Cheese is a culinary staple, adding a touch of flavor to everything from sandwiches to pasta dishes. However, those large blocks of cheese from the supermarket can be a challenge to finish before they succumb to the dreaded mold. But worry no more! There’s a simple solution to keep your cheese fresh and delicious for longer.
According to a chef on TikTok, Kathleen Ashmore, the key is to stop storing your cheese in its original plastic packaging. While the sealed plastic is fine initially, once opened, it’s time to switch to something more breathable. Kathleen recommends using a special product called ‘cheese paper,’ which is essentially wax paper on one side and parchment paper on the other. However, if you don’t have this handy, you can easily substitute it with regular baking paper (also known as parchment paper).
Why does this work? Cheese has a high moisture content, and when trapped in plastic, the moisture becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. By wrapping your cheese in a breathable material like cheese paper or baking paper, you allow the cheese to breathe, reducing the risk of mold growth.
Kathleen suggests wrapping your cheese like a ‘nice little gift’ and storing it in the refrigerator. By doing this, you can potentially extend its life by three to four times compared to keeping it in plastic.
While cheese paper can be a bit pricey, you can achieve the same results with readily available and affordable baking paper. So next time you open a block of cheese, ditch the plastic and wrap it up in a breathable material. Your cheese will thank you (and your wallet will too!).
