How should I melt cheese?
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Microwave cheese at a low power setting (30 – 70% power) for a short period of time. Stir the cheese often and rotate as often as recipe directs.
How should I store cheese?
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Land O Lakes® Cheese is dated with a “best when used by” date and should be refrigerated at 35 to 40° F. (1.6 to 4.4° C.). Once the package is opened, it is best when used within 5 to 7 days and it is important to rewrap the cheese securely in airtight plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or a resealable plastic food bag.
My recipe calls for 4 ounces of shredded cheese. How many cups of shredded cheese is that?
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Use 1 cup shredded cheese when the recipe calls for 4 ounces of shredded cheese.
What enzymes does Land O'Lakes use when producing cheese?
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The enzymes used for producing our natural cheeses come from a microbial (non-animal) source. Process cheeses could be made with microbial and/or animal-derived flavor-producing enzymes.
We do not recommend freezing cheese because it changes the texture of
the cheese usually resulting in the cheese being crumbly. However, if
the cheese has been frozen, thaw the cheese in the refrigerator. Frozen
cheese is best used in cooking and baking recipes such as omelets,
casseroles, sandwich melts, etc.
How much cheese should I buy?
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For serving with crackers, fruit or bread (no other source of protein), plan on 2 to 4 ounces per person.
What is mold and why does it happen on cheese?
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Mold is downy, furry or fuzzy growth on the surface of an organic matter, such as cheese, caused by fungi, especially in the presence of dampness or decay. It is more likely to occur if cheese is improperly handled or stored. (e.g., open to the air, improper temperature, etc).
The white crystalline matter on the surface of cheese (similar to grains of salt) is not mold. It is calcium salts that have precipitated out of the cheese. This substance is not harmful, and can be trimmed off the cheese before use.
How can I help prevent my cheese from getting moldy?
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- Use clean cutting utensils, work surface and new plastic film.
- Wrap plastic film tightly around the cheese, making sure the air is driven out.
- Store cheeses such as blue cheese at a distance from other cheeses.
- Store between 35 to 40° F (1.6 to 4.4° C.) Warmer temperatures accelerate mold growth.
Is cheese a good source of nutrients?
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The dairy group, which includes cheese, is one of the five major food groups. Foods from this group are essential in your daily diet for health and good nutrition. Cheese is a complete protein like meat, and is an excellent source of calcium.
For more information about dairy and nutrition,
click here!
Is it acceptable to use cheese when it is past the date code on the package?
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We recommend that Land O Lakes® Cheese products be used by the code date stated on the package to ensure quality. However, under optimal conditions, our
cheese may be suitable for use beyond that date. This determination is up to each individual consumer.
Cheddar is an example of an aged cheese. It is held under controlled conditions of time, temperature and humidity to give the desired flavor and texture. Aging (or curing) for Cheddars:
- Mild – 1 to 3 months
- Medium – 3 to 6 months
- Sharp – 6 to 9 months
- Extra Sharp – over 9 months
At what temperature should cheese be served?
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Serve cheese at room temperature, 65° F. (18.3° C), rather than right out of the refrigerator.
What is the difference between natural and process cheese?
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Natural cheeses like Cheddar, Colby and Monterey Jack are made directly from milk. Process cheese is made from natural cheese that is blended and heated. Emulsifiers, which give a smooth and quick melt, are added to the cheese. Process cheese is pasteurized to keep the flavor constant while natural cheese flavor develops with aging.
How should I trim moldy cheese?
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For Cheddar, Colby, Colby Jack, Parmesan, Romano, Swiss and Process American Cheese we recommend following USDA guidelines.
- Cut off at least 1 inch around and below the mold spot.
- Keep the knife out of the mold itself so it will not cross-contaminate other parts of the cheese.
- Rewrap the cheese in new plastic wrap, a clean, air-tight container or resealable plastic food bag.
All other types of cheeses that are moldy should be discarded.
