A doctor has shared the key to keeping your cheese mould-free – and it’s something many of us are doing wrong.
UK surgeon Karan Rangarajan, also known as Dr Karan Rajan, took to TikTok to divulge advice on the optimal way to store cheese in the refrigerator.
The content creator suggested that many people might be doing it incorrectly by placing it directly in a plastic bag or even wrapping it in cling film.
In a video that racked up more than 119,000 views, Rangarajan strongly advised against keeping cheese in the plastic packaging it comes in.
He humorously instructed: “Once you finish gobbling your cheese like a hungry little rat, try and avoid putting your cheese in a plastic bag.”
The doctor emphasised that his trick works “especially softer cheeses, which have a higher water content, like havarti, mozzarella or Gouda”.
“This is because the moisture can get trapped by the plastic bag and cover the cheese surface, and this provides a breeding ground for bacteria and mould — and not the tasty kind,” he elaborated.
It comes after a foodie who posts on social media under the username @eatlean, shared her “two hacks to help keep your cheese fresher for longer once opened”.
In a clip, which has gained more than 6,300 views on TikTok, she was seen opening two common cheese textures before showing fans how to store them properly.
The first being a pot of soft cheese, often used as a spread or a dip. Soft cheeses such as brie, camembert, and ricotta tend to spoil more quickly than blocks.
However, they can be saved as the woman explained: “Remove the tin foil film from Eatlean Spreadable and replace it with tight cling film. Place the lid back on top to ensure it is as airtight as possible.”
Concurring with Rangarajan’s advice, she explained that blocks need to be stored differently. “Wrap in parchment paper, secure with tape and write on the date opened,” she added.
After the clip went viral, some TikTok fans wanted to know if it was safe to freeze cheese. In a follow-up clip, which has more than 2,700 views, she explained the best way to freeze cheese.
She said: “Grate the cheese! This makes sure the texture of the cheese doesn’t change during the freezing and thawing process!! Add to a zip lock bag to keep it airtight.”
