Cheese Wrapping: How to Wrap Cheese Properly

Proper cheese wrapping is essential to keep your cheese fresh, flavorful, and free from unwanted mold. Wrapping cheese correctly helps preserve its texture and taste while creating the ideal environment for storage. Whether you’re a cheese lover or a professional, mastering cheese wrapping techniques ensures your cheese stays delicious longer.

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The Right Way to Wrap Cheese Like a Pro

Cheese is a delicate and flavorful food that requires proper storage to maintain its freshness, texture, and taste. Whether you are a cheese enthusiast, a professional cheesemonger, or simply want to keep your cheese at its best, mastering the art of wrapping cheese is essential. Wrapping cheese correctly not only preserves its quality but also prevents mold growth and spoilage. In this detailed guide, you will learn how to wrap cheese like a pro, using the right materials and techniques to extend its shelf life and enhance your cheese experience.

Why Proper Cheese Wrapping Matters

Cheese is a living food that continues to breathe and mature even after it leaves the producer. Improper wrapping can suffocate the cheese, trap excess moisture, or expose it to air, all of which can lead to drying out, off-flavors, or mold. The goal of wrapping cheese is to create an environment that balances moisture retention with breathability, allowing the cheese to age gracefully while preventing spoilage. Proper wrapping also protects cheese from absorbing other odors in the refrigerator and keeps it hygienic.

Step 1: Preparing the Cheese for Wrapping

Before wrapping, preparation is key to ensure the cheese is clean and ready for storage:

• Remove any original packaging or cling wrap: Most cheeses come wrapped in plastic or other materials that are not ideal for long-term storage. Removing these prevents moisture buildup and contamination.
• Gently scrape the surface: Use a clean knife to remove any excess grease, butterfat, or surface mold. This helps reduce the chance of mold spreading during storage.
• Inspect the cheese: Check for any visible damage or mold that might need to be trimmed before wrapping.

This preparation step is crucial because it creates a clean surface that will better interact with the wrapping material, helping to preserve the cheese’s natural qualities.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Wrapping Material

The choice of wrapping material is one of the most important factors in cheese preservation. Different cheeses require different wrapping approaches, but some materials are generally preferred by professionals.

• Cheese paper: This is the gold standard for wrapping cheese. Cheese paper is specially designed to be breathable, allowing the cheese to release moisture while preventing it from drying out. It typically has a wax or plastic coating on one side and a porous paper layer on the other, creating the perfect microclimate for cheese aging. Cheese paper is ideal for most soft, semi-hard, and aged cheeses.
• Formaticum bags: These are semi-permeable bags that provide excellent protection while allowing the cheese to breathe. They are reusable and easy to seal, making them a favorite in professional settings.
• Wax paper or parchment paper: These can be used for wrapping cheese as well, especially if cheese paper is not available. They offer some breathability but may not be as effective for long-term storage.
• Plastic wrap: While convenient, plastic wrap is generally not recommended for long-term cheese storage because it traps moisture, leading to sweating, mold, and off-flavors. It can be used for short-term wrapping or as a secondary layer over breathable paper.
• Beeswax wraps: These eco-friendly wraps are breathable and mold to the cheese’s shape, providing a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap.

Step 3: Wrapping the Cheese Properly

Wrapping cheese is more than just covering it; it’s about creating a sealed environment that protects and preserves the cheese.

• Place the cheese on the wrapping material: Lay the cheese on the paper or in the bag, ensuring it is centered and has enough material to cover all sides.
• Fold the paper or bag carefully: Use the French pleat technique, a method where the wrap is folded neatly and tucked to create a tight seal without crushing the cheese. This not only looks professional but also helps keep the cheese airtight.
• Avoid wrapping too tightly: Cheese needs some airflow, so avoid squeezing it too tightly, which can damage the texture and inhibit breathing.
• Seal the edges: If using bags, seal them properly to prevent air from entering. For paper wraps, fold the edges under the cheese or use a small piece of tape or a sticker to keep the wrap in place.
• Label the cheese: Write the type of cheese and the date of wrapping on the paper or bag to keep track of freshness.

