Wisconsin Cheese Information

How should Wisconsin cheese be stored?

Wisconsin cheese should be refrigerated at temperatures of 35 to 40 °F in the original wrapping until ready to use. Store Wisconsin cheese out of the airflow in the cooler to prevent flavor contamination. If the original wrap is removed, rewrap Wisconsin cheese tightly with plastic film wrap or foil to prevent air pockets. Once Wisconsin cheese is exposed to air, mold and dehydration may occur. To protect Wisconsin cheese from mold, always work with it in a clean area. It will keep better if rewrapped with new plastic wrap after each time opened. To be extra cautious, double-wrap the Wisconsin cheese or place it back in its original container or a sealed container, if possible. Strong-smelling Wisconsin cheeses like Limburger should be well-wrapped and kept in a separate container to prevent odors from transferring to other foods.

How long is if safe to keep Wisconsin cheese?

Soft Wisconsin cheeses should be eaten soon after purchasing. As a general rule, the harder the Wisconsin cheese, the longer it will remain fresh. But remember, natural Wisconsin cheese will continue to ripen, no matter how carefully it is stored. Hard Wisconsin cheeses will generally keep for several months, whereas softer Wisconsin cheeses will keep from one to three weeks after opening, if stored in an airtight container. In addition, large pieces of Wisconsin cheese tend to keep longer than shredded Wisconsin cheese.

Processed Wisconsin cheese slices are best if used within six months when stored in the original package at a constant 32 °F. Opened packages rewrapped tightly and stored between 30 °F and 40 °F are best if used within three to four weeks. Frozen packages opened and rewrapped tightly, and stored at 0 °F or below, are best if used within six to eight weeks.

The "best if used by" date is intended to tell you how long the product will retain best flavor or quality. The term is not a safety date. "Best if used by" dates are intended as useful guidelines. Some foods may deteriorate more quickly and other foods may last longer than the times suggested. A number of factors can shorten the useful life of a food product, such as improper handling and inadequate storage. Food products may be consumed after the "best if used by" date if the product has been properly stored and handled.

My Wisconsin cheese got moldy. Should I throw it away?

Mold may develop on the surface of Wisconsin cheese. Although most molds are harmless, to be safe, cut away a half inch of the cheese on all sides of the visible mold. Use remaining cheese as quickly as possible.

What is the best way to melt Wisconsin cheese?

Wisconsin cheese cut into small pieces or shredded promotes more even melting in a shorter amount of time. When you add Wisconsin cheese to any recipe, cook on low heat, stirring constantly. High heat will toughen Wisconsin cheese and make it stringy. When you are making a sauce with Wisconsin cheese in it, add Wisconsin cheese as the last ingredient and heat until just melted. Processed Wisconsin cheese melts more smoothly than natural Wisconsin cheese.

What is the best way to microwave Wisconsin cheese?

Remove the cheese wrapper and place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave at 30 percent until the cheese reaches desired softness and/or temperature. Check every 10 seconds to prevent overheating. Cooking times will vary among microwave ovens. Use this method to prepare Wisconsin cheese nachos without making the cheese tough.

What is the best temperature for serving Wisconsin cheese?

The flavor of Wisconsin cheese is best when eaten at room temperature, so remove from refrigerator one to two hours in advance of serving time. Soft Wisconsin cheeses take a shorter amount of time to come to room temperature than firm and hard Wisconsin cheeses. However, it is best to set out only the amount of Wisconsin cheese you will eat to prevent the cheese from becoming dry and tough from being repeatedly warmed and chilled.

What is the best way to shred Wisconsin cheese?

Wisconsin cheese will shred more easily if well-chilled; it can also be placed in the freezer for 30 minutes before shredding.

Can you make Wisconsin cheese last longer by freezing it?

Most hard Wisconsin cheeses and processed Wisconsin cheeses can be frozen; however, there will be changes in texture. For this reason, thawed cheese is best used crumbled or shredded, in salads or as toppings or in uncooked dishes.
 

Tips for freezing Wisconsin cheese:

· Freeze pieces of a half-pound or less.

· Use moisture-proof and airtight wrapping.

· Freeze quickly and store at 0 °F for two to six months.

· Thaw in refrigerator so the cheese won’t lose moisture; the slower the cheese is thawed, the better.

· Use as soon as possible after thawing.

What is pasteurized processed Wisconsin cheese?

Pasteurized processed Wisconsin cheese is a blend of fresh and aged natural Wisconsin cheese (such as cheddar, Colby, etc.) that has been melted, pasteurized and mixed with an emulsifier according to the FDA’s Standard of Identity. Pasteurized processed Wisconsin cheese is milder in flavor and softer in body than the natural Wisconsin cheese from which it was made and has good melting properties. Processed cheese can in most cases does not require refrigeration.