How to store raclette cheese?
How to store raclette cheese is an essential question for every lover of this delicious cheese speciality. Whether you want to extend its shelf life or preserve its authentic flavour, a few simple tips make all the difference.
Choosing the ideal place to store cheese
Ideally, raclette cheese would be kept in a ripening cellar, at a mild 12 degrees Celsius and 92% humidity. Few of us have one at home, so practical alternatives are needed to store this cheese as well as possible.
Storing cheese in the refrigerator
For most of us, the refrigerator is the simplest solution. Keep your raclette cheese between 2 and 8 °C in its cheese paper: it keeps for 1 to 2 weeks.
Wrap it in cheese paper, never in aluminium foil. Cheese paper, made of an inner film and an outer sheet, lets the rind breathe while keeping the cheese from drying out. It is also the wrapping recommended by Switzerland Cheese Marketing. Aluminium foil, on the other hand, stops the cheese from breathing: moisture gets trapped, the rind softens and mould appears faster. In contact with the salt on the rind, it can also leave a metallic taste. If you have no cheese paper, use baking paper or cling film pierced with a few small holes.
Once the cheese is cut, cover the cut face well. Before your raclette, take it out of the refrigerator 30 minutes to 1 hour ahead: it will melt better and release all its aromas. Then lightly scrape the rind with a flat knife, without removing it completely: it adds flavour and turns crispy.
Storing cheese for longer
After two weeks in its paper, the cheese is still edible, but it loses moisture and melts less well. To keep it longer, lightly scrape the rind with a flat knife, without removing it completely, then vacuum-pack it: it then keeps for up to 2 months in the refrigerator. Raclette expert Eddy Baillifard, the “pope of raclette” from Bruson, says the same.
Freezing as an alternative
To keep it even longer, prepare the cheese the same way: lightly scrape the rind with a flat knife, without removing it completely, vacuum-pack it, then put it in the freezer. Note the date and type of cheese. Well wrapped, your raclette cheese keeps for up to 6 months. Its texture may change slightly, so thaw it slowly in the refrigerator.
When should you freeze your cheese?
We recommend freezing your raclette cheese when it has reached its optimal ripeness. This keeps its flavour as intact as possible after thawing. The ideal moment depends on the type of cheese and how ripe it is.
Which cheese do you want to freeze?
Whether a cheese freezes well depends on its variety and how you plan to use it. Hard cheeses such as raclette cheese and grated Gruyère freeze well, while soft cheeses such as camembert can lose quality after thawing.
Can you freeze camembert?
Because of its soft texture, camembert can lose quality once frozen. It is technically possible, but it is better enjoyed fresh to fully appreciate its creamy flavour.
Can you freeze grated Gruyère?
Grated Gruyère is a hard cheese that generally freezes very well. Packed airtight or vacuum-sealed, it keeps longer while preserving its characteristic flavour and grainy texture.
Can you freeze goat's cheese?
Goat's cheese can be frozen successfully, but take a few precautions to avoid changes in texture. Wrap it carefully and let it thaw slowly in the refrigerator.
With these simple tips, you can fully enjoy your raclette cheese with family or friends while preserving its quality and authentic flavour. For an everyday treat or a special occasion, proper storage guarantees the best taste in every bite.
