How and where to store cottage cheese correctly?

Cottage cheese does not have a long shelf life. It is recommended to consume this product within a few days after purchasing it. When storing cottage cheese, a number of important rules must be observed. Otherwise, its surface will wind up, the moisture will evaporate, and the taste properties will change significantly.

The nuances of storing cottage cheese at home:

• if the cottage cheese was bought in a plastic bag, then it is not recommended to continue storing in this way (in polyethylene, the cottage cheese will deteriorate faster);
• cling film and plastic bags greatly accelerate the oxidation of cottage cheese due to the likelihood of condensation accumulation;
• ideal containers for storing cottage cheese are enameled dishes or ordinary glass jars (containers must be with lids);
• plastic containers are also suitable for storing cottage cheese;
• to preserve the freshness of the curd, it is recommended to put a piece of sugar in the container (the oxidation process in this case will slow down);
• homemade cottage cheese is best stored in the refrigerator using parchment paper or foil;
• in the refrigerator, cottage cheese should be placed in the coolest zones;
• foil or parchment can be replaced with gauze (the fabric will exclude the winding of the curd and maintain the required moisture level);
• it is not recommended to store cottage cheese at room temperature for a long time (the oxidation process under the influence of heat occurs very quickly);
• if the cottage cheese has been stored in the refrigerator for more than 3 days, then it is better to use it only with heat treatment (for making desserts, casseroles, and other types of baked goods);
• if the cottage cheese is purchased in a vacuum package, then it is not recommended to remove the product before eating it (the shelf life in this case will correspond to the information on the etiquette);
• it is not worth storing cottage cheese with signs of oxidation (such a product is already spoiled, and storage will only prolong its oxidation);
• you can freeze cottage cheese no later than 4 days of its storage (in no case should a product with signs of oxidation be frozen);
• it is better to freeze cottage cheese in portions (this product cannot be re-frozen);
• You can also freeze cooked cottage cheese products (pancakes, cheese cakes).

In no case should you eat expired cottage cheese or a product with a pronounced sour taste. Sour curd can cause serious digestive upset or even poisoning.

How much and at what temperature to store cottage cheese

On average, the shelf life of cottage cheese does not exceed seven days in the refrigerator. In this case, the temperature should be in the range from 0 to +7 degrees. Temperature changes negatively affect the structure and consistency of the product. When exposed to heat, it becomes sour and deteriorates at a rapid rate. The optimum storage temperature for cottage cheese is between +2 and +6 degrees.

When determining the shelf life of cottage cheese, one must take into account the fact that a fatty product will have a short shelf life. Lean varieties of cottage cheese last a little longer.

Temperature and shelf life of cottage cheese:

• from +2 to +6 degrees – 3 days;
• from 0 to +7 degrees – 2 days;
• from +3 to +4 degrees – 4 days;
• above +7 degrees – 1 day.

At room temperature, the maximum shelf life of cottage cheese is 5-6 hours. If heating devices work in the room or the product is near other heat sources, then the rate of its oxidation will occur rapidly. Under the rays of the sun (for example, on the windowsill), curd should not be left in any case.

Curd can be frozen… It will be stored in the freezer for several months. After thawing, the taste of the product will not change, but the consistency may change. Frozen cottage cheese will not be crumbly, but in consistency it will more resemble curd mass.