How to Store Split Midget Red Wax Cheese

Wax cheese is delicious when stored correctly.

Wax cheese is a delicious and healthy treat for anyone who loves eating cheese. The wax acts as a protective wrap for the cheese, and if stored correctly, wax cheese can last up to 25 years. Proper storage of wax cheese is just as important to keeping the cheese fresh as coating it with wax in the first place, since incorrect storage can lead to moldy, ruined cheese. Don't worry---properly storing wax cheese is quick and easy to do.

Things You'll Need

• Split Midget Red Wax Cheese
• Plastic wrap
• Permanent marker
• Rubber bands
• Cool place to store the cheese

Instructions

1. Cut the cheese into bite-size segments. Leave the wax on the cheese, as it will enhance the longevity of the cheese. You do not have to cut overly large chunks or slices for storage, since you would then have to cut the cheese again before eating it.

2. Take one section of the cheese and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. The plastic wrap will prevent oxygen from reaching the cheese. Exposure to air can cause cheese to go moldy. Wrap all the slices or piece of cheese you wish to store.

3. Write the date of purchase on the plastic wrap with a permanent marker. Although the cheese should keep for a long time, it is always a good idea to write the date of purchase on any food item you put into storage. Write the date on all of your individually wrapped packages.

4. Wrap a rubber band around the plastic-wrapped cheese. The plastic wrap in and of itself should be enough protection for the cheese; however, adding the rubber band gives the packages extra protection. You want to prevent any air from getting to the cheese while it is in storage, so wrapping it as tightly as possible is ideal.

5. Place all of your wrapped cheese inside a refrigerator or area that is cooler than room temperature. It is usually okay to store cheese in a cellar, where the temperature is generally cooler than in the rest of the house.

Tips & Warnings

• Prepare the pieces for storage on a "per meal" basis. For example, if you enjoy having cheese and wine with a friend or family member, cut the cheese into sections big enough for two people to nibble on while having a drink. Or you might use the cheese for cooking, which could require larger chunks. Correct planning and division of cheese for storage will prevent the cheese from going bad. If you cut your chunks too big and remove them from storage, they will begin to get moldy after two or three days.

• Storing the cheese in one large piece wrapped in plastic is not a good idea. When you take the cheese out of storage and cut off a hunk for use, you allow air to reach the stored cheese. Every time you do this, more and more air will come into contact with the cheese, causing it to go moldy and spoil well before its time. Storing the cheese in separate smaller sections prevents this from happening.

References

• Calamity Cheese: Add Flavor to Your Storage Food
• Preparedness Pro: Cheese Wax Will Save Us All