Maya Ellison
Plastic wrap is not ideal for storing cheese because it can negatively impact the flavor and texture of the cheese. Cheese is a living, breathing food that requires an environment that allows for gas exchange. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep cheese fresh without using plastic. This includes wrapping cheese in wax paper, parchment paper, aluminum foil, or cloth, and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Some cheeses, like mozzarella and feta, are also packaged in brine to increase their shelf life and improve their texture.
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What You'll Learn
Use wax paper, then foil, then store in an airtight container
To keep cheese fresh without plastic, you can use wax paper, then foil, and then store it in an airtight container.
Firstly, remove the cheese from its original packaging. Then, wrap the cheese in wax paper. You can secure the wax paper with tape, or use a sticker label that doubles as tape to hold the paper in place. On the paper, you can write down the type of cheese and the date of purchase, so you know when it expires.
Next, wrap the cheese in foil. This will help to keep the cheese fresh and create a seal next to it. Finally, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
It is important to note that cheese is alive and breathing, so it should not be stored in a tightly wrapped package. By using wax paper, foil, and an airtight container, you will allow the cheese to breathe while also keeping it fresh and protected.
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Rub the cut face with oil, then store in an airtight container
To keep cheese fresh without plastic, you can rub the cut face with oil and then store it in an airtight container. This method is recommended by WikiHow.com and has been found effective by users.
Firstly, remove the cheese from its original packaging. Then, rub the cut face of the cheese with olive, canola, or another vegetable oil. You can also use butter or margarine as an alternative to oil. Next, place the cheese in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Paper towels can be kept in the container with the cheese to absorb excess moisture. Alternatively, you can wrap the cheese in a washable tea towel or wax paper before placing it in the container.
If mould starts to form, it will consume the oil and not the cheese. Simply wipe off the mould with a paper towel or rinse the cheese in tepid water. Then, dry the cheese, rub it with fresh oil, and store it again in the airtight container. This method helps to maintain the freshness of the cheese without using plastic wrap.
It is important to note that cheese is a living and breathing product, so it should not be stored in a tightly wrapped package. It needs to breathe and have air circulation to prevent drying out and developing an unpleasant taste. Therefore, an airtight container with a loose cover or a breathable material like wax paper is ideal for storing cheese.
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Buy wax-covered cheese
If you're looking to keep your cheese fresh without plastic, one option is to buy wax-covered cheese. While it may be challenging to find cheese that isn't wrapped in plastic, there are a few ways to get your hands on wax-covered cheese.
Firstly, you can try local cheese shops and cheesemakers. Some smaller, local cheese producers may be more likely to sell their products without plastic packaging. For example, you can try farmers' markets or local grocers and ask if they offer any wax-covered cheese options. This way, you can also discuss the cheese-making process and learn about the ingredients used.
Another option is to buy a whole wheel of cheese with friends or family and cut it into shares. This way, you can approach local cheesemakers and ask them to provide the cheese without plastic packaging. You can then store the cheese at home using wax, which we'll discuss later.
If you're unable to find a local source of wax-covered cheese, you can try online retailers. Some companies, such as the Cheshire Cheese Company, offer a selection of waxed cheeses that can be delivered to your doorstep. This option may involve some additional packaging for transit, but it's a good alternative if local options are limited.
When buying wax-covered cheese, it's important to read the labels carefully to ensure there is no hidden plastic. Sometimes, products may appear to be wrapped in wax but may have a thin layer of plastic underneath.
Once you've purchased your wax-covered cheese, proper storage is essential to keep it fresh. Store the cheese in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat. Wax-covered cheese should be turned over at least once a week to prevent moisture from settling at the bottom, which can cause spoilage. Additionally, air-drying the cheese for a few days before waxing can help improve its shelf life.
If you're buying a large wheel of cheese and plan to cut and consume it over time, you can re-wax the cut surfaces to keep them fresh. You can purchase food-grade cheese wax from specialty stores or online retailers like Amazon, which offer wax blocks specifically designed for cheese preservation. This option is especially useful if you're making your own cheese at home and want to age it perfectly.
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Buy cheese in brine
Feta cheese is one of the most common types of cheese that can be bought in brine. Buying feta in brine will make a world of difference to its texture, taste, and shelf life. The cloudy, tangy, slightly acidic liquid can also be used to brine poultry, make sauces and dressings, or add a salty seasoning to your cooking.
If you can't find a store that sells cheese in brine, you can make your own brine at home. To make brine, you will need salt and water. Warm the water to about 25°C (77°F) so that it absorbs the salt more readily. When all the salt is added, stir until it is all dissolved. Check for saturation by floating a whole raw egg in the brine; if it doesn't float, add a tablespoon of salt until it does.
Once you have made your brine, you can soak your cheese in it. The time your cheese needs to spend in the brine will depend on its density. A nice hard cheese like Parmesan needs at least 24 hours, while a 1.2 kg Gouda only needs 12 hours. Halfway through the process, the cheese should be flipped and re-salted for an even brine.
If you don't want to make your own brine, you can try other ways to keep your cheese fresh without plastic. You could try wrapping your cheese in wax paper, then following that with a layer of foil, or you could rub the cut face of the cheese with olive, canola, or another vegetable oil and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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Buy plastic-free milk and make your own cheese
If you want to avoid plastic packaging, one option is to buy plastic-free milk and make your own cheese at home. This way, you can control the ingredients and minimise waste. Here's a step-by-step guide to making cheese from scratch:
Ingredients and Equipment:
To make cheese at home, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Milk (preferably raw or pasteurised whole milk, but lactose-free milk also works)
- Vinegar (apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, or lemon juice)
- Salt (optional, but recommended for flavour)
Method:
- Start by heating the milk in a large pot on the stove. You want to heat it gently and stir constantly to prevent scorching. Heat the milk to around 90 degrees Celsius or 195 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Once the milk reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat.
- Add the vinegar to the hot milk. Stir it in for about 30 seconds to a minute until it is well combined. You should see the milk start to curdle immediately.
- Cover the pot with a lid and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the curds and whey to separate.
- After the resting period, you can optionally return the pot to low heat and cook for a bit longer until any remaining milk murkiness clears up.
- Allow the mixture to cool, then drain off any remaining liquid. You can use a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer for this step.
- Your cheese is now ready to eat! You can add salt and fresh herbs for flavour, if desired. Store your homemade cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about a week.
Tips and Variations:
- If you're making mozzarella, you'll need plastic-free milk, rennet, and citric acid. You can find recipes online that guide you through the process of making mozzarella without rennet.
- You can also make ricotta cheese using a similar recipe.
- To store your homemade cheese for longer, you can wrap it in wax paper or foil and then place it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- If you want to buy cheese instead of making it, look for local cheesemongers or farmers' markets where you can bring your own containers for loose cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Wrap the cheese in wax paper, parchment paper, or aluminium foil and secure it with tape. You can also use a washable tea towel or an airtight container.
If mould starts to form, wipe it off with a paper towel and rinse with tepid water. Then, dry the cheese and rub it with a layer of olive, canola, or vegetable oil.
Avoid storing cheese in a tightly wrapped package. Instead, loosely wrap the cheese in paper and then plastic wrap to allow the cheese to breathe.
Plastic wrap can cause cheese to take on a plasticky flavour. To avoid this, remove the cheese from the plastic and lightly scrape off the outer layer.
Fresh cheeses like mozzarella and feta have a short shelf life. To prolong their quality, store them in brine.
