Cheese FAQs
- Is our cheese gluten free?
- I am lactose intolerant – are there any cheeses I can eat?
- What is the best way to serve cheese?
- Does cheese need to be refrigerated?
- What is the best way to store a cut piece of cheese?
- How long will opened cheese stay good for?
- I am pregnant, what types of cheese can I eat?
Is our cheese gluten free?
Yes! Our cheese is gluten free.
I am lactose intolerant – are there any cheeses I can eat?
Although some people have a lactose intolerance, it doesn’t mean that they have to avoid cheese altogether. Generally speaking, the fresher the cheese (ie. Mozzarella, cottage cheese, fresh ricotta), the more lactose there is. For people with a lactose intolerance, the best options are aged cheeses such as aged Gouda, Parmesan and cheddar.
What is the best way to serve cheese?
Cheese is best enjoyed at room temperature (appx. 65 degrees). Depending on the style and ripeness, take your cheese out at least 30 minutes prior to serving.
Does cheese need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration for most cheeses is recommended to preserve freshness. Temperatures between 35 to 40 degrees are ideal. Most hard cheeses can stay out of refrigeration longer than soft cheeses due to the lower moisture level. Soft cheeses with a higher moisture level will spoil much quicker when left out of refrigeration.
What is the best way to store a cut piece of cheese?
The most ideal way to storage cut cheese is to use cheese paper which allows the cheese to breath. If cheese paper is not available, the next best option is to wrap it in wax paper first, then in a layer of plastic wrap. Be sure to use a new piece of paper/plastic wrap after each use. If those options are not available, you can store the cheese in a Tupperware container along with a damp paper towel to maintain the humidity. Place the wrapped cheese in the vegetable crisper drawer in the refrigerator to ensure the temperate is cold and stable.
How long will opened cheese stay good for?
The life of the cheese generally depends on the type of cheese and the packaging. As a rule of thumb, hard cheeses will last longer than soft cheeses. The high-moisture cheeses will be good for appx. 2-4 weeks, while harder cheeses will last appx. 3-4 months.
I am pregnant, what types of cheese can I eat?
Generally, pregnant women are advised to avoid cheese that has been made with unpasteurized milk. “Raw milk” can sometimes carry harmful bacteria such as listeria which can be dangerous to pregnant women. Most hard cheeses, and even some soft cheeses are usually made with pasteurized milk, and are safe to eat. All Jana Foods cheeses have been pasteurized and are safe for pregnant women to eat.