Cheese is a perishable product, so it should be bought or prepared before eating. If you need to preserve its freshness and taste for some time, then we recommend following the rules described below for different cases. So, let’s consider how to store cheese in the refrigerator, freezer and in the absence of a refrigerator.
Storage rules in the refrigerator
If you bought a product packed in polyethylene, do not rush to put it in the refrigerator. Condensation usually accumulates in the food film or package, which contributes to the rapid oxidation of the product. It is better to prepare a glass jar or an enameled container and transfer the cheese there, covering hermetically with a lid. The dishes must be clean and dry.
It is undesirable to store cheese on the refrigerator shelf for more than 7 days. A change in the temperature regime has a bad effect on the quality of the product. In warm conditions, it will quickly sour and begin to deteriorate. The ideal temperature for storing cheese is from 0 to +7 degrees. The shelf life of a product with a high percentage of fat will not be long. A lean product can be stored a little longer.
To keep the cheese fresh for a long time, use a little trick. Put a couple of pieces of raffinate in a container for storage, this will slow down the oxidation process. Place the container in the refrigerator preferably in the coolest place.
How to freeze cheese
The product can be stored in the freezer for several months. Freezing will not affect its taste, but the consistency will become more crumbly and loose. After thawing, the cheese must be eaten, as its re-freezing is excluded.
It is advisable to send the product to the freezer compartment no later than 72 hours after its storage in the refrigerator. Cheese that has started to sour can no longer be frozen. It is possible to freeze ready-made cheese dishes, for example, cheesecakes, pancakes or casseroles.
To prolong the freshness of your favorite treats, use the following advice:
- put a paper napkin on the bottom of the container and put crumbly cheese or ready-made cheese dishes on it,
- close the dish with a lid and send it to the freezer.
Storage rules outside the refrigerator
At room temperature, cheese should not be kept longer than 6 hours. Also, do not leave it near heat sources, heating devices or under sunlight. Otherwise, the product will sour quickly.
If you do not have a refrigerator, you can turn the cheese in a slightly damp clean cloth and put it in a cold place. In dry conditions, where the temperature does not exceed 15 degrees, it will not spoil for several hours.
There is another way to keep the product fresh at room temperature.
- Take a wooden bowl, and glass or ceramic dishes are also suitable.
- Put a little salt on the bottom of the container and tamp the cheese in a thick layer.
- Dip a clean piece of cloth in the saline solution and cover the container with it, and place a plate and a small load on top.
- Put the dishes in the coldest area.
How to store homemade cheese
It should be kept on the refrigerator shelf for no more than two days. This product does not contain preservatives, so it spoils faster.
Homemade cheese is better to use immediately, as you will not be able to know for sure when it was prepared. Even if you bought it from a familiar seller, do not risk your health.
Before putting the homemade product in the refrigerator, wrap it in foil or baking paper. You can also use gauze, which will prevent the product from drying out and help retain the necessary moisture.
If the product expires, make delicious cheesecakes from it . For this, you will need 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of sugar, half a glass of flour, 30 grams of butter and 500 grams of cheese. Knead the dough, form small cakes and fry in a pan on both sides.