Does Manchego Go Bad?

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Manchego is the type of cheese that is made from the milk of sheep. It is mostly made in the La Mancha region of Spain. The due date of Manchego is between 60 days to 2 years. Its texture is buttery, and it contains air pockets.

The other name of Manchego is Queso Manchego. Manchego contains fats and proteins. Fat’s content is present in up to 6.5%, and protein content is present in up to 4.5%. It is enriching with Vitamin A, K, and D. Manchego can also be produced from pasteurized or raw milk. It has different flavors like Fresco, Viejo, Semicurado, curado.

How to Store Manchego

If you want to store it for a long period, read through the article to know the methods that, how should you store properly.

Place in Refrigerator

If you want to keep it in the fridge, then, first of all, set its temperature up to sixty-eight degrees Fahrenheit with the humidity of 85-90%. Then place the cheese on a wooden tray which is covered by waxy paper. Then keep it in the lower part of the fridge.

Place in container

It is suggested to store Manchego in a plastic container. You can wrap them with a wet cloth or with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This adaptation is better for you if you are willing to eat your Manchego soon.

Make Slices

Cut it into small pieces and place them in a jar with extra olive oil, or with herbs, or with some garlic. It will last for 2-3 months.

Cover it Properly

It’s very important to cover your Manchego. The main reason is that there are more chances of producing molds on cheese from moisture.  For the safety of cheese, we have to cover it properly with waxing paper.

Do not place in Plastic wrap.

Manchego cheese is a live-breathing bacterial substance. That’s why do not place it in a plastic wrap; otherwise, it will change its flavor and become toxic.

Place in a Plastic Box

The best way of storing Manchego is to place it in a plastic box. Another thing in it is to add sugar lumps in it for the preserving method. In the end, cover it with waxing paper.

Can You Freeze Manchego

Yes, you can freeze Manchego cheese. The freezing method has been used for over 3000 years. This is a very effective way to store Manchego cheese for using longer. The freezing of cheese also depends upon its size.

For this purpose, the large cheese like cheddar can be frozen for up to 1 pound per portion. Cut the cheese into pieces, put them in a foil or cheese wrapping paper, or keep it in its original packing. Then place them in zip lock bags or plastic containers to prevent freezing burns. Bags can also prevent the cheese from dry air from passing through it. Consume it within 6-9 months for best quality.

How Long Does Manchego Last

Normally Manchego cheese will last long for two to three months. To retain its quality, you should place them in wrapping paper, then in a container, and then place them in a refrigerator.

If you keep your Manchego cheese at room temperature for up to four days, the bacteria will grow in it, and it becomes toxic. There is also a chance of spoilage of Manchego. To avoid it getting spoiled, eat it as soon as possible. Keep in mind that every cheese has its due date.

Hard cheese like Parmesan will remain out for almost 24 hours because it has less moisture in it than any other cheese. On the other hand, frozen Manchego cheese can last for up to 6 to 9 months. But make sure that you consume it within a period, or it will get spoiled or change its taste.

How To Tell If Manchego Is Bad

Manchego will become bad after its due date. In general, it is easy to notice that when it is going to spoil. Besides that, we will tell you some methods which become helpful for telling you either its good or bad. Read through the article to know about the indications.

  • Taste: If you feel the change in its buttering flavor, you come to know that it is spoiled. Do not consume that and throw it.
  • Smell: If you notice that its smell starts to change, which indicates that it becomes toxic.
  • Texture: The original texture of Manchego is firm and compact. Suppose you see changes in its texture which mean that it is now spoiled.
  • Mold Growth: The biggest sign of the badness of cheese is of having mold growth. Your Manchego cheese will become spoil if you notice molds in it due to moisture.

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