Storing cheese properly can significantly extend its shelf life and prevent spoilage. Here are three expert-approved hacks to keep your hard and soft cheeses fresh:
1. Hard Cheeses: Store with White Vinegar
To increase the longevity of hard cheeses like Cheddar, Edam, and Gouda, use white vinegar. Soak a piece of kitchen roll in the vinegar and seal it in a zip-lock bag with the cheese. This mild acid kills mold and prolongs the cheese’s life by up to six weeks.
2. Soft Cheeses: Seal with Sugar Cubes
To prevent soft cheeses like feta from absorbing moisture and becoming watery, store them in a container with sugar cubes. The cubes absorb excess moisture, preventing sweating and keeping the cheese fresh. Replace the cubes periodically to maintain their effectiveness.
3. Feta Cheese: Preserve in Brine
Store feta cheese in a sealed jar filled with a brine solution made from salt and water. This method helps maintain the cheese’s moisture and prevents spoilage, extending its lifespan by up to three weeks.