Where is the best place in the fridge to store your cheese? Find out if the vegetable drawer or a main shelf is better for maintaining its quality.
1 Answer
Cheese can be stored in either the fridge drawer or on the main shelf, but the best location depends on the type of cheese and your fridge's temperature distribution. Hard cheeses generally do well on the main shelf, while softer cheeses benefit from the higher humidity of the drawer.
Detailed Explanation:
The ideal storage location for cheese depends on several factors, primarily temperature and humidity.
Main Shelf: The main shelves of your refrigerator are typically colder and drier than the drawers. This makes them suitable for harder cheeses like Parmesan, cheddar, and Swiss. These cheeses are less susceptible to drying out and can withstand the lower humidity. Wrap them tightly in cheese paper or plastic wrap to prevent them from absorbing odors from other foods.
Fridge Drawers (Crispers): Fridge drawers, often labeled as crispers, are designed to maintain higher humidity levels. This environment is beneficial for softer cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and feta. The higher humidity helps prevent these cheeses from drying out and cracking. Ensure the cheese is properly wrapped or stored in an airtight container to prevent mold growth and odor absorption.
Ultimately, the best place to store your cheese is where it will maintain its optimal texture and flavor for the longest period. Experiment with different locations to see what works best for your specific refrigerator and the types of cheese you typically purchase.
Pro Tip:
Always wrap cheese tightly, regardless of where you store it. Re-wrap it in fresh cheese paper or plastic wrap after each use to minimize exposure to air and prevent it from drying out or absorbing unwanted flavors. Consider using reusable beeswax wraps as an eco-friendly alternative.