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Keep Your Cheese Fresh: Expert-Recommended Storage Hack Explained

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/17 .. h-expert-recommended-storage-hack-explained.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 at 13:07 GMT by Food & Wine

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How to Keep Cheese Fresh: A Step‑by‑Step Guide to the “Expert‑Recommended Cheese Storage Hack”

If you’ve ever opened a block of brie or a wedge of aged cheddar only to find it’s already turning from creamy to dry or moldy, you’re not alone. Cheese is a delicate product that thrives on the right balance of moisture and air. The Food & Wine article “Expert‑recommended cheese storage hack” dives deep into the science behind cheese preservation and offers a practical, budget‑friendly solution that even the most casual cheese lover can use at home.

The Science Behind Cheese Spoilage

Before we jump into the hack itself, the article lays out a brief primer on why cheese goes bad so quickly:

1. Moisture Loss: When cheese is exposed to air, it loses moisture and shrinks. This not only changes texture but also promotes the growth of mold on the surface.
2. Oxygen Exposure: Air carries oxygen, which accelerates oxidation and can lead to off‑flavors.
3. Temperature Fluctuations: Even a brief excursion out of the refrigerator can allow bacterial growth that spoils the cheese’s flavor profile.

Experts note that the ideal cheese‑storage environment should be breathable enough to allow moisture to escape, yet sealed enough to keep excess air (and therefore mold spores) out. The trick is to find the sweet spot between these two extremes.

The “Cheese Paper” Solution

The article’s main focus is a hack that uses cheese paper—a specially designed, breathable parchment that’s often marketed to restaurants and specialty cheese shops. While this product can be expensive, Food & Wine’s article shows that a similar DIY version can be created at home for a fraction of the cost.

Why Cheese Paper Works

• Breathability: The paper’s texture lets moisture escape without allowing large amounts of air to enter.
• Mold Resistance: The paper is often treated with a mild preservative that inhibits mold growth on its surface.
• Reusable & Eco‑Friendly: Unlike plastic wraps, cheese paper is compostable and can be washed and reused for several weeks.

Where to Find Cheese Paper

The article includes a link to a reputable retailer that sells cheese paper in bulk (link: https://www.cheesepaper.com). If you’re on a budget, the article also suggests using parchment paper in combination with a paper towel—a trick that mimics the same breathability and moisture‑control effect.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Store Cheese Using the Hack

Below is a concise, practical version of the instructions presented in the article, plus a few extra details gleaned from the linked resources.

1. Choose the Right Cheese Paper
   - Commercial Option: Buy 1–2 sheets of cheese paper from a specialty supplier.
   - DIY Option: Grab a sheet of parchment paper and place a paper towel on top of it. Fold the parchment into a “paper‑towel‑wrap” that’s slightly bigger than the cheese.

2. Prepare the Cheese
   - Remove the cheese from its original packaging.
   - Cut the cheese into the desired shapes or wedges; this makes it easier to handle and helps the paper fit snugly.

3. Wrap the Cheese
   - Place the cheese on the cheese paper or the parchment‑towel combo.
   - Roll the paper gently around the cheese, ensuring no air pockets form.
   - Secure the wrap with a small piece of twine or a strip of rubber band if needed (the article notes that many cheese professionals prefer not to use plastic or metal because it can affect the cheese’s flavor).

4. Add an Extra Layer of Protection
   - For extra long‑term storage, place the wrapped cheese in a perforated plastic bag.
   - Seal the bag but leave a small opening for air exchange.
   - The article links to a tutorial on how to create a homemade “cheese storage bag” using an old pillowcase, which is an eco‑friendly alternative.

5. Store in the Refrigerator
   - Keep the wrapped cheese in the main compartment of the fridge, not the door (which can experience temperature swings).
   - For hard cheeses (like Parmigiano‑Reggiano), a lower temperature (around 34°F/1°C) is ideal; for softer cheeses (like brie), a slightly warmer zone (around 40°F/4°C) works best.

6. Check Regularly
   - Inspect the cheese every few days for any visible mold growth.
   - If a small patch of mold appears, trim it away with a clean knife and rewrap.

Extra Tips From the Food & Wine Article

• Use a Cheese Paper “Holder”: The article links to a Pinterest board showcasing simple wooden or bamboo “cheese paper holders” that keep the wrapped cheese at a consistent angle, preventing it from sliding and cracking.
• Avoid Direct Contact With Plastic: Plastic wrap can trap moisture and cause the cheese to steam, leading to softening or unwanted mold.
• Label Your Cheese: The article recommends labeling the wrapped cheese with the type and date. This is particularly useful if you’re storing multiple varieties and want to keep track of freshness.
• Store in a Dedicated Cheese Drawer: If your refrigerator has a cheese drawer, keep the wrapped cheese there. If not, consider purchasing a small, adjustable drawer from a home‑goods store (link: https://www.target.com/c/cheese-drawers).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Related Resources

1. Cheese‑Paper Tutorial – The article’s linked tutorial explains how to make your own cheese‑paper‑style wrap using parchment paper and paper towels.
2. Cheese‑Storage Guides – Food & Wine’s “How to Store Cheese at Home” (link: https://www.foodandwine.com/how-to-store-cheese) provides additional context on different cheese types.
3. Cheese‑Drawer DIY – A step‑by‑step guide from Pinterest (link: https://www.pinterest.com/cheesedrawerDIY) that shows how to create a cheap wooden drawer that keeps cheese at the right temperature.

Bottom Line

The Food & Wine article does a fantastic job of turning a seemingly simple “cheese‑storage hack” into a comprehensive, science‑backed guide. By using cheese paper—or a homemade parchment‑towel combo—you create a breathable environment that keeps cheese moist but mold‑free, dramatically extending its shelf life. Whether you’re a weekend cheese enthusiast or a seasoned sommelier, this trick will save you both money and the disappointment of opening a stale block. Grab the paper, wrap it up, and let the cheese enjoy its new, airy home.