How Long Does Vacuum-Packed Cheese Last?
Vacuum packing is a food preservation method that helps extend the shelf life of products such as meat, fish and cheese. But how long does vacuum-packed cheese last? Well, that depends on the type of cheese. Don’t worry — at Enrique Tomás, we’ll explain everything you need to know in detail.
How Long Does Vacuum-Packed Cheese Last Depending on Its Maturity?
The first thing to bear in mind is that not all cheeses can be vacuum packed. Fresh and soft cheeses, for example, are intended for immediate consumption and therefore are not usually sold vacuum packed, as they should be eaten as soon as possible. Cheeses that are not fresh can be vacuum packed, and the more mature the cheese, the better it tends to keep. Semi-cured and cured cheeses are the ones that preserve best, and there are two common ways to buy them:
Whole Cheese
If you buy a whole wheel of cheese, bear in mind that it does not necessarily need to be vacuum packed. The rind naturally protects the cheese, so once you have it at home, you can wrap it in clean, dry paper or cling film and store it in a cool, dry and dark pantry. It can keep for several months.
Cheese Wedges
If, on the other hand, you prefer to buy only a portion, it is best to choose one that has been vacuum packed. As mentioned above, the rind helps protect the cheese, but a wedge has already been cut, meaning the interior has already been exposed to oxygen. It is difficult to give a precise answer to how long vacuum-packed cheese lasts because it depends on the variety of cheese.
To make sure you consume it at its best, simply check the packaging. The manufacturer will indicate the use-by or best-before date. It’s as simple as enjoying it before that date.
What Happens Once the Vacuum Seal Is Broken?
As with other foods, once the vacuum seal has been broken, the product should be consumed within a reasonable period. Once you open your whole cheese or remove a wedge from its packaging, it is best to eat it as soon as possible. The most effective way to preserve cheese after opening is to store it in the refrigerator.
Depending on the cheese, the ideal storage temperature may vary. Semi-cured and cured cheeses, for example, are generally well preserved at around 8°C, while fresh and soft cheeses require lower temperatures. Many modern refrigerators now include a dedicated compartment for storing cheese, but if yours does not, there is no need to worry.
How to Store Cheese Once Opened
Cured and semi-cured cheeses
Once you start eating your cheese, the best option is to place it in an airtight cheese container and keep it in the vegetable drawer. The temperature there is slightly less harsh, helping to prevent the cheese from drying out, cracking or becoming brittle.
Softer or fresher cheeses
These varieties will require a colder environment to stay properly protected. In that case, place the container on one of the upper shelves of the refrigerator, where temperatures are generally lower.
"Whatever type of cheese you buy and however you choose to purchase it, the most important thing to remember is that food is always best enjoyed when it is eaten. So, if you have a delicious piece of cheese waiting for you at home, don’t leave it sitting around for too long — enjoy it while it’s at its very best!"
Discover our full selection of exquisite cheeses at Enrique Tomás.
