Harry & David is a popular brand that offers a variety of gourmet foods, including cheese. If you’ve purchased Harry & David cheese, you may be wondering if it needs to be refrigerated. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to that question and provide some tips for storing Harry & David cheese.
Does Harry & David cheese need to be refrigerated?
The labeling conundrum
A Reddit user shared her experience of receiving a Harry & David gift basket containing cheese that was labeled “perishable – keep refrigerated.” However, the cheese was delivered via FedExGround in a cardboard box without ice packs or a cooler bag. This raised concerns about the safety and proper handling of the cheese.
Understanding the labeling
To gain further insight, we turned to an article on Iupilon.com that explored the question of whether Harry & David cheese requires refrigeration. According to the article, Harry & David’s customer service department stated that the cheese should be fine, but this answer may not provide complete reassurance.
Interpretation of “perishable – keep refrigerated
The labeling on Harry & David cheese packages can be somewhat ambiguous. The term “perishable” typically implies that a food can become dangerous if not refrigerated. However, it can also refer to spoilage or loss of palatability. In the case of Harry & David cheese, the focus seems to be on maintaining the best quality and extending the shelf life through refrigeration.
Shelf life and refrigeration
Contrary to initial expectations, there are cheeses in grocery stores similar to Harry & David cheese that are labeled “perishable” but can be considered shelf stable. Shelf-stable cheeses do not require refrigeration before opening, but may benefit from it to extend their quality and freshness. It is recommended that cheese be refrigerated after purchase.
Improve label clarity
While Harry & David could use clearer language on its cheese packaging, such as “refrigerate after purchase” or “for best quality, keep refrigerated,” the current labeling emphasizes the importance of refrigeration to extend the shelf life of the cheese.
Harry & David cheese storage tips
To ensure your Harry & David cheese stays fresh and flavorful, follow these storage tips:
- Keep it cool: Store Harry & David Cheese in the refrigerator between 34-38°F to maintain its quality and freshness.
- Keep it dry: Cheese should be stored in a dry environment to prevent mold growth. Store cheese in its original packaging or wrap it in wax paper or plastic wrap to keep moisture out.
- Use it quickly: Cheese is a perishable item and should be consumed within a reasonable amount of time. Soft cheeses should be consumed within a week of opening, while hard cheeses can last up to a month in the refrigerator.
- Handle with care: Cheese should be handled gently to avoid damaging the texture or flavor. Cut cheese with a clean knife and avoid touching it with your hands to avoid contamination.
Special Storage Containers or Methods for Harry & David Cheese
There are several storage containers and methods that can help keep Harry & David cheese fresh and flavorful for longer. Here are some recommendations:
- Cheese paper: Cheese paper is designed to allow cheese to breathe while providing a barrier against moisture and odors. It’s a great option for storing soft and semi-soft cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, or goat cheese. Simply wrap the cheese in cheese paper and store in the refrigerator.
- Airtight containers: Airtight containers are a good choice for storing hard cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or parmesan. These containers will help keep the cheese from drying out or absorbing other flavors in the refrigerator. Be sure to wrap the cheese in wax paper or plastic wrap before placing it in the container.
- Cheese vaults: Cheese vaults are specially designed containers that help regulate the humidity around the cheese, keeping it fresh and flavorful longer. These containers are a great option for storing all types of cheese, but they can be more expensive than other storage options.
- Vacuum-sealed bags: Vacuum-sealed bags are a good option for storing cheese that has already been cut. They help prevent the cheese from drying out and can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
When storing Harry & David cheese, it’s important to avoid wrapping it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, as these materials can trap moisture and cause the cheese to spoil. In addition, store the cheese in the coldest part of the refrigerator, such as the bottom shelf. By using these storage containers and methods, you can keep your Harry & David cheese fresh and delicious for longer.
Conclusion
Harry & David cheese should be refrigerated to maintain its quality and freshness. Soft cheeses such as Brie or Camembert should always be refrigerated, while hard cheeses such as Cheddar or Gouda can be stored at room temperature for short periods of time. To ensure the best quality, store Harry & David cheeses in a cool, dry environment and consume them within a reasonable time frame. By following these tips, you can enjoy the delicious flavor of Harry & David cheese for longer.
FAQs
Does Harry and David cheese need refrigeration?
Harry and David cheese should be refrigerated after opening but is safe before you dig into it.
How long does Harry David’s cheese last?
