Don't store your cheese in plastic for 1 key reason, expert cook reveals

Cheese is a kitchen staple and a beloved ingredient, whether it is grated onto a dish to add tangy flavour, melted over pizzas or burgers, or simply nibbled on as a snack. We all know that cheese should be stored in the fridge, but optimal storage conditions go far beyond just location. For example, temperature matters - as does the material it is wrapped in.

Most people wrap cheese in plastic wrap, or keep it in the fridge inside of a sandwich bag - but this is a mistake, experts warn. Eden Grinshpan, a TV chef, said that "cheese is alive and needs to breathe", which is why she recommends wrapping it in parchment paper or wax paper. The expert told her more than 40,000 TikTok followers: "When you wrap it in plastic, you're creating a moisture rich environment where mould will live and grow."

After wrapping the cheese in parchment paper, Grinshpan said she throws it in the crisper - the vegetable drawer in the fridge.

Wrapping cheese too tightly can stop moisture from being released, which can "lead to the cheese developing an unpleasant flavour", Castello Cheese explained. It said that, therefore, it was important to always leave room for your cheese to breathe.

Another important thing to think about when storing cheese is the temperature it is kept at. Castello said that you should ensure your cheese is kept at 5-7 degrees for it to stay fresh for a few weeks.

When it comes to serving your cheese, it is best enjoyed at room temperature, according to The Cheese Lover, who advised removing it from the fridge at least an hour before serving. They also said that smaller portions of cheese tend to dry out faster than larger pieces - which means you shouldn't cut and serve your cheese too early.

What about freezing cheese? You can store it in the freezer as it will increase its shelf life - but not all cheese is suitable for this. For instance, cheeses like Camembert, brie, or cloth bound cheddar shouldn't be frozen as it can create "undesirable flavours", the Academy of Cheese explained.

The experts also said that soft cheeses don't freeze well, as opposed to hard and semi-hard cheeses which have lower moisture and high fat contents.

Before placing your cheese in the freezer, you should trim it down so it can easily be vacuum packed or wrapped up tightly. The Academy said: "For best results, place the wrapped cheese inside an airtight container or freezer-safe bag."