The Essential Guide to Raclette: Preserving Freshness and Flavor
Posted by Sonja Hoffmann on
At RacletteCorner, we know that the magic of Raclette cheese lies not just in its gooey, melty goodness, but also in how it's cared for from the moment it leaves the dairy to when it graces your table. Let's dive into the essential characteristics of Raclette and the secrets to keeping it fresh and delicious.
The Living Essence of Raclette
Raclette is not just any cheese—it's a semi-hard, living product that thrives on oxygen and humidity. It was aged a minimum of 90 days in special cellars. This delicate balance is what gives Raclette its unique, robust flavor. When these conditions aren't met, the cheese can lose its vibrancy and become stale. Hence, preserving freshness isn't just a preference; it's crucial for maintaining the rich, savory taste you love.
The Superpower of Cheese Paper
Forget plastic wrap; your Raclette deserves better. Cheese paper is your best ally in the fight against stale cheese. It allows air and moisture to pass through, keeping the cheese fresh, preventing crystallization, and maintaining the right texture. By absorbing excess moisture, cheese paper ensures that your Raclette remains in peak condition.
The Downside of Plastic Wrap
While it might be tempting to grab the plastic wrap, this convenience comes at a cost. Plastic suffocates the cheese, cutting off its air supply and trapping moisture, which leads to a slimy and moldy rind. Moreover, it allows light in, which can oxidize aged cheeses, ruining their complex flavors. When purchasing cheese at the store, it is usually wrapped in plastic wrap for presentation. Once home, you should switch to a better storage solution.
How to Wrap Raclette Right
To give your Raclette the respect it deserves, avoid plastic wrap. Opt for cheese paper, coated with wax and polyethylene to allow gas exchange. If cheese paper is unavailable, parchment paper is a (less effective) alternative. Regularly unwrapping and "facing" the cheese extends its life, and carefully wiping the cheese face with vinegar prevents mold without affecting its taste.
Recognizing Cheese Spoilage
“Best by” dates, as stated by the USDA, indicate peak flavor rather than safety. Spoilage, however, means the cheese is inedible and potentially harmful. Look for dramatic color changes, off or rancid odors, and sour flavors. Mold on hard or semi-hard cheeses, including Raclette, doesn't mean spoilage and can be safely cut off by trimming at least 1 inch below and around the moldy spot.
Storage Tips for Your Raclette
1. Wrapping: Always use cheese paper or at least parchment paper.
2. Refrigeration: Store your Raclette in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
3. Longevity: Semi-hard cheeses like Raclette can be safely stored for about four weeks after opening if wrapped properly. Don't take this number by heart, you be the judge. The cheese will most likley be fine for much longer.
Long Term Storage
Freezing: While freezing is possible, be aware that Raclette will become more crumbly. If you plan to use it sliced, cut it before freezing. Wrap tightly in a freezer bag or other suitable container.
Vacuum sealing: By vacuum sealing the cheese, the moisture is locked in and the air kept out. It will stop the cheese from breathing and therfore from aging any further. It's a good way for longterm storage. But over time, the moisture will still deteriorate the cheese. The best way for months long storage is to wrap it in cheese or parchment paper and then vacuum seal the cheese. Your raclette will thank you!
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Raclette cheese remains fresh and delectable, ready to make any meal special. Enjoy your Raclette journey with RacletteCorner, where every slice tells a story of care and quality.