How To Store Cheese Like a Pro
There's nothing quite like bringing home a beautiful piece of cheese, only to discover a few days later that it's dried out, sweaty, or has taken on the flavour of last night's leftovers.
The good news? Proper cheese storage is simple, and a few small changes can help keep your favourite cheeses tasting their best for longer.
The Best Way to Wrap Cheese
For most cheeses, we recommend wrapping them in cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper first. This allows the cheese to breathe while preventing it from drying out.
After wrapping, place the cheese in a loosely sealed container or reusable storage bag in the refrigerator.
This combination helps maintain the ideal balance of humidity and airflow.
Where Should Cheese Live in Your Fridge?
The best place to store cheese is usually the vegetable or crisper drawer.
Why? It's often slightly warmer and more humid than the rest of the refrigerator, creating a more stable environment for cheese.
Avoid storing cheese in the coldest part of the fridge, where it may dry out more quickly.
Should Different Cheeses Be Stored Together?
Not necessarily.
Strong cheeses can transfer aromas and flavours to milder varieties. If possible, keep each cheese wrapped separately.
This is especially important for blue cheeses, washed-rind cheeses, and other bold varieties.
How Long Does Cheese Last?
The answer depends on the type of cheese.
Hard Cheeses
Examples: Aged Cheddar, Parmesan, Gouda
These cheeses can often last several weeks when stored properly.
Semi-Firm Cheeses
Examples: Havarti, Fontina, Gruyère
Typically best enjoyed within two to three weeks.
Soft Cheeses
Examples: Brie, Camembert, Fresh Goat Cheese
These should generally be enjoyed within one week after opening for the best flavour and texture.
What About Mould?
If you spot mould on a hard cheese, don't panic.
In many cases, you can simply cut away at least one inch (2.5 cm) around and below the affected area, ensuring your knife doesn't touch the mould before cutting into the clean cheese.
For soft cheeses, however, mould can spread more easily throughout the product. When in doubt, it's safest to discard the cheese.
Let Your Cheese Come to Room Temperature
Here's one of our favourite tips:
Take your cheese out of the refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before serving.
As cheese warms, its flavours and aromas become more pronounced, allowing you to enjoy the full character that the cheesemaker intended.
A cheese served at room temperature is often a completely different experience than one served straight from the fridge.
Final Cheese Thoughts
Great cheese deserves great care.
By wrapping cheese properly, storing it in the right place, and allowing it to come to room temperature before serving, you'll enjoy better flavour, better texture, and less waste.
If you're ever unsure how to store a particular cheese, stop by the shop. We're always happy to help you get the most out of every wedge, wheel, and slice!
From our cheese counter to your table,
The Dover Cheese Shop Team
