Wondering if you can freeze camembert cheese and not throw away the leftovers? Or did you find it on sale and plan to freeze it to keep it for a more extended period? Will the texture and taste change? Let’s find out when you can freeze it and when it is preferable to eat it unfrozen!
Camembert is an incredibly creamy cheese that has an intense flavor. It is an unpasteurized cow’s milk cheese with a white rind and a pale ivory interior, initially made in the late 1700s in Camembert, Normandy. It has been associated with the region ever since. The village of Camembert has been marketing its cheese since 1925 when it received its AOC.
It’s delicious, and it’s a shame not to be able to enjoy the whole thing in one sitting!
However, if you have a more considerable amount of camembert cheese, you may consider freezing it to keep it for a more extended period.
Camembert can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days after opening, or you can freeze it for up to three months.
Can You Freeze Camembert Cheese?
Freezing Camembert cheese is not recommended due to its high moisture content and delicate texture. The freezing process alters its consistency, resulting in a dry, less appetizing cheese. Preserve Camembert by refrigerating it instead.
Quick Note: It’s important not to freeze cheese at too low of a temperature — freezing damages moisture molecules within the cheese, causing them to separate from one another and creating ice crystals within your cheese slice.
Pro Tip: I would recommend considering freezing Camembert only if you will cook it after thawing. If you plan to eat it as is, it is better to eat it fresh.
How to Freeze It?
To freeze, wrap the cheese tightly with plastic or aluminum foil and place it into an airtight container or freezer bag. This will prevent any air from getting into the package, resulting in freezer burn or mold on the outside of your cheese.
Needed Items for Freezing:
How Long Does It Last in the Freezer?
You can keep frozen Camembert for up to 3 months before it loses its flavor and quality. If you don’t plan on eating all of your frozen Camembert in one sitting, consider dividing it into a few portions before you freeze it.
Consider using a vacuum sealer to remove all the air excesses for an even better result.
Will the Texture and Taste Change After Freezing?
Yes, you will sacrifice a little bit of the texture during the freezing process. After freezing the Camembert cheese, it may become a little crumbly.
However, the taste will remain almost the same. So, if you plan to use the camembert cheese in a sauce or dish that requires cooking, then you’re good to go. You will not notice any significant differences.
How to Defrost It?
When trying to defrost cheeses, you should go a slow route. You shouldn’t speed the thawing process as the texture of the cheese will suffer. Because of that, the safest and best option for thawing the camembert cheese is to leave it in the fridge for about 12-24 hours, depending on the piece of cheese you have frozen.
After the camembert cheese has thawed, remove slowly and carefully the cling film from it.
Quick Note: To minimize the risks of food spoilage, consider eating Camembert cheese as soon as possible.
How to Know if Camembert Goes Bad?
If you have any doubts about whether your Camembert cheese is good, there are several ways you can test it at home.
The best way to tell if your Camembert has gone bad is by smelling and tasting it. If it smells sour or cheesy, then it is past its prime and should not be consumed.
You can also check the rind for mold growth or other signs of spoilage, such as discoloration or leaking fluid from the package.
Keep in mind that all cheeses have different acidity levels, which means they react differently when exposed to bacteria.
Answering Your Questions:
Can You Cook It Directly From Frozen?
It is not recommended to cook it frozen as the moisture from the cheese will go, and you will not like the taste and texture of the cheese. Because of that, it is recommended to thaw it before you start cooking it.
Can You Refreeze Camembert Cheese?
No, don’t try to refreeze the camembert cheese, as you will ruin its texture completely. You will destroy the cheese entirely if you try to refreeze it. To avoid these situations, consider portioning it in a few containers so you can thaw the exact amount of Camembert that you know that you will eat in one sitting.
Conclusion:
Yes, you can freeze camembert cheese for up to 3 months, but it will not have the same flavor as fresh cheese. Also, the Camembert will be a bit softer after defrosting. Consider freezing the Camembert only if you plan to cook it after thawing. If you prefer to eat it fresh, then the best option is to eat it from the fridge.
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