5. Cheese With Uncertain Storage History
If you cannot remember how long the cheese has been stored, whether it was kept refrigerated, or how it was handled, it is better to be cautious.
A normal smell and appearance cannot guarantee that food is safe. When you have doubts about its storage or condition, discard it rather than tasting it to check.
Mayo Clinic also advises discarding moldy soft, shredded, sliced, and crumbled cheese because mold and harmful bacteria can spread through these products.
How to Store Cheddar Cheese to Prevent Mold
Finding mold on cheese can be frustrating, especially when you have only used a small portion of the block. Proper storage can help keep cheddar fresh longer and reduce the chances of unwanted mold growth.
Here are a few simple habits worth following.
1. Use Fresh Cheese Wrapping
Once you open a block of cheddar, avoid simply folding the original packaging back over the cheese and forgetting about it.
Cheese paper or parchment paper can help protect the block while allowing some moisture exchange. You can then place it in a clean, loosely closed container to protect it from other foods and odors.
The goal is to keep the cheese protected without trapping excess moisture against its surface.
