Freezing cheese?

[westexasmoker]

Is this doable?  I've got my batch from last weekend vac-sealed and resting in the fridge for now, but would like to hang onto it till closer to christmas.  Will the consistency be ok? What are the cheese experts thoughts.

C

[sherlock]

Just an opinion from someone who don't know what he is talking about.

;D

Since cheese is usually aged when we buy it, it would seem to me that it should be ok just to vacuum seal it and then refrigerate.

I am curious to see what others have to say.

Nathan

[Smoking Duck]

I would think it should be okay refrigerated.  I'm not very big on freezing cheese myself.  I believe the freeze and thaw do something to the consistency of the cheese.

You know, and I'm just thinking out loud here........you could just eat it all now in a cheese-frenzy and then when you awake about December 15th from your cheese-induced coma, you could do another batch.  Just a thought................ ;D

SD

[manxman]

Not sure what it is about cheese that has been frozen but to me is just does not seem the same although I would have difficulty explaining why!?  :-[

I smoked a large batch of mature cheddar about a month ago and plan on keeping some vacuum sealed in the fridge for Christmas, previous batches have lasted up to about 3 months although generally it is eaten well before that. I have never had to throw any cheese out because is has "gone off"!  :)

[westexasmoker]

You know, and I'm just thinking out loud here........you could just eat it all now in a cheese-frenzy and then when you awake about December 15th from your cheese-induced coma, you could do another batch.  Just a thought................ ;D

SD

I think I like this plan the best!  ;D

C

[Stargazer]

Im not big on freezing cheese myself, I would think it would break down. Just wrapped or coated in cheese wax to age should be good enough. Some people even age their cheeses for a few years under those conditions.

I been getting alittle into cheese making and bookmarked this site...

http://www.cheesemaking.com/

I'm much more into meats but homemade cheddar cant be beat. I'm not sure how invovled anyone here wishes to get into cheese, but this is a very easy, friendly site that is very informative, and if you email them, they are very fast with a response and know their stuff.

I kind of see the New England Cheese Making site kind of like the cheese version of the Bradley forums, with out the forum part. Just very friendly and knowledge based on this subject.

Hope this helps :)

[westexasmoker]

Did a google search, and everything I'm reading says cheese won't spoil might grow a little mold but even then just scrape it off and your good to go!  So I'm thinking I'll just let it mellow in the fridge (ought to help to smoke infusion) till christmas eve!  Thanks for the help guys!

C

[Smoking Duck]

Cool site, Star.  Thanks for sharing.

C- if it becomes too much of a strain  on you, please don't hesitate to send it to Indiana for a quick and respectful disposal  ;)

[Tenpoint5]

WTS I have frozen ColbyJack, Hot Pepper cheese, Motzy and never had a problem. I have had problems with shredded cheese the moisture that accumulated in the bag when thawing made the cheese gooey. Cheddar doesn't like to be frozen IMHO is the only one that the flavor and consistency changed in.

[Smoking Duck]

Come to think of it, I have heard that Mozza will freeze well but didn't know about the others.

SD

[pensrock]

I've tried to freeze cheese and it came out terrible! Don't do it.
It comes out kind of dry and crumbly, not good.
It seems after smoking the cheese lasts forever, not even any sign of mold.
I have a couple vac packed pieces in the fridge that have been in there for over 6 months and they are as good now as they were then. As a matter of fact I'm munching on a piece now, mmmmmmmmmmmm!  ;D