Mozzarella, for instance, should be kept in its plastic wrap or brine and enjoyed within a week of opening.
For optimal storage in the refrigerator, wrap the soft cheeses in a layer of parchment or wax paper, followed by a loose layer of foil—unless they’ve already been wrapped in cheese paper by your cheesemonger (which, incidentally, can be reused).
Soft cheeses can also be vacuum-sealed in bags to prevent freezer burn and stored in the freezer for up to two months.
Although their texture may slightly change, especially for premium varieties, freezing is still an option. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply transfer the cheese from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw.
Firmer cheeses with lower moisture content, such as pecorino, Parmesan, and cheddar, are considered semi-hard cheeses.
If you’re planning to eat them relatively quickly, within a few days, storing them in their original plastic wrap is acceptable.
However, for longer-term preservation, wrap them in parchment or wax paper followed by a layer of plastic wrap or foil.
Like soft cheeses, these varieties should be stored in the produce drawer or a colder area at the back of the refrigerator, and even freezing these cheeses is an option, but proper wrapping is crucial to prevent freezer burn.
If your hard cheese develops a mouldy spot, it’s usually safe to trim off the affected area and consume the rest, ensuring you cut out a one-inch radius around the mould.
Keep shredded and sliced cheese in the original bag or transfer it to a resealable bag for storage in the refrigerator; it will maintain its quality for one to two weeks after opening.
Alternatively, freezing is an excellent option, extending its shelf life to up to three months.
You can even grate your own hard or semi-hard cheeses and freeze them in convenient portions in freezer bags for effortless use.
Packaged sliced cheese also freezes well—simply seal it in a freezer bag or wrap it in an additional layer of foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to use, thaw the cheese in the refrigerator.
