Does Wrapping Cheese in Foil Extend Its Shelf Life?

Cheddar, brie, gouda—what’s the best way to store these delicious cheeses to keep them fresh and flavorful for as long as possible? One popular method is wrapping cheese in foil, but does this technique really make a difference in shelf life?

Understanding Cheese Preservation

Let's break down the processes at play when you wrap cheese in foil. Proper preservation is crucial for maintaining the quality and flavor of your cheese over time.

Moisture Control

Foil is an effective barrier against moisture, which can cause cheese to dry out. However, it's important to note that too much moisture can encourage mold growth. Therefore, it's advisable to wrap cheese loosely rather than tightly, allowing some air to circulate.

Light Protection

Light exposure can degrade cheese, leading to changes in texture and flavor. Foil is an excellent choice for light protection, as it shields cheese from harmful UV rays.

Odor Barrier

Some cheeses emit strong odors, which can affect other items in your refrigerator. Foil effectively contains these odors, helping to maintain a fresh environment for your stored cheese.

Air Exposure

Foil reduces air exposure, but it's still advisable to place a layer of parchment paper or wax paper underneath the foil. This combination ensures that the cheese can breathe while keeping it protected from excess moisture and air.

Optimal Cheese Storage Techniques

For optimal preservation, consider keeping cheese in its original packaging until you’re ready to use it, and then rewrap it in foil. This approach minimizes the risk of contamination and ensures that your cheese remains in top condition.

Alternative Storage Methods

While aluminum foil is a common choice, other materials can also be effective for cheese storage:

Plastic Wrap Foil Combo: This method works well for most cheeses. The plastic wrap provides initial moisture control, while the foil offers additional protection from air and light. Some enthusiasts claim that this combination can even freeze cheese while maintaining quality. Muslin Cloth: In Europe, especially in France, many cheese connoisseurs use muslin cloth to wrap their cheese. Muslin allows the cheese to breathe while keeping the moisture in, making it a popular choice for long-term storage. Hay: For those with access, hay can be an excellent alternative. It provides a natural and breathable environment that can help preserve the cheese.

However, it's important to note that some cheeses, especially blue cheeses, may benefit more from breathable materials that allow for some air circulation.

The Shelf Life of Cheeses

Once cheese has been cut, it loses its protective rind, making it more susceptible to moisture and air. The primary enemy of cheese is cool, dry air, which can cause it to dehydrate and deteriorate. Therefore, wrapping it in foil or plastic cling wrap can be effective in the short term.

Over time, the acid in the cheese may react with the foil, leading to changes in the cheese's texture. Similarly, wrapping in plastic wrap can kill aerobic bacteria, affecting the cheese's flavor. However, these issues are generally only a concern if the cheese is stored for an extended period.

For the best results, use foil or plastic wrap for short-term storage and consider using a more breathable material for long-term storage.

Conclusion

Wrapping cheese in foil can be an effective method to extend its shelf life, but it's important to understand the proper techniques and materials. Whether you prefer a combination of plastic wrap and foil, muslin, or hay, the key is to find a balance that keeps your cheese fresh and flavorful.