Defying the Cold: The Do’s and Don’ts of Freezing Your Cheeses

Did you know that you can freeze certain cheeses without altering their texture or flavor? But be careful, not all cheeses tolerate cold in the same way. Find out which cheeses can be frozen and which ones shouldn’t. Follow the guide to stop wasting your precious cheeses and enjoy them fully at all times!

Jeanne Renault, a food writer, explains how freezing your cheeses can help extend their life. However, freezing is not suitable for all types of cheese. Dairy products, such as cheese, contain delicate emulsions that can be altered by the freezing process. Some hard and ripened cheeses, as well as grated cheeses and blocks of mozzarella with low moisture content, can be frozen successfully. On the other hand, soft cheeses, blue cheeses and other types with high water content should not be frozen, as this can alter their texture and taste. To maximize the life of your cheeses, package them properly, label them, and use them in dishes where texture is not as important. By following these tips, you can enjoy your favorite cheeses for longer while reducing food waste.

Jeanne Renault, editor specializing in culinary articles, today invites you to discover how to optimize the conservation of your cheeses thanks to the freezing. The idea may seem simple, but not all cheeses lend themselves to this method! Here are our tips for avoiding food waste and enjoying your favorite cheeses for longer.

Why is freezing cheese tricky?

Keeping dairy products cold is a tricky business. Although the cheese frozen can extend its life, defrosting can sometimes be disappointing. Dairy products, like cheese, contain emulsions of fat, water, protein and acid. Depending on the water content, cheese can be liquid, semi-solid, semi-firm or firm.

Freezing alters the structure of any product containing water. When it freezes, the water expands, pushing out other elements and creating pockets of ice. After thawing, these pockets of water transform, separating proteins and fats, which can affect the texture and taste of the cheese.

Cheeses suitable for freezing

To succeed in freeze your cheeses, it is crucial to choose those that contain less water. Here are some types of cheese that you can freeze without altering their texture and flavor too much:

• Cheeses hard and matured like parmesan, Manchego or sharp cheddar.
• Grated cheeses such as cheddar, provolone or grated mozzarella, which thaw and are easily incorporated into hot dishes.
• Low moisture mozzarella blocks.

To thaw, simply leave the cheese in the refrigerator overnight. Grated cheeses can be used straight from the freezer.

Cheeses to avoid in the freezer

Some cheeses contain a higher water content and do not hold up well to freezing. Their texture may become grainy or broken after thawing. Here are some cheeses that are best eaten quickly rather than frozen:

• Cheeses soft dough and spreadable like brie, camembert or burrata.
• Blue cheeses which tend to disintegrate and lose their creamy texture.

Don’t worry about finishing these cheeses before they go bad in the fridge: enjoy their fresh flavor and texture while they’re at their peak.

Tips for maximizing the life of your cheeses

To extend the shelf life of your cheeses while preserving their quality, here are some tips:

• Wrap the cheeses in baking paper or cheese paper before placing them in an airtight freezer bag.
• Label cheeses with the freezing date to track their shelf life.
• Use thawed cheeses in cooked dishes like gratins or sauces, where the texture will not be as noticeable.

By following these practical tips, you can enjoy your favorite cheeses for longer while reducing food waste. Savor every bite and don’t hesitate to experiment with freezing your favorite cheeses!