Step 4: Handling Rinds and Special Cases

Certain cheeses, especially aged or natural-rind varieties, require special consideration:

• Remove the rind for storage (optional): Some experts recommend removing the rind before wrapping to prevent mold spores from spreading. This is particularly useful if the cheese is for long-term storage rather than presentation.
• Keep the rind for presentation: If you plan to serve the cheese soon or want to maintain its traditional appearance, keep the rind intact.
• Clean the rind: If keeping the rind, gently wipe it with a damp cloth to remove excess mold before wrapping.

Step 5: Storing Wrapped Cheese

Proper storage conditions complement good wrapping:

• Refrigerate at the right temperature: Cheese should be stored between 35°F and 45°F (1.5°C to 7°C), ideally in a cheese drawer or vegetable compartment where humidity is higher.
• Avoid temperature fluctuations: Frequent changes in temperature can cause condensation and spoilage.
• Keep cheese away from strong odors: Cheese easily absorbs odors, so store it separately from pungent foods.
• Check regularly: Inspect wrapped cheese every few days for signs of mold or drying, and rewrap with fresh paper if necessary.

How to Store Cheese Properly (Must-Know Tips for Longer Freshness)

Additional Tips for Cheese Wrapping Like a Pro

• Use multiple layers for extra protection: For very soft or crumbly cheeses, wrap first in parchment paper, then loosely in plastic wrap or beeswax wrap for added moisture control.
• Do not freeze most cheeses: Freezing alters texture and flavor, so it’s best to avoid freezing unless necessary. If freezing, wrap tightly and thaw slowly in the refrigerator.
• Use airtight containers for crumbly or shredded cheese: These cheeses benefit from containers that protect them while allowing minimal air exposure.
• Rotate cheese regularly: Use older cheese first to reduce waste and maintain a fresh cheese supply.

Can I Use Plastic Wrap to Wrap My Cheese?

Plastic wrap is a popular and convenient option for wrapping cheese, but it is important to understand its impact on cheese preservation to ensure your cheese stays fresh and flavorful.

Pros of Using Plastic Wrap for Cheese Storage

• Convenience and availability: Plastic wrap is easy to find in most kitchens and stores, making it a quick solution for wrapping cheese.
• Temporary airtight barrier: It creates a seal that can help prevent immediate exposure to air, slowing down initial drying and protecting cheese from external contaminants.
• Good for short-term use: When you plan to consume cheese within a day or two, plastic wrap can be effective in maintaining freshness.

Cons of Using Plastic Wrap for Cheese Storage

• Lack of breathability: Plastic wrap traps moisture and does not allow air circulation. This creates a humid environment that promotes bacterial growth and mold, accelerating spoilage.
• Sweating and texture changes: The trapped moisture causes cheese to “sweat,” resulting in a slimy surface and unpleasant odors. Over time, this can negatively affect the cheese’s texture, making it rubbery or overly soft.
• Flavor alteration: Prolonged contact with plastic wrap can impart a plastic-like taste to the cheese or mask its natural flavors.
• Environmental concerns: Plastic wrap is single-use and contributes to plastic waste, which is harmful to the environment. This makes it a less sustainable choice for cheese storage.

Why Plastic Wrap Is Not Recommended for Long-Term Cheese Storage

Cheese needs to “breathe” to maintain the right balance of moisture and air exposure. Plastic wrap’s impermeable nature disrupts this balance by trapping moisture and preventing airflow. This can lead to:

• Faster mold growth and spoilage
• Loss of cheese’s natural aroma and flavor complexity
• Degradation of texture, especially in soft and aged cheeses

For these reasons, plastic wrap is generally unsuitable for storing cheese over extended periods. It is best reserved for short-term wrapping or immediate consumption.

Better Alternatives to Plastic Wrap for Cheese Preservation

To keep cheese fresh longer and maintain its quality, consider these superior wrapping options:

• Cheese paper: Specially designed to allow controlled airflow, cheese paper prevents moisture buildup while keeping cheese from drying out. It is ideal for aging and preserving flavor.
• Formaticum bags: These semi-permeable bags balance moisture retention and breathability, creating an optimal environment for cheese storage. They are reusable and easy to seal.
• Wax paper or parchment paper: These breathable papers can be used alone or as an inner layer beneath a loose plastic wrap, providing moisture regulation while protecting the cheese.
• Reusable beeswax wraps: An eco-friendly and breathable alternative, beeswax wraps help maintain cheese freshness without generating plastic waste. They mold around the cheese and allow it to breathe naturally.

