The Reason You Should Never Throw Out Cheese Wrapping Paper

If you're a fan of gourmet cheeses, you know that proper storage is crucial to enjoying every last morsel. The refrigerator can be a good storage option, but only if your hunk of cheese is in the right location. Storing cheese too close to the door creates temperature inconsistency, which can have a negative impact on taste and quality. And while lots of cheese brands package their products in plastic, it's a major no-no at home. Instead, you should use a special wrapping called cheese paper for all your storage needs.

Plastic wrapping for cheese is problematic for two distinct reasons. Once opened, plastic wrapping can't safeguard cheese from the open air, which means your gourmet selection won't last as long as you'd like. However, wrapping cheese too tightly in plastic prevents ammonia, which is a by-product of the natural decomposition process, from escaping. That's why cheese paper is the preferred wrapping material, and why it's so ubiquitous at gourmet cheese counters. It's also a great material to collect at home, as it ensures you always have a reliable method for keeping cheese fresh.

You can always pick up a roll of cheese paper, but why buy something that you may be able to source for free? Well, not free exactly, but you can save cheese paper from past purchases for use in the future. To do so, simply take the previously used paper and rinse it in your sink using a minimal amount of water to preserve its integrity. Next, gently blot the paper dry and put it aside until needed.

This wrapping is the ideal storage method thanks to a combination of two materials: plastic and wax. Cheese paper consists of a plastic interior that is somewhat porous to ensure the cheese can breathe. However, the outer layer consists of wax, which limits how much air exposure occurs. And because the wax is opaque, it also limits light exposure (which causes cheese to change color and break down its fat content). Of course, not everyone is lucky enough to live in proximity to a fancy cheese shop or gourmet grocery store, where you're most likely to find cheese paper. In this case, you can easily make your own using common kitchen items.

It's totally possible to DIY cheese paper if you can't find the material where you live. The first thing you'll need is wax paper, which can be found in many grocery stores, typically in the same aisle with plastic and foil wraps. It's always good to have some wax rolls available in your home, as wax paper is a versatile kitchen material. In addition to storage, it can also prevent wet dough from sticking to your counters when kneading. 

On its own, wax paper might allow too much air to get to your cheese. That's precisely where the second material comes in — plastic storage bags. You will need to alter the bags by poking a few holes in them, ensuring optimum airflow over the cheese to let it breathe without increasing the rate of decomposition. Now that you have your materials, wrap the cheese in wax paper first, making certain that it's not too restrictive. Next, place the wax-wrapped cheese into your plastic bag. Now you can take the package and put it in your refrigerator, preferably in the produce drawer. This area provides the most consistent temperature without letting the cheese get too cold, which can stop the cheese from getting ripe.