A better cheese storage solution?

October 31, 2016 by
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hard cheese 

Properly storing cheese in a home refrigerator can be a confounding task. Placing it in plastic and sticking it in the deli drawer leads to mold. Keeping cheese unwrapped is no better, as it desiccates and hardens. You can purchase specialty wraps, but they are cumbersome and expensive. Jessica Sennett, formerly of Cowgirl Creamery and Bedford Cheese Shop, thinks she has a better solution, reports The New York Times. 

Working with an engineer and industrial designer, Sennett has invented a storage device called The Cheese Grotto. Constructed of bamboo, the box provides two storage shelves plus a clay slab that sits in the bottom. Optimal humidity is maintained by periodically wetting the clay. The apparatus is about 9 x 12 x 9 inches and is designed to fit in most refrigerators. 

The drawback is the cost: the unit can be pre-ordered for $350.00, with delivery expected early 2017. If you have the room and buy a large quantity of expensive cheese, it might be a worthwhile investment. The rest of us will have to make do with our less perfect devices, although if you are a handy person you might be tempted to make something akin to The Cheese Grotto using bamboo cutting boards and the clay insert from a tortilla warmer. Getting the details right may present a challenge. Let us know if you buy The Cheese Grotto or make your own!

Category: Antipasto

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6 Comments

  • Cubangirl  on  October 31, 2016

    I find that parchment and the FoodSaver zipper bags work really for cheese that is used frequently. The regular food saver bags for longer term storage.

  • anightowl  on  November 1, 2016

    I'm with you Cubangirl – Foodsaver vacuum bags are fantastic for block cheeses – cheese keeps for ages in them. If I'm going to get in often, I just put it in a bigger than needed bag so it can be opened and re-sealed many times. While the grotto sounds interesting, there is no way I could dedicate that much space in my fridge – I need room for wine! 🙂

  • Swillem  on  November 7, 2016

    I use a Tefal Large Cheese Preserver, purchased in France, recommended by my French friends. It really does work, unwrapped cheese last for weeks! And no cheese smells in the fridge as the preserver has an adjustable charcoal filter. The unit is awesome. Available on line.

  • goodfruit  on  November 8, 2016

    Glad Press and Seal is your friend when it comes to things like cheese and breads. You can press it right to the surface.

  • chocchic  on  November 10, 2016

    $350??? That is crazy – someone needs to give some serious thought as to how many hungry folks we can feed for some of the outrageous products that are being touted.

  • FJT  on  November 12, 2016

    I also use the Tefal large cheese preserver (purchased in the UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tefal-Large-Cheese-Preserver-White/dp/B0013BE6HI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478986255&sr=8-1&keywords=teal+cheese+preserver). I've had mine for about 15 years (I get packs of the filters whenever I'm in Europe) and have gifted them to friends because they're so good.

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