How to Store Blue Cheese

TL;DR

• Wrap blue cheese in wax paper or aluminum foil to allow air circulation while preventing moisture loss
• Store blue cheese at 35-45°F (2-7°C) with 70-80% humidity, typically in the vegetable crisper of your fridge
• Avoid common mistakes like storing in airtight containers or mixing with other cheeses
• Look for signs of spoilage such as pinkish discoloration, slimy texture, or ammonia-like smell
• Extend shelf life by buying only what you’ll use soon, rewrapping after each use, and handling with clean hands or utensils

Introduction

Blue cheese, with its bold flavors and creamy texture, is a delicacy that deserves proper care. Storing this pungent treasure correctly isn’t just about preserving it—it’s about maintaining its complex flavors and ensuring every bite is as delightful as the first. Let’s dive into the world of blue cheese storage and unlock the secrets to keeping your fromage fantastic.

Understanding Blue Cheese

What is Blue Cheese?

Blue cheese is a flavor powerhouse, born from a dance between milk and mold. Penicillium roqueforti or Penicillium glaucum spores are introduced during the cheese-making process, creating those distinctive blue-green veins. As the cheese ages, these molds work their magic, developing the sharp, tangy flavors that blue cheese aficionados crave.

Types and Flavor Profiles

The blue cheese family is diverse, each member with its own personality:

• Roquefort: Sheep’s milk gives this French classic a crumbly texture and intense flavor.
• Gorgonzola: Italy’s contribution ranges from creamy dolce to firmer piccante.
• Stilton: England’s pride, known for its crumbly yet creamy consistency.
• Danish Blue: Milder and creamier, perfect for blue cheese newcomers.

Each type has unique storage needs, but they all benefit from proper care to maintain their distinct characteristics.

Common Misconceptions

Let’s clear the air about some blue cheese myths:

1. “The mold is dangerous.” False! The blue mold is safe and essential for flavor.
2. “Store it in plastic wrap.” Nope, it needs to breathe!
3. “Freezing is fine.” Think again—it can ruin the texture.

Understanding these facts will help you treat your blue cheese right.

Proper Storage Techniques

Wrapping Methods

Forget plastic wrap—blue cheese needs to breathe. Wrap it in wax paper or aluminum foil, which allows air circulation while preventing moisture loss. For an extra touch, you can place the wrapped cheese in a loose plastic bag, creating a mini-environment that’s neither too dry nor too moist.

Ideal Storage Conditions

Temperature is crucial. Aim for 35-45°F (2-7°C), typically found in the vegetable crisper of your fridge. Humidity matters too—about 70-80% is ideal. Too dry, and your cheese will crack; too moist, and unwanted mold might crash the party.

Factors Affecting Storage

Aging and Fermentation Process

As blue cheese ages, its storage needs evolve. Young, creamy blues require more careful handling to prevent moisture loss. Aged, crumbly varieties are hardier but still benefit from proper storage to maintain their complex flavors.

Cheese Composition

Fat content and moisture play a big role in storage. Higher fat cheeses, like creamy Gorgonzola dolce, are less prone to drying out but may develop off-flavors if not stored properly. Drier, lower-fat blues need protection against further moisture loss to prevent them from becoming cheese rocks.

Common Storage Mistakes

Avoid these blunders to keep your blue cheese in top form:

1. Storing in airtight containers (it needs to breathe!)
2. Keeping it too cold or too warm
3. Forgetting to rewrap after each use
4. Mixing with other cheeses (blue mold is friendly but invasive)
5. Ignoring condensation inside the wrapper

A little attention goes a long way in preserving your cheese’s quality.

Signs of Spoilage

Blue cheese is already moldy, so how do you know when it’s gone bad? Look for these red flags:

• Pinkish or brown discoloration
• Slimy or sticky texture
• Ammonia-like smell (beyond the usual pungent aroma)
• Unusual mold colors (anything not blue-green)

If you spot these signs, it’s time to bid farewell to your fromage.

Extending Shelf Life

Understanding Cheese Shelf Life

Blue cheese typically lasts 3-4 weeks when properly stored. Firmer varieties might stretch to 6 weeks, while softer ones are best enjoyed within 2-3 weeks. Remember, these are guidelines—trust your senses!

Tips for Maximizing Freshness

1. Buy only what you’ll use within a few weeks.
2. Keep it cold but not freezing.
3. Rewrap in fresh paper after each use.
4. Handle with clean hands or utensils.
5. Consider vacuum-sealing for longer storage (but let it breathe before serving).

Conclusion

Mastering the art of blue cheese storage is a small effort that yields delicious rewards. With these tips in your culinary toolkit, you’re ready to savor every morsel of your prized blue cheese at its peak. So go ahead, indulge in that wedge of Roquefort or chunk of Stilton—your perfectly stored cheese awaits!