4 Things to Know Before Bringing Home a Fresh Cheese

Food Love: Ingredient Focus
4 Things to Know Before Bringing Home a Fresh Cheese

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September 11 2018

Description

Fresh cheeses are young cheeses that have not had time to ripen or mature. They can be eaten within a few hours, and tend to have a short shelf-life due to a high moisture content. Their tastes have been described as milky, lactic, sweet, or citrus. Examples include fresh cream cheese, fresh mozzarella, fresh goat cheese, or fresh feta cheese.

  1. Handle with Care

    When slicing a fresh cheese such as a mozzarella ball or goat cheese log, it's best to do so while the cheese is still cold. Once it gets to room temperature, it will be more difficult to work with.

  2. How to Store

    Fresh cheeses should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator, away from the door and away from any strong-smelling foods. 

  3. When to Eat

    If there is no date on your cheese, be sure to eat it within 14 days. Because of its high moisture content, it's more susceptible to going bad quicker than other cheeses. Fortunately, there are countless delicious ways to enjoy fresh cheeses, from melting or topping pizza to spreading on a toasted bagel to tucking inside an omelet.

  4. When Not to Eat

    You can tell if a fresh cheese has gone bad by its color or smell. It will have a strong smell and a non-white coloring.