Does String Cheese Need To Be Refrigerated?

Does string cheese need to be refrigerated?

In this brief guide, we will answer the question, “Does string cheese need to be refrigerated?” methods to store and prepare string cheese.

Does string cheese need to be refrigerated?

Yes, string cheese needs to be refrigerated. If string cheese is kept outside for long, it can accelerate the deterioration process. Once the packet of string cheese is opened, make sure to seal the packet properly before refrigeration.

You can also transfer the string cheese onto an airtight or resealable bag and seal it properly. Covering with aluminum foil or plastic wrap before refrigeration can also help in preventing the loss of moisture content of string cheese.

What exactly is string cheese?

String cheese is a type of cheese that has a cylindrical shape. It is also called cheese sticks. String cheese has a reduced moisture content. It is stretched during processing to give a stringy texture.

What is the shelf-life of string cheese?

String cheese cannot stay outside for probably more than two hours. It is also important to note though that string cheese when kept inside a lunch box can stay fresh probably because of the warmer temperature of the lunch box.

If the string cheese is freshly bought and wrapped properly, it could stay fresh for at least 5 hours inside the lunch box.

String cheese would come with a best-by date or a sell-by date on its pack. Keep note of it while using string cheese. String cheese would not immediately go bad after its date expires. If the cheese is stored properly, it can stay for at least 2 weeks.

If the string cheese is opened, it is better to finish consuming it within a week to prevent deterioration in quality.

How can you spot spoilage in string cheese?

If you notice any molds or green-colored dots on the cheese, it is likely to be spoilt.

If the cheese has a slimy consistency or bad smell, then it is likely to be spoilt as well.

Avoid using string cheese past its expiry date.

How to store string cheese?

Avoid opening the string cheese if you do not wish to use it up immediately. Unopened string cheese can stay fresh for longer time periods.

Store the string cheese in the fridge. You can also store it in airtight packages or containers. Opened cheese if refrigerated can last for 4-5 days.

Freezing can prolong the shelf-life of unopened string cheese. Thawing might change the consistency of the cheese and make it rubbery. Frozen cheese can last for at least 8 months.

You can check the brand of cheese and search up for instructions for thawing.

You can freeze string cheese in freezer bags. As string cheese has a reduced moisture content, it freezes well.

You can freeze the sticks in separate bags as well if you are not going to use the sticks all at once. If you store the cheese sticks in a bag, make sure to remove the air from the bag. Label the bag and store it in the freezer.

You can also wrap string cheese. Wrapping string cheese could prevent it from absorbing any odors. Keep string cheese away from foods that have high moisture content or odors as this can accelerate spoilage.

Are mozzarella cheese and string cheese the same?

String cheese is made using Mozzarella cheese. Mozzarella cheese and string cheese are the same though string cheese is a little different from softer mozzarella cheese.

Mozzarella cheese is brined, whereas string cheese is mostly made using milk having reduced moisture which is then dried. Mozzarella cheese is also stretched to produce string cheese.

How to prepare string cheese at home?

Ingredients

1 pound mozzarella curd

¼ cup kosher salt

Method

In a bowl, dissolve the salt in 6-7 cups of water.

Keep the water for boiling. Add the mozzarella curd into the water for 10 minutes. Remove the curd from the water.

Stretch and knead the curd using rubber gloves to prevent your hands from getting burnt. Add the curd back into the water when it becomes soft and elastic.

Knead the curd and make a hole in the center of the curd. Stretch the curd again. Twist and fold the curd in form of a loop. Twist and fold again to form a double loop. This helps in making many cheese strings.

Roll the strands in the shape of a cylinder and cut them into strings having a size of 5 inches.

Wash the sticks. Place the sticks in brine and add salt. Before consuming, make sure to brine for an hour. Store the cheese in the refrigerator for longer use.