The Best Ways to Store Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese, with its soft texture and mild flavor, is a beloved ingredient in many dishes, from classic Caprese salads to gooey, delicious pizzas. However, its delicate nature means it requires proper storage to maintain its freshness and flavor. Here are the best ways to store mozzarella cheese to ensure it stays delicious and safe to eat, with a focus on the benefits of using airtight containers.
1. Fresh Mozzarella: Store in Brine
Fresh mozzarella, often sold in water or brine, is highly perishable. Here’s how to keep it at its best:
Keep it in its original packaging: If it comes in a brine-filled container, store it in the refrigerator as is. The brine helps maintain moisture and flavor.
Use an airtight container: If you’ve opened the original packaging, transfer the cheese along with its brine to an airtight container. Ensure the cheese is fully submerged.
Benefits: Airtight containers prevent air from entering, which reduces the risk of bacteria growth and keeps the cheese moist and fresh for a longer period.
Change the brine: If you’ve made your own fresh mozzarella, use a homemade brine (1 teaspoon of salt per cup of water) and store the cheese in an airtight container in the fridge. Change the brine every few days to keep the cheese fresh and flavorful.
Benefits: Regularly changing the brine in an airtight container maintains the optimal salt balance and prevents the cheese from becoming overly salty or losing its delicate flavor.
2. Low-Moisture Mozzarella: Wrap and Refrigerate
Low-moisture mozzarella, the kind often used for melting on pizzas, has a longer shelf life than fresh mozzarella but still needs proper care:
Wrap it tightly: After opening, wrap the cheese in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Ensure it’s tightly sealed to prevent air exposure.
Use a resealable bag or container: For added protection, place the wrapped cheese in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container.
Benefits: Airtight containers protect against moisture loss and contamination from other foods in the refrigerator, preserving the cheese’s texture and flavor.
Keep it cool: Store the cheese in the main compartment of your refrigerator, where the temperature is more consistent, rather than in the door.
3. Freezing Mozzarella: For Extended Storage
If you have more mozzarella than you can use before it spoils, freezing is an option, especially for low-moisture mozzarella:
Pre-freeze slices or shreds: Slice or shred the cheese and spread it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid.
Store in a freezer bag or container: Once frozen, transfer the cheese to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Benefits: Airtight containers prevent freezer burn and protect the cheese from absorbing other odors in the freezer, keeping it fresh and flavorful for longer.
Use within a few months: Frozen mozzarella can last up to six months, but for the best texture and flavor, try to use it within two to three months.
4. Vacuum Sealing: Prolong Freshness
For both fresh and low-moisture mozzarella, vacuum sealing is an excellent method to extend shelf life:
Vacuum seal and refrigerate: Place the mozzarella in a vacuum-seal bag and use a vacuum sealer to remove air and seal the bag. Store in the refrigerator.
Label and date: Always label and date the bags to keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
Benefits: Vacuum sealing creates an airtight environment, drastically reducing the risk of spoilage and extending the cheese’s freshness.
5. Using Mozzarella Properly: Tips and Tricks
Bring to room temperature: Before using, let the cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to enhance its flavor and texture.
Avoid contamination: Use clean utensils to handle the cheese and avoid cross-contamination with other foods.
Conclusion
Storing mozzarella cheese properly ensures that you can enjoy its creamy, delicious flavor at its best. Whether it’s fresh mozzarella in brine or low-moisture mozzarella for melting, using airtight containers can significantly extend its shelf life and maintain its quality. These tips will help you keep your cheese fresh and tasty for as long as possible. With the right storage techniques, you can always have this versatile cheese ready to elevate your meals.