Cheese

Buying

Grated cheese has more exposure to air and so, it will not last as long as blocks of cheese.

Storing

Cheese needs a limited amount of air circulation, enough to allow it to breathe without drying out. Store cheese in cheese cloth, waxed paper or an airtight box in the fridge. This will allow it to breath enough to inhibit moulds whilst containing the smell of the cheese. Cheese left in its original plastic packaging or wrapped tightly in plastic may ‘sweat’ and cause moulds to grow faster. The length of time you can store cheese differs between varieties. In general, the harder the cheese, the longer it will last.

Freezing

Cheese can be safely frozen but there can be a significant loss of texture and flavour. Frozen cheese is therefore best suited to cooking. Grating cheese before freezing makes it easier to use and can reduce deterioration.

Freezer life

about 2 months

Using up

Any recipe that requires a cheese sauce or cheese topping will be a suitable way to use up cheese that is nearing its end of life. Use straight away or freeze it and make the sauce later.