The Art of Storing Your Cheese

You've just returned from the grocery store, a specialty cheese shop, or perhaps your latest Wedgely box has arrived! You're holding a precious wedge (or wheel!) of deliciousness, and now the critical question arises: how do you store this cheesy treasure at its best? As a fromager with over 12 years of experience, I can tell you that proper cheese storage is just as important as selecting the right cheese in the first place.

How to store your cheese

Many common storage mistakes can quickly turn your gourmet delight into a dried-out disappointment or, worse, a moldy tragedy. Fear not! I'm here to share the secrets to keeping your cheese fresh, flavorful, and ready for its moment in the spotlight.

Let It Breathe (But Not Too Much!)

The biggest misconception about storing cheese is that it should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. While plastic film is great for preventing smells from escaping or entering, it's a cheese's worst enemy for long-term storage. Plastic traps moisture and doesn't allow the cheese to breathe, creating a humid environment that encourages the growth of unwanted molds and can give the cheese an "off" flavor.

The Best Way to Wrap Your Cheese

Think of cheese as a living thing – it needs a little airflow!

1. Cheese Paper is Your Best Friend: This specialized paper is designed with a breathable layer that allows the cheese to respire while preventing it from drying out. If you have it, use it! Many good cheese shops will wrap your cheese in it.

2. Parchment Paper or Wax Paper (Excellent Alternatives): If you don't have cheese paper, unbleached parchment paper or wax paper are fantastic substitutes. They allow for some airflow.

3. A Loose Second Layer (Optional but Recommended): After wrapping your cheese in cheese paper or parchment, you can loosely wrap it in plastic wrap, or even place it in a resealable plastic bag without sealing it tightly. This provides an extra barrier against drying out but still allows for a tiny bit of air exchange.

The Method:

• Wrap your cheese firmly but not suffocatingly.

• For wedges, wrap each cut side first, then the rind.

• For soft cheeses, wrap the entire piece.

• Label your wrapped cheese with the type and date you purchased or opened it.

Where to Store Your Cheese: The Ideal Environment

The refrigerator is your cheese's temporary home, but not all spots are created equal.

• The Vegetable Drawer (The Cheese Oasis): This is often the most humid part of your fridge, making it ideal for cheese. The consistent, slightly warmer temperature than the main shelves also helps.

• Avoid the Door: The temperature fluctuates most here due to frequent opening, which is bad for cheese.

• Away from Strong Odors: Cheese can absorb strong smells from other foods (like onions or garlic). Keep it separate or ensure it's well-wrapped.

Specific Cheese Types & Their Needs:

• Soft & Fresh Cheeses (Brie, Camembert, Fresh Goat Cheese, Mozzarella): These have a higher moisture content and a shorter shelf life once opened. They should be consumed within 1-2 weeks. Store them as described above.

• Semi-Hard & Hard Cheeses (Cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, Gouda): These will last longer, typically 3-4 weeks (and even longer for very hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan). Follow the same wrapping rules. If mold appears on a hard cheese, you can usually just cut it off (about an inch around the mold) and enjoy the rest.

• Blue Cheeses: These also need to breathe but can be quite pungent. Store them wrapped as usual, perhaps in a separate airtight container to prevent their aroma from permeating other foods. Consume within 2-3 weeks.

The Golden Rule Revisited: Bring it to Room Temperature!

No matter how perfectly you've stored your cheese, remember that serving it straight from the fridge will dull its flavor and alter its texture. Always allow your cheese to warm up to room temperature (30-60 minutes, depending on the cheese type) before enjoying it. This lets its complex aromas and creamy textures truly shine.

Extend Your Cheese Journey with Wedgely

Mastering cheese storage ensures every piece you buy is a delightful experience. And for the ultimate in fresh, expertly-selected cheeses, ready for perfect storage and enjoyment, remember that Wedgely delivers a curated selection right to your door. Our fromager-selected cheeses are chosen for their quality and potential to bring you maximum joy.

What are your go-to cheese storage hacks? Share your tips in the comments below!