Occasionally some cheeses are out of stock or season, if this situation arises, we will replace your selection with something we feel is similar to your choice and compliments the rest of you selection.  Also if we feel that your cheese is not at its peak (eg. unripe) we will replace it with something similar that is.

The minimum quantity of cut cheese is 250g roughly 8oz and we have indicated the weight of individual cheeses. As your cheese is selected and cut to suit your order, there will inevitably be a small margin of error.  In cases where we cut one of your cheeses a little underweight we will endeavour to compensate by giving you a larger piece of another of your selection. Weights in selection may vary please check your selection information. 

General Rule: Eat Fresh When Possible

Cheese is at its best when eaten fresh, especially if you’re purchasing smaller portions. Whole cheeses naturally retain their quality longer than cut pieces, so aim to consume smaller cuts as soon as you can. If immediate consumption isn’t practical, follow the tips below to store your cheese effectively.

Where to Store Cheese

• Refrigerator Storage: The best place to store cheese in the fridge is in the salad drawer. This compartment maintains slightly higher humidity levels, which helps keep the cheese in optimal condition.
• Important Note: If you’re storing cheese in the salad drawer, avoid keeping salad items in the same space, as they can transfer harmful bacteria to the cheese.
• Alternative Storage: If you have access to a cool, humid cellar or an unheated part of your home with a consistent temperature between 8°C and 15°C, this can be a great environment for cheese, particularly hard cheeses.

Temperature Matters

Different types of cheese thrive in different temperature ranges:

• Hard Cheeses: Ideal at 8°C to 15°C. At warmer temperatures, they will continue to mature.
• Soft and Blue Cheeses: Best stored at lower temperatures, between 5°C and 8°C in the refrigerator.

Maintaining Humidity

Cheese loves a humid environment. Aim for around 80% relative humidity to prevent it from drying out or cracking.

• Fridge Storage: Use the salad drawer, as it’s naturally more humid.
• Alternative Solutions: Wrap the cheese in a clean, damp cloth, or use a container that retains moisture, such as a cheese bell or a sealed cardboard box.
• Too Dry? Cheese will crack.
• Too Moist? Excess mould growth may occur. While mould is natural and often enhances flavour, simply scrape it off if it appears unattractive.

Wrapping Your Cheese

The way cheese is wrapped can significantly impact its freshness:

• Waxed Paper: The waxed paper we use for our cheeses is ideal as it allows the cheese to breathe while preventing it from drying out.
• Cling Film: Not recommended for long-term storage as it traps moisture, encouraging mould growth. If you must use cling film, cover only the cut surface and replace it with a fresh piece each time.
• Foil: Suitable for wrapping moist blue cheeses, as it protects them while maintaining their moisture levels.

Shelf Life and Storage Tips

• Cut Cheeses: Hard cheeses (including robust blues like Stilton) will keep for at least a week if stored as recommended, with a shelf life of around 12 days from the date of cutting.
• Whole Cheeses: Refer to the Use By/Best Before date on the packaging for guidance.
• Christmas Storage: Our final Christmas deliveries arrive a few days before Christmas. To ensure your cheese remains in perfect condition, store it in the fridge as suggested. This slows down maturation and prevents premature spoilage, ensuring it’s ready to enjoy during the festivities.

If you are not happy with any of your goods, supplied by Cheeses, you must inform us within 24 hours after delivery including photos to shop@cheesesonline.co.uk  All products must be returned to us or made available for inspection.