Is it possible to store cheese in the freezer: methods and rules for freezing

You can store cheese in the freezer if you can’t eat all the supplies before the end of the expiration date. This is an extreme measure, since the structure of soft cheese deteriorates from the cold. A defrosted product loses beneficial bacteria, begins to crumble and acquires a watery consistency.

Shelf life

In a normal room, soft cheese does not last long. In plastic packaging it preserves its taste characteristics for 24 hours, in brine it lasts for two days, without brine - 5-6 hours.

In the refrigerator, the shelf life increases significantly. At a temperature of 1–5 degrees and a humidity of 85–92%, the product, located in a sealed store container, remains fresh for 10 days.

There are several storage methods.

• Wrap cheese purchased by weight in foil, place in an enamel container, cover with a lid and place on the middle shelf of the refrigerator. There it will not spoil in the next 2 weeks.
• You can put small pieces in a plastic container with a lid. The box will prevent the product from drying out in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• It is best to store cheese in a glass jar, filling it with brine and closing it with a plastic lid. If the temperature does not exceed 5 degrees, the cheese remains fresh for about 2 months. After 30 days, do not forget to pour out the old brine, prepare a new one and pour it into the jar.

Cheese cheese can be stored in the freezer for up to 8 months.At any time you can defrost it and use it for cooking.

How to freeze cheese correctly?

When freezing soft cheese, keep in mind that the texture will change slightly. Under the influence of cold, microscopic particles of ice form inside the cheese. After thawing, the product shrinks, crumbles and loses its attractive appearance. It cannot be cut into beautiful slices, but it can be used for salads and main courses.

To properly freeze cheese, follow these simple recommendations:

1. cut the cheese head into pieces of 200–250 g;
2. wrap each part in a towel, foil or parchment;
3. pack in a plastic bag, tie and place in the freezer (you can use bags with an airtight zipper);
4. Be sure to write the name of the cheese and the date of freezing on the container.

You can store cheese in sliced ​​form. Cut the product into cubes or strips. Cover the tray with parchment, lay out the pieces, cover with film and place in the freezer for 2-3 hours. When they are completely frozen, take them out, put them in a plastic container, label them and hide them in a storage chamber.

When freezing, it is important to seal the product tightly, otherwise it will absorb extraneous odors and become unfit for consumption after it thaws.

How to defrost cheese?

If you want the cheese to better retain its structure, do not expose it to sudden temperature changes.

To defrost the cheese, remove the portion from the freezer and place it on the shelf of the refrigerator where the temperature varies from 1 to 5 degrees. During the day, the product will thaw and it can be used for its intended purpose.

Some housewives make a common mistake and put a bag of cheese in warm water to quickly defrost. You can't do that. Under the influence of heat, the cheese becomes tasteless.

How to choose quality cheese?

Brynza is made from sheep, cow or goat milk. During the production process, the fermented milk product is soaked in brine, which gives it a special taste and aroma. To purchase a quality product rich in calcium, protein and vitamins, inspect it carefully.

Brynza should be:

• light milky color;
• without foreign inclusions;
• tight dense consistency.

At the market, ask the seller to cut a slice and make sure that it does not crumble or stick to the knife. Try a piece. Good cheese is salty with a delicate milky taste.

If you need to preserve the freshness of the product for several weeks or months, buy a head soaked in brine. The salty liquid is a kind of preservative; it allows the cheese not to spoil for as long as possible without freezing.

Freezing is not the worst way to keep cheese fresh for a long time at home. The cheese will partially lose its delicate aroma and elastic structure, but will still remain a useful product for preparing gourmet dishes.