Storing cheese properly can keep it fresh for weeks—but using Ziploc bags is a big mistake. Here are essential cheese storage tips that can preserve your favorite dairy delights longer.
Forget those plastic wraps! Chef Eden Grinshpan's advice is straightforward: cheese needs to breathe. Following her tips could transform your cheese storage game.
The Problem with Plastic
Chef Eden Grinshpan, a prominent cook and cheese enthusiast, has made waves on TikTok by advocating against using Ziploc bags for cheese storage. With over 2.2 million views, her video sparks a necessary conversation. When cheese is wrapped in plastic, it creates a sealed environment that's essentially a mold incubator.
“Cheese is alive,” she states, emphasizing the need for airflow. Plastic traps moisture, leading to mold and spoilage. Avoiding plastic for cheese preserves its quality, ensuring you enjoy fresher, tastier bites.
Proper Cheese Storage Techniques
Grinshpan recommends wrapping your cheese in parchment paper for cheese or wax paper for cheese storage. Here’s how to do it effectively
1. Choose the Right Paper: Opt for parchment or wax paper, both ideal for allowing the cheese to breathe.
2. Wrap it Well: Carefully wrap your cheese, ensuring it’s snug but not tightly sealed. This method gives your cheese space to breathe, maintaining its flavors and texture.
3. Store Smartly: Place the wrapped cheese in your fridge’s crisper drawer. Avoid throwing it loosely in; this drawer mimics the ideal environment for your cheese without excess moisture.
Why Parchment or Wax is Best
Both Cheese Trail and AllRecipes echo Chef Grinshpan's sentiments. They caution against plastic wraps, noting that wax, Formaticum paper, or parchment allows for optimal cheese preservation. Here are the benefits
- Moisture Regulation: Wrapping cheese in suitable paper keeps it moist without trapping excess moisture that promotes mold growth.
- Air Flow: Parchment or wax paper encourages airflow, allowing cheese to breathe. This helps retain flavor, texture, and aroma.
- Versatility: Both hard and soft cheeses benefit from these storage methods, making them suitable for a variety of your favorite dairy products.
Alternative Storage Options
If you're worried about your cheese drying out, alternatives are available
- Use a plastic or glass container, but first wrap the cheese in parchment or wax paper. This will help preserve the moisture while protecting it from fridge dehydration.
- Consider semi-closed containers that allow breathability, keeping the cheese protected without sealing it in.
Addressing Skepticism
Despite Chef Grinshpan's sound advice, many TikTok viewers raised eyebrows. Common arguments included
- "Flash news: IT COMES IN PLASTIC!"
- “Cheese is sold in PLASTIC? I think we’ll live.”
These reactions highlight a general misunderstanding. While cheese typically comes packaged in plastic for sale, transferring it to Ziploc bags or wrapping it again in more plastic compromises its quality.
Grinshpan’s assertion isn’t about dismissing the original packaging; it's about how you store cheese once it’s home. Skeptical responses stress the need for balance between preservation and practicality. Following her method may seem daunting, but those who embrace this fresh approach will thank their taste buds.
Trade Offs for Cheese Lovers
Many cheese lovers are willing to go the extra mile for flavor. Grinshpan herself notes, “Cheese is too yummy (and expensive) to let it get moldy!” If you enjoy cheeseboards or are a fan of gourmet meals, investing time in proper storage can elevate your culinary experiences.
- Try Different Wrapping Materials: Experiment with wax paper, as it’s often cited as the cheapest option while ensuring proper preservation.
- Plan Your Cheese Purchases: Buy smaller portions if you're concerned about storage, allowing you the chance to enjoy fresh cheese without worry.
The Takeaway on Cheese Preservation Methods
Adopting a new mindset towards cheese storage can lead to significant taste improvements. Wrapping your cheese in parchment paper for cheese or wax paper for cheese storage rather than in plastic can increase its lifespan and enhance flavors. The simple hack shared by Chef Eden Grinshpan is gaining traction for a reason: it works. Flavor and quality should never take a back seat in your cheese journey. By giving your cheese the environment it needs, you ensure a fresher, tastier experience each time you indulge.
Whether you’re a cheese novice or a seasoned aficionado, understanding cheese preservation methods will enrich your culinary exploits. Embrace the parchment paper method, and watch your cheese stay fresh longer while declaring war on mold and waste!