Conservation
Fresh cheese storage: comprehensive guide
Introduction to the guide
Fresh cheese is prized for its creaminess, mild taste, and versatility in cooking. It adapts to many recipes and accompanies every meal beautifully, but its freshness makes it particularly
In order for fresh cheese to retain its fragrance and velvety smooth texture, attention must be paid to factors such as temperature,humidity and type of container. Here are some practical tips for storing fresh cheese at its best and prolonging its freshness.
Store fresh cheese in the refrigerator
Fresh cheeses, such as stracchino, robiola and ricotta, are very delicate and moisture-rich products. To best store them, it is best to place them in the coldest part of the refrigerator, at a temperature between 2° and 4°C.
This area, usually the lowest shelf, helps slow deterioration, keeping the cheese fresh and flavorful.
Use the right container
Because of their high water content, fresh cheeses require containers that protect them from direct exposure to other foods but at the same time allow for light perspiration.
Airtight containers are ideal: they seal the cheese, preventing it from absorbing strong or unwanted odors from other foods in the refrigerator and preserving its natural moisture, which is essential for keeping its creamy texture intact.
This also prevents the cheese from drying out or losing its typical softness and freshness, preserving all its organoleptic qualities until consumption.
Avoid plastic and film
Wrapping fresh cheeses in cling film or plastic is not advisable, as these materials tend to suffocate the cheese, preventing it from breathing and promoting the formation of unpleasant odors. Plastic, moreover, can alter the taste, as the cheese’s fats tend to absorb chemical residues. Ideally, it is best to wrap it in food-grade paper or baking paper, which, being porous, allows slight breathability while maintaining the freshness of the product.
After wrapping the cheese in paper, it is advisable to store it in an airtight container to ensure the optimum moisture level and protect it from the odors of other foods in the refrigerator. With this expedient, fresh cheese better retains its characteristics of softness and flavor, offering an authentic taste every time.
Separate cheese from other foods
To best savor the taste andaroma of fresh cheese, it is advisable to leave it at room temperature for about an hour before eating. This brief rest allows the cheese to fully release its aroma and recover its creamy, smooth texture, qualities that can be dampened by the cold of the refrigerator.
If you notice that the cheese is slightly damp or has released some whey, you can gently blot it with a clean cloth or absorbent kitchen paper before serving. This simple measure will help present the cheese in its ideal shape, ready to be enjoyed in all its freshness and aromatic intensity.
Consume fresh cheese as soon as possible
Fresh cheese, which is free of preservatives, has a limited shelf life and tends to deteriorate quickly.
To fully appreciate its quality, it is advisable to consume it within a few days of purchase and always check the expiration date on the package.
Enjoying it fresh allows you to savor all its aromatic nuances.
Allow the cheese to come to room temperature before serving
To best savor the taste andaroma of fresh cheese, it is advisable to leave it at room temperature for about an hour before eating. This brief rest allows the cheese to fully release its aroma and recover its creamy, smooth texture, qualities that can be dampened by the cold of the refrigerator.
If you notice that the cheese is slightly damp or has released some whey, you can gently blot it with a clean cloth or absorbent kitchen paper before serving. This simple measure will help present the cheese in its ideal shape, ready to be enjoyed in all its freshness and aromatic intensity.
