Lots of people love cheese but, sometimes, it can go off quicker than we'd like it to. Though the staple ingredient is kept in the fridge, the dairy product can still go dry, mouldy and unpleasant after a while - which can hinder both our cooking and eating abilities. However, little you may know, there's a simple trick you can use that can actually make your cheese last longer - to pull it off, all you need to do is store the food with a common kitchen item, and doing so will help to keep it fresh and also prevent mould too.

The handy hack was actually previously shared by UK supermarket chain Asda, and people can't get over how easy it is. The supermarket shared the tip online, and all it involves is wrapping your cheese in baking paper once you've cut off what you need.

Then, simply fold the paper like a parcel, and wrap up your cheese. If you pop this back in the fridge, instead of using a plastic wrapper, it should work to protect your cheese. 

Wrapping cheese in parchment paper can help cheese to last longer and stay fresh. This is because the househould item enables the cheese to breathe, prevents moisture building up and also fights against the growth of mould.

As well as this, the paper works to retain moisture, which helps keep the cheese from drying out. It actually serves a really important purpose. 

Why is parchment paper good for cheese?

There are a few reasons why the paper is a good option for storing cheese. Firstly, it allows air circulation, which prevents the cheese from sweating and promotes a healthy environment. 

As well as this, it aids in regulating moisture levels, keeping the cheese from drying out or becoming too moist. It also helps to prevent mould growth, as it doesn't trap in any moisture. 

Parchment paper is also very versatile, as most people have it in their kitchens, and it can be used for many different cheese types. It's a handy item to have at home for all sorts of reasons. 

If you use it, it's important to wrap the cheese up tightly before you place it back in the fridge. For added protection, you could even then place it into a container or a zip bag.

Some people also say using wax paper can work too. This is always good to know if you don't have baking paper. 

To keep cheese fresh for longer, you need to store it in a refrigerator. If you can, it's best to keep it in a vegetable drawer, or the central part, where temperature and humidity are most stable.

People are also advised to avoid plastic wrap, as this can promote mould growth by trapping moisture. As well as this, wrapping your parchment paper tightly is also said to be a key step in keeping your cheese fresh.

If you ever notice your cheese has gone moudly, it's best not to eat it. It's considered unsafe to eat moudly cheese unless the cheese is a specific type, whereby mould is intentionally included in the production process. 

Examples of this include blue cheese. When it comes to other cheeses, mould can contaminate the entire cheese, particularly soft cheeses, and shouldn't be consumed. 

Always follow the packet instructions when it comes to how long you should keep your cheese for. It's important to check the best before dates.