Six months
At Harry & David, customer service said that fresh fruit is not shipped refrigerated, salami is shelf-stable, and cheese should be refrigerated upon arrival. An Olive & Cocoa rep said that cheese and salami are shelf-stable for six months.
How long does vacuum-packed cheese last?
The first thing to bear in mind is that not all cheeses can be vacuum packed. Fresh or soft cheeses, for example, are for immediate consumption and, therefore, are not sold under vacuum because they should be eaten as soon as possible.
Cheeses that are not fresh can be vacuum packed and the more cured a cheese is, the better it will be preserved. Semi-cured or cured cheeses are the ones that keep better and there are two ways to buy them: whole or in wedges.
Whole: if you buy a cheese ball, keep in mind that it does not need to be vacuum-packed. The rind itself protects the piece so, once you have it, you can wrap it in a dry and clean paper or cling film and store it in a cool, dry and dark pantry. It will last for months.
Wedge: on the other hand, if you prefer to buy only one portion, it is better to choose a vacuum-packed one. We have already said that the rind helps to protect the cheese, but the wedge has already been cut and, therefore, the cheese has already been in contact with oxygen. It is very difficult to say how long vacuum-packed cheese lasts because the answer is very relative, it depends on the cheese. To make sure you don’t miss it just look at the packaging, the manufacturer will put the expiration date there. It is as easy as eating it before.
What happens once the vacuum is broken?
As with other foods, once the vacuum is broken, you have to eat it. Once you open your cheese ball or take your wedge out of the wrapper, you need to eat it as soon as possible. The best way to preserve cheese once it has been started is to store it in the refrigerator.
Depending on the cheese, the suitable temperature will be one or another. For example, semi-cured and cured cheeses keep well at about 8ºC, but soft and fresh cheeses need lower temperatures. Many of the refrigerators manufactured today have a department just for storing cheese, but if yours does not allow you to do so, that’s fine.
Once you start your cheese, the best thing to do is to put it in an airtight cheese cooler where it will be perfectly insulated. If it is a cured or semi-cured cheese, leave the cheese container in the vegetable drawer, the cold will not affect it so much and you will prevent it from cracking, drying out or cracking. If, on the other hand, it is a more tender cheese, it needs a colder temperature, so place the cheese box in the upper part of the refrigerator, where it will be colder.
In any case, whatever cheese you have and however you buy it, the most important thing to remember is that food is best preserved in your gut, so eat it as soon as possible!
How long will sealed cheese last unrefrigerated?
According to the USDA, sealed cheese lasts unrefrigerated for just two hours. That’s because of the extremely high activity bacteria have at room temperature, making eating it after it was left out for a longer dangerous. Therefore, you always have to make sure your sealed cheese is in the fridge.
Does unopened cheese spread need to be refrigerated?
Soft cheeses such as cream cheese, cottage cheese, shredded cheeses, and goat cheese must be refrigerated for safety. As a general rule, hard cheeses such as cheddar, processed cheeses (American), and both block and grated Parmesan do not require refrigeration for safety, but they will last longer if kept refrigerated.
Does liquid cheese need to be refrigerated?
All types of queso, whether a side from a restaurant, homemade dip, or an opened jar of Tostitos-style dip, should be refrigerated. To maximize its shelf life, queso should be refrigerated at 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why does Easy Cheese not need to be refrigerated?
Contrary to popular perception, cheese does not need to be refrigerated in order to increase its shelf life. In fact, refrigeration in true terms did not even exist until post second world war. Until then, a cool and dark storage space is all that was required to store cheese.
Do you refrigerate spray cheese after opening?
No need to refrigerate. After opening, just put back the cap and store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do you find this helpful?
Does cheese sauce need to be refrigerated?
Let the cheese sauce cool down
But do not leave it on the counter for too long. The sauce should be refrigerated within two hours. The main reason for this is safety. Any food left at room temperature for more than two hours will not be safe to refrigerate and eat.
How long is spray cheese good for?
They have a stable shelf life and an expiration date set by the manufacturer of 2 years from the date of production, but there is one important aspect of which to be cautious. Because they’re stored in a pressurized can, they could explode if they’re exposed to excessive heat or punctured.
Does Old English cheese need to be refrigerated?
Kraft Old English Sharp Cheddar Cheese Spread also makes a great addition to macaroni and cheese, stuffed shells or homemade cheese balls to add extra sharp flavor. The convenient resealable 5 ounce glass jar helps lock in flavor and stores neatly in your refrigerator. Refrigerate after opening.
