Winter is the time when humidity in the air drops, combined with temperature differences that can affect the quality of many types of food, in which cheese is very susceptible to drying out, cracking or losing its characteristic aroma.
To ensure cheese is always in its best state during the cold winter days, housewives should pay attention to the following preservation methods:
Do not use film to wrap food
The common habit of many families is to store cheese with plastic wrap. However, during the cold winter days, using the film to wrap food will cause the cheese to evaporate, remove odor and create conditions for bacteria to grow.
Instead, a tip that housewives can use is to use specialized candle paper or wax paper. This paper layer allows the cheese to maintain the necessary moisture without drying out the surface.
After wrapping with candle paper, you can wrap an additional layer of food wrap on the outside or put it in a food container but not too tight to create a balanced environment.
Store in vegetable compartments
Many people mistakenly think that the coldest part (usually at the top) in the refrigerator is the best place to store food. But in reality, the opposite is true: when the temperature is too cold, it will break down the protein structure, causing the cheese to become stagnant and lose its smoothness.
The most ideal location in the refrigerator is the storage compartment for vegetables and fruits. This is an area with a stable temperature of about 4 - 8 degrees Celsius and a higher humidity than other compartments, helping the cheese to stay fresh without frost.
Change the paper packaging layer
Cheese has probiotics that work continuously, so after each use, the cheese pieces need to be replaced with a new paper package. Reusing old packaging paper will cause mold to penetrate quickly.
For fresh and soft cheeses such as Mozzarella or Brie, storing them in clean containers is necessary to avoid cross-contamination from other foods in the refrigerator.
Wake up the flavor before using
One mistake that reduces the enjoyment of cheese is eating it right out of the refrigerator. Low temperatures cause the flavor molecules of the cheese to "frozen", making the cheese piece bland and firmer.
In the cold winter, make sure to leave the cheese in the refrigerator at least 30 to 60 minutes before enjoying it. This period of time helps the cheese soften again, making it more delicious. This is the best way to enjoy cheese to its fullest flavor that the whole family can enjoy.
