Buyer protection
Contents
- The right place in the refrigerator
- Wrapping properly
- How long does donkey cheese last?
- Can you freeze donkey cheese?
- Cutting: how to do it properly
- Why tempering makes such a difference
- Common mistakes in cheese storage
- How to properly handle cheese after shipping
- Frequently asked questions
- Read on and shop
Storing donkey cheese is no rocket science. A few rules, however, determine whether the cheese stays creamy and nutty or becomes dry and bland. Because donkey cheese is rare and usually comes in small pieces, taking care is especially worthwhile. In this article, you will learn where the cheese belongs in the refrigerator, how to wrap it, cut it properly, and temper it before enjoying it.
The right place in the refrigerator
Cheese likes it cool, but not ice-cold. Ideal is 4 to 8 °C. In the refrigerator, this is usually the vegetable drawer or the lower compartment directly above it. The back wall is often too cold. The door fluctuates too much because it is opened frequently.
The neighborhood is also important. Cheese absorbs odors. Do not store it directly next to onions, fish, or sausage. A separate container with some air protects the aroma.
| Location | Temperature | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetable drawer | approx. 6–8 °C | very good |
| Lower compartment | approx. 4–6 °C | good |
| Top back wall | often below 4 °C | rather unsuitable |
| Refrigerator door | fluctuating | unsuitable |
| Kitchen without cooling | above 18 °C | only briefly for tempering |
Wrapping properly
Unopened, the cheese remains in its original packaging. After cutting, it needs protection from drying out. But it also needs some air. Cling film that fits tightly is therefore only an emergency solution. Moisture can collect underneath it.
Cheese paper or wax paper is better suited. Wrap the piece loosely. Then place it in a container with a lid. This keeps the cheese juicy while still allowing it to breathe.
How long does donkey cheese last?
The best-before date on the label is decisive. Our donkey cheese lasts at least 14 days in the refrigerator, as long as it is unopened and properly refrigerated. After opening, you should enjoy it within a few days. Small nuggets are quickly eaten anyway.
Check the cheese with your senses before eating. It should smell fresh and mild. You can thinly cut off a slightly dried-out cut surface. If it smells unpleasant or shows atypical spots, do not eat it.
Can you freeze donkey cheese?
Technically, you can. But we do not recommend it. Freezing creates ice crystals. They change the structure. After thawing, hard cheese often becomes crumbly, and the creamy texture is lost. Better buy the amount you want to enjoy in the next few days.
Cutting: how to do it properly
With small pieces, every cut counts. A smooth, sharp knife is half the battle. Here is how you do it:
- Cut cold: Cut the cheese directly from the refrigerator. When cold, it can be cut more cleanly.
- Choose a knife: Use a sharp knife with a smooth blade. A serrated edge tears the surface.
- Consider the shape: Cut small pieces into thin slices or cubes of about one centimeter.
- Only what you need: Cut only as much as you want to eat right away. The rest remains whole.
- Temper: Place the pieces covered for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Wrap the rest: Wrap the cut piece loosely in cheese paper and put it back in the refrigerator.
Why tempering makes such a difference
Cold dampens aromas. Directly from the refrigerator, donkey cheese feels firm and rather neutral. At 16 to 18 °C, it becomes creamier. The nutty note stands out clearly. Therefore, always plan about 30 minutes for tempering. On hot days, 15 to 20 minutes are enough.
Cover the cut pieces with an upside-down bowl while tempering. This prevents the edges from drying out.
Cheese arrives cooled to you. Unpack it immediately after delivery and put it in the refrigerator. Do not leave the package standing for hours.
Our donkey cheese comes as a 50-g nugget. This fits well with the recommendation to enjoy cheese fresh and quickly.
Common mistakes in cheese storage
Many mistakes happen with good intentions. These five occur particularly often:
Airtight packaging: Tightly fitting film holds moisture. The surface becomes slimy, the taste suffers.
Open in the refrigerator: Without protection, cheese dries out quickly. The edges become hard and cracked.
Stored too cold: Directly at the back wall, cheese can almost freeze. This changes the structure.
Next to strong odors: Cheese absorbs aromas. A place next to onions or fish changes its taste.
Too long outside: 30 minutes are enough for tempering. Several hours at room temperature damage the cheese.
How to properly handle cheese after shipping
When your package arrives, every minute counts. Open it quickly. Check if everything arrived cooled. Then put the cheese immediately in the refrigerator, in its own container. Leave it in the original packaging at first. Only when you want to cut it do you unpack it.
If you order cheese together with fresh donkey milk, store the milk directly in the freezer at −18 °C. The cheese, on the other hand, does not belong in the freezer, but in the refrigerator. Thaw the milk later slowly in the refrigerator at 2 to 7 °C. This way, both products remain in their respective suitable environment.
How we pack cheese and milk and ship them cooled is explained in the article on shipping and the cold chain.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I store donkey cheese?
In the vegetable drawer or in the lower compartment of the refrigerator at 4 to 8 °C. Loosely wrapped in cheese paper and in a container.
Can donkey cheese be in cling film?
For a short time, yes. For longer storage, cheese paper is better because it regulates moisture.
How long before do I take the cheese out of the refrigerator?
About 30 minutes. On warm days, 15 to 20 minutes are enough.
How long does the cheese last?
The best-before date is on the label. After cutting, you should enjoy it within a few days.