What cheese can be left unrefrigerated?
If you want room temperature cheese, you may be wondering, what cheeses can be left unrefrigerated. Cheeses that can be left unrefrigerated are Asiago D’allevo, Parmigiano Reggiano, aged Gouda, aged Cheddar, Appenzeller and Pecorino Romano.
What cheese lasts longest unrefrigerated?
Let’s start with the good news. Cheeses that are great without refrigeration: Super-aged cheeses, most of which get more than two years of age: Goudas, Parmigiano Reggiano, Piave, Grana Padano, and Mimolette.
Does Laughing Cow cheese need to be refrigerated?
The Laughing Cow texture and taste is at its best when its kept refrigerated, however due to high temperatures used during the production process The Laughing Cow is safe to consume when kept out of the fridge in a cool dry place.
Does Babybel cheese need to be refrigerated?
Like most cheeses, Babybel® needs to be kept refrigerated. However, it may be stored unrefrigerated at a room temperature of 20 degrees Celsius for several hours, such as in your lunch box.
What is shelf stable cheese?
Most shelf stable cheeses are HARD and DRY ones such as Cheddar, Parmesan, Gouda, Asiago and Romano.
Is Laughing Cow real cheese?
In fact, it is made from real cheeses including Comté, Emmental, Gouda and Cheddar (depending on where it is produced) melted and combined with milk and just a scant few other (mostly milk-based) ingredients. Best of all, the finished product contains far fewer additives and preservatives than most processed cheeses.
Is babybel and Laughing Cow the same?
Bel Brands USA is known for making cheese that makes a difference! Our brands add panache to any snack or meal. Bel Brands USA, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is the maker of The Laughing Cow and Mini BabyBel®, two of our most popular brands.
Is babybel real cheese?
Babybel, a semi-hard cheese is made from pasteurised cow milk. It comes in a net bag where each piece features a distinctive, red wax coating. As of now, there are seven flavours offered in the US – Original, Sharp Original, Light, Bonbel, White Cheddar, Cheddar, and Gouda.
Is Laughing Cow cheese just cream cheese?
The cheese is a blend of cream, milk and fresh and aged cheeses, particularly comté, which are pasteurized to stop the ripening process. Versatile and portable because of its pasteurization process, Laughing Cow can remain unrefrigerated for a limited length of time.
Is Laughing Cow cheese healthier than cream cheese?
This doesn’t mean that you can’t have the occasional creamy spreadable cheese with your bagels and toast, but between Laughing Cow cheese and Philadelphia cream cheese, choose Laughing Cow cheese more often. Although it has more sodium, it has a bit more protein for less calories and fat.
What kind of cheese is similar to Laughing Cow?
Similar to the popular Laughing Cow semi-soft cheeses, GOOD PLANeT vegan cheese wedges are packaged six to a round and individually wrapped for portability and portion control. The brand’s vegan cheese wedges are available in Original, Pepper Jack, and Smoked Gouda flavors.
Is Laughing Cow the same as Philadelphia?
Philadelphia seems lighter and more neutral in taste, where The Laughing Cow has a more distinctive taste.
Is Laughing Cow healthy?
Naturally, The Laughing Cow triangles are a great source of calcium, a source of protein and contain no artificial colours or preservatives added.
What is cream cheese called in England?
soft white cheese
In the UK the fat content of cream cheese can theoretically be as high as 55% which may be why the UK tends to opt for the term “soft white cheese“, but most people still think of this as cream cheese and the higher fat content cream cheese tends to be flavoured with garlic and herbs.
Will Laughing Cow cheese melt?
To hot pan, add the Laughing Cow Cheese wedges, butter, milk, and cheddar cheese. Let the heat of the pan begin to melt the mixture.
Can you put Laughing Cow cheese in the microwave?
Microwave Laughing Cow cheese wedge just until melted. Stir in several drops of hot sauce. Toss/roll popcorn in cheese mixture until coated. Enjoy!
Is Laughing Cow cheese wedges healthy?
Laughing Cow cheese wedges are a healthy snack to enjoy anytime, anywhere. They are made from the finest, smoothest cheeses and contain no preservatives. You can enjoy these tasty treats with crunchy crackers and a glass of milk. Their high protein content will keep you satisfied even longer.