The doctor shared the key to keeping your cheese moldy – and many of us are doing it wrong.
British surgeon Karan Rangarajan, also known as Dr. Karan Rajan, shared advice on TikTok on the optimal way to store cheese in the refrigerator.
The creator suggested that many people might be doing it wrong by putting it directly in a plastic bag or even wrapping it in cling film.
In the video, which has garnered more than 119,000 views, Rangarajan strongly advised not to keep cheese in its plastic packaging.
He humorously advised, “When you finish eating cheese like a hungry little rat, try to avoid putting your cheese in a plastic bag.”
The doctor emphasized that his trick works “especially for softer cheeses with a higher water content, such as Havarti, Mozzarella or Gouda.”
“This is because moisture can remain in the plastic bag and cover the surface of the cheese, and this provides a breeding ground for bacteria and mold – not the tasty kind,” he elaborated.
It comes after the foodie, who posted on social media under the username @eatlean, shared his “two hacks to help keep your cheese fresher longer once it’s opened”.
In the clip, which has more than 6,300 views on TikTok, he was seen opening two common cheese structures before showing fans how to store them properly.
The first is a pot of soft cheese, often used as a spread or dip. Soft cheeses such as brie, camembert and ricotta tend to spoil faster than blocks.
However, they can be salvaged, as the woman explained: “Remove the foil from the Eatlean Spreadable and replace it with an airtight film. Put the lid back on to make sure it’s as airtight as possible.”
Following Rangarajan’s advice, he explained that the blocks need to be stored differently. “Wrap in parchment paper, tape and write in the opening date,” she added.
After the clip went viral, some TikTok fans wanted to know if it’s safe to freeze cheese. In a follow-up clip that has over 2,700 views, he explained the best way to freeze cheese.
She said, “Grate the cheese! This will ensure the texture of the cheese doesn’t change during freezing and thawing! Add to a ziplock bag to keep it airtight.”