How to Store Aged Cheeses

The Cold Room

Changes in temperature can not only harm the aroma, flavor and consistency of cheese, but can also cause harmful microorganisms to develop. It is therefore advised that you place the cheese in an insulated container until you can put it in a proper storage area.  The best place to store cheese is in a common home refrigerator.

Wrapping

It is a good idea to keep the original wrapping for every cheese you buy. They should be wrapped in aluminum foil, or in waxed paper, making sure that the paper is stuck to any exposed parts of the cheese.

By wrapping up your cheese, you will prevent the cheese from drying out, unnecessary oxidation, and causing other foods to stink like cheese. Alternatively, you can wrap the cheeses in damp, linen towel and place them, according to type, in various glass bell jars.

Even when properly wrapped, cheeses should not come in contact with unwashed vegetables or legumes because the potential of bacteria being passed from the vegetables to the cheese.

Storage

It is best to store fresh cheeses in the coldest areas of the refrigerator (35-40°F) and aged cheeses made with pasteurized milk in warmer areas (around 50°F). All other types of cheeses should be stored between 43 and 48°F.

Keep in mind that in order for cheese to express its full potential in terms of taste, flavor and texture, it should be served around 60°F. It is therefore recommended that you keep the cheese at room temperature well before serving.

It is also important that the temperature of the cheese does not exceed 68°F, especially those made with semi-pasteurized milk (like Pecorino Toscano, for example) which tend to develop an unpleasant, greasy film on any exposed part of the cheese. Finally, cheese should never be frozen because the thawing process alters the structure of the cheese and can potentially affect its smell and flavor.