Gerry's Tips

Store it Right, Serve it with Elegance: tips for selecting and storing cheese

Select It
We take great care to choose exquisite cheeses for you from around the world, and sell them when they are at their peak of flavor and texture—at their proper state "cure" ripeness. So, when you're selecting a fine cheese, keep these "don'ts" in mind:

1. Don't purchase too far in advance,
2. Don't get more than you'll need, and
3. Don't hesitate to ask for help. Remember, we'll always cut a smaller piece for you.

Store It
Cheese continues to ripen until it is eaten, so be sure to ask how long you should keep it for maximum enjoyment at home.  After serving, if you have any cheese left over, you'll want to re-wrap it and place in the cheese or vegetable compartment of your refrigerator. These drawers are designed to provide extra humidity, just the thing for keeping cheese at its peak.

Hard cheese, with little moisture, for example Parmesan or Dry Monterey Jack, should be wrapped in plastic to avoid further moisture loss.

Semi-hard cheese can be wrapped in plastic wrap, waxed or parchment paper.  Use this technique on Cheddar or Swiss.

Semi-soft cheese should be wrapped and also placed into a plastic container to ensure freshness. For example, Brie or Gorgonzola.

Soft or fresh cheese should always be kept in a plastic container.

Another tip on storing cheese is to make sure that you keep pungent cheese in an airtight container so that the aromas do not leak into your refrigerator.  

What to Use for Best Results:
Parchment Paper: The best material for wrapping cheese at home Because parchment paper is more permeable than plastic wrap or foil, the cheese continues to age at a natural rate. Different types of cheese require different methods of storage.