Stilton cheese is known for its abundant flavour and it is most often paired with a quality glass of Port. Whether you are treating yourself to some Stilton or you are serving a cheese platter than includes some Stilton, you might have some left over. When you have some Stilton left over, you don’t want it to go to waste. However, if you want it to maintain its flavour, you should always store this cheese properly.
The first rule is to ensure that your cheese is properly wrapped. Air tight containers are best because this cheese has a particularly strong smell which can affect the flavours of other foods in the fridge. It’s kind of like storing onion in your fridge – you want to make sure that you don’t give it the chance to taint other foods.
Obviously you will need to keep your cheese in the fridge or it will spoil. Remember that Stilton will continue to mature as it is stored in your fridge. You will notice that it will develop a creamier texture and more of a mellow flavour. So, if you prefer the original texture and flavour, you should do your best to enjoy sooner rather than later.
You can freeze Stilton if you need to store it for a longer period of time. Cut your cheese into portions so that you can remove the amount you need as you need it. Always allow your Stilton to defrost slowly rather than using the defrost function on your microwave. Make sure that your cheese is properly wrapped and it will freeze well for up to three months. Always defrost Stilton cheese in your fridge. You will need to do so about 24 hours before you intend on eating it. This will prevent the cheese from becoming particularly crumbly. Never re-freeze Stilton cheese.
With all of these tips in mind, you will get the most out of every bite of Stilton! Remember to serve with the right trimmings and beverages for the best flavour experience.