Tips for Using Plastic Wrap When Necessary

If plastic wrap is your only option, follow these tips to minimize its drawbacks:

• Wrap cheese loosely rather than tightly to allow some air circulation.
• Change the plastic wrap frequently to reduce moisture buildup and prevent mold formation.
• Use plastic wrap as a secondary layer over breathable paper like parchment or cheese paper.
• Store wrapped cheese in a dedicated cheese drawer or container in the refrigerator to maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels.
• Label wrapped cheese with the date of storage to monitor freshness.

Additional Cheese Storage Tips

• Keep cheese in the warmest part of the refrigerator, such as the vegetable drawer or a cheese drawer, where humidity is higher and temperature fluctuations are minimal.
• Avoid storing cheese near strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor contamination.
• For very soft cheeses, consider storing in a container with a loose lid to maintain moisture without suffocating the cheese.

FAQs on Cheese Storage and Mold Prevention

How to Store Cheese Properly?

Cheese should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature between 35°F and 45°F (1.5°C to 7°C). The humidity should be moderately high to prevent the cheese from drying out but not so high that it encourages mold growth. The vegetable drawer or a dedicated cheese drawer is often the best place, as these areas maintain more stable humidity and temperature levels.

What are the best practices for storing different types of cheese?

• Soft cheeses (e.g., Brie, Camembert): Store wrapped loosely in breathable materials like cheese paper or parchment paper to allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup.
• Hard cheeses (e.g., Cheddar, Parmesan): Can be wrapped more tightly but still benefit from cheese paper or Formaticum bags to maintain moisture balance.
• Aged cheeses (e.g., Gouda, Blue cheese): Require breathable wraps like cheese paper or specialized bags to allow them to continue aging without excessive moisture accumulation.

How to use cheese paper, bags, and containers effectively?

• Cheese paper: Wrap cheese snugly but not tightly to allow it to breathe; change the paper regularly to maintain freshness.
• Formaticum bags: Seal cheese inside these semi-permeable bags to balance moisture retention and airflow.
• Containers: Use airtight containers for crumbly or shredded cheese to prevent drying while limiting air exposure.

How Can I Keep My Cheese from Getting Moldy?

Mold on cheese often results from excessive moisture, poor air circulation, or contamination from other moldy foods. Wrapping cheese too tightly in non-breathable materials like plastic wrap can trap moisture and promote mold growth.

• Use breathable wrapping materials such as cheese paper or Formaticum bags.
• Avoid plastic wrap for long-term storage as it traps moisture.
• Store cheese in a stable, cool, and moderately humid environment.
• Regularly check and rewrap cheese to prevent mold buildup.
• Keep cheese separate from strongly scented or mold-prone foods to avoid cross-contamination.

For hard cheeses, cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the moldy spot, avoiding contact with the mold itself. The rest of the cheese is usually safe to eat.

• For soft cheeses, it’s safer to discard the entire piece if mold develops, as mold can penetrate deeper.
• Always use a clean knife and avoid touching mold with your hands to prevent spreading spores.

Conclusion

Proper cheese wrapping is essential to preserving the freshness, flavor, and texture of your cheese. Key tips include preparing your cheese by removing excess grease or packaging, choosing the right breathable materials like cheese paper or Formaticum bags, sealing the cheese securely using techniques like the French pleat, and handling rinds thoughtfully to prevent mold growth. Storing cheese at the right temperature and humidity further enhances its longevity and taste.

By adopting these professional wrapping techniques, you can enjoy your cheese at its best for longer periods, reducing waste and enhancing every bite. We encourage you to try using Formaticum bags or high-quality cheese paper, these tools are designed specifically to create the ideal environment for cheese storage, helping you become a true cheese-wrapping pro.

Start wrapping your cheese the right way today and savor the difference in taste and freshness!