommended to first remove the product from the refrigerator. Thanks to this, the taste and aroma will be more natural. A 40-50 minute stay outside the refrigerator is enough;
• It is advisable to store it in one piece. And cut immediately before use;
• If the cheese is in a plastic bag, you can also put a piece of sugar there. This will help protect against mold;
• You can protect the product from drying out as follows: soak a napkin with a solution of salt water. Squeeze it well so that it remains just damp and the water does not drain. Wrap the product.Then store in the refrigerator. No need to additionally pack with a bag;
• When storing, protect the product from foreign food odors. It can absorb them;
• Large pieces of cheese are stored longer;
• If you bought sliced ​​cheese, you need to change the packaging film after each use;
• Do not store different types in the same package;
• It is recommended to open the manufacturer's packaging immediately before use;
• Temperature and humidity fluctuations are the most common cause of spoilage;
• When the product changes its original color, the surface becomes sticky or covered with mucus, it means it is spoiled. You cannot eat such cheese.

These simple rules will allow you to enjoy the taste for as long as possible. I like