Since ancient times, cheese has enchanted palates around the world. There are the most varied types of cheeses. The flavor and consistency of cheeses change depending on the type of milk, the manufacturing process and maturation, besides addition of fat, bacteria and molds. Some receive herbs and spices. As a result, tasty, aromatic and refined cheeses emerge. When buying cheese online, we need to consider the cooling temperature, product storage and shelf life. When buying sliced cheeses, it is essential to check the expiration date and refrigeration.
Know the origin of cheese
Especially in the case of cheeses made from raw milk, it is important to know the origin, either directly from the producer or through some certification or cooperative that guarantees the quality of the cheese. If you are unsure about the origin of the cheese, it is safer to opt for the mature ones, which are easily found in markets, emporiums and fairs.
Check expiration date
Pay attention to the expiration date, especially for fresh cheeses (such as mascarpone, ricotta, cottage, fresh mines and coalho cheese), and avoid buying if it is very close to its expiration date, unless you are going to consume it right away. Also, do not buy online if you notice that the cheeses are poorly packaged or poorly refrigerated. If you’re buying a piece that was taken from a larger cheese, ask for the expiration date to be printed correctly on the label along with the weight and value. Some cheeses do not have an expiration date, but a production date, as their maturation process is slower and longer, causing them to last longer, also to improve their quality.
Note the appearance of the cheese
Assess aspects of aroma, appearance and taste. Avoid buying if the cheese is dry, with a sign of mold or with whitish parts and an acid odor. Pay attention to the color – a good quality cheese is usually evenly yellowish. If it’s too shiny, coloring may have been added to the cheese. Pink or reddish coloring on the cheese rind can also be a sign of contamination. Brittle, cracked or sticky cheeses should also be avoided.
Store correctly
Well, this tip is a little out of the original proposal to help you choose a good cheese. But it’s no use making a good purchase if you don’t know how to preserve the cheese well afterwards. If the cheese you bought is wrapped in plastic, the idea is to remove it when you get home, as the cheese needs air and humidity to keep it in the best condition. Fresh cheeses should be kept refrigerated. Avoid storing cheese near fish, meat and bacon or on the sausage shelf.
Try before you buy
Whenever possible, the ideal is to try a piece of cheese before buying. Excess salt, ammonia taste or excessive acidity is bad signs. Bitterness can indicate excess rennet, one of the components of the production process of some types of cheese. Both strong, unpleasant odors and absence of odor are warning signs. The cheese must have a characteristic milky smell.
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