Cheese Fact Sheet
Cheese is prepared from the milk of cows, goats and other mammals. You'll find thousands of varieties on the market today.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Cheese is more flavorful at room temperature. Let it stand for a half hour before serving.
- Bring only what you need to room temperture. Leave the rest wrapped tightly in the fridge.
- Cheese should be stored at temperatures between 35° F and 40° F in the original wrapping or container, waxed paper, transparent wrap, foil, plastic bags or tightly covered containers.
- Cheese will continue to ripen, no matter how carefully it is stored. Hard cheeses will generally keep for several months, whereas softer cheeses will keep from one to three weeks after opening, if stored in an air-tight container.
- Shredded cheese is more prone to mold because it has more exposed surface area. Try to use shredded cheese within a few days.
- Aromatic cheeses (blue, etc.) should be stored in airtight containers.
How to Freeze Cheese...
Most hard cheeses can be frozen, however, there will be changes in texture. Follow these freezing tips:
- Freeze in reasonably small pieces (1/2 lb. or less).
- Wrap cheese so that it's airtight.
- Date cheeses when you freeze them. Most hard cheeses can be frozen for up to 8 weeks.
- Thaw in the refrigerator and serve within a few days.
What if it molds?
If cheese molds, remove about 1/2" from the moldy sides and use what remains. Serve the cheese as quickly as possible, preferably within a week.
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