Some varieties of cheese are consumed with mushrooms, such as blue cheese or Roquefort, among others. However, when many other types of cheese develop mold, it is because they are in poor condition. And since cheese is such a tasty food and in many cases it is not exactly economical, it is advisable to prevent mold from growing on it so as not to have to throw it away.
Chances are, in an attempt to prevent your cheese from molding, you’re storing it in the refrigerator carefully wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Or maybe you keep it in the plastic that originally wrapped it when you bought it. But you should know that precisely this habit is what is accelerating the appearance of mold in your cheeses. To remedy this, here you will learn some techniques to store cheese in the refrigerator so that it lasts fresh and in good condition for longer.
It should be noted that the ideal method for preserving cheese in the refrigerator will depend on the type of cheese, as it is not the same for hard cheeses as for soft cheeses. What they do have in common is that you should not keep them in the original plastic they came wrapped in once you open them.
In the case of hard cheeses, such as parmesan or other aged cheeses, wrapping them in plastic wrap or other plastics causes condensation to accelerate mold growth, as explained by TikTok user @nathaliafurlanettod. Therefore, the most advisable thing for this type of cheese is to wrap it in baking paper, or wax paper designed specifically for wrapping cheeses, which you can find in specialized stores.
Once wrapped, store it on the top shelf of the refrigerator. Never at the door, where the temperature contrast is more pronounced and food spoilage could be accelerated.
In the case of fresh cheeses, it is best to transfer them to a container with an airtight seal and place a piece of absorbent kitchen paper on the base. In this way, the paper will absorb the whey from the cheese, preventing excess moisture from causing its deterioration.
Another alternative if you want your cheese to last longer is to make a preserve in oil. This way, you will have a tasty appetizer or a dressing to add flavor to your salads. The idea comes from the TikTok profile @ohanitadinamita.
Choose your favorite cheese – feta in the case of the reference video – and cut it into uniform pieces. In a glass jar with a lid or airtight seal, add extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, chilli, black pepper and rosemary. Mix these ingredients well, add more oil, add the cheese and some olives.
Finally, close the jar, shake to mix the contents and add oil until the cheese is completely covered. Close the container again and let it rest for 24 hours.