Preventing cheese from getting moldy in the fridge requires proper storage and handling. Here are some tips to help you keep your cheese fresh for longer:
Choose Quality Cheese: Start with high-quality cheese from reputable sources. Fresher cheese tends to last longer before developing mold.
Check Expiry Dates: When buying cheese, check the expiration or best-before dates. Choose cheese with a longer shelf life if possible.
Keep Cheese Cool: Store cheese in the coldest part of your refrigerator, which is usually the bottom shelf or a dedicated cheese drawer if your fridge has one.
Use Cheese Paper or Wax Paper: After opening the cheese packaging, rewrap it in cheese paper or wax paper. These materials allow the cheese to breathe and help maintain its moisture balance, reducing the risk of mold growth.
Avoid Plastic Wrap: Avoid using plastic wrap directly on the cheese as it can trap moisture and promote mold growth.
Seal in a Container: If you don't have cheese paper, place the cheese in an airtight container. This will help prevent the cheese from picking up odors from other foods in the fridge and provide some protection against mold.
Keep Cheese Dry: Moisture encourages mold growth. To keep your cheese dry, you can place a paper towel or a clean, dry cloth inside the container to absorb excess moisture.
Regularly Clean Fridge: Clean your refrigerator regularly to remove any mold spores or other contaminants that may lead to mold growth on the cheese.
Separate Strong Smelling Foods: Keep strongly scented foods (like onions or garlic) away from the cheese to prevent the cheese from absorbing their odors.
Inspect and Remove Mold: Check your cheese regularly for any signs of mold. If you spot mold on one part of the cheese, cut off that portion (plus an extra margin) to prevent it from spreading further.
Don't Freeze Most Cheese: Freezing cheese can alter its texture and taste, so it's generally not recommended. If you do need to freeze cheese, do so only in small portions, and be prepared for some textural changes upon thawing.
By following these guidelines, you can significantly extend the shelf life of your cheese and reduce the chances of it getting moldy in the fridge.