How do you get wax coating off cheese?
Emily Sparks
Published Apr 09, 2026
How do you get wax coating off cheese?
You just use a vegetable peeler. It removes just enough of the exterior to get the wax (or whatever) off, without digging away too much cheese. And since most cheeses are round and can’t be trimmed efficiently with a knife, this method is very effective.
Do you remove wax from cheese before serving?
Leave The Rind On *Exception: some hard and semi-hard cheeses (Gouda, Emmentaler and the like) can have an additional coat of wax, plastic or paraffin. This additional coating should be peeled away and discarded to expose the edible rind.
What happens if you eat the wax on cheese?
Eating wax doesnt normally enhance the flavour of the cheese, however it doesnt stick to the gut so shouldnt do you any harm unless you eat lots. If you do each too much it may cause bowel problems and wont move through the gut very well. If you do eat it it wont poison you, but why spoil your cheese.
Why do they put wax on cheese?
Cheese Wax is specially made for coating cheeses. It helps prevent unwanted mold growth and retains moisture while cheese is aged. This wax is soft and pliable, unlike pure paraffin wax which becomes brittle, causing it to crack easily.
How long does cheese in wax last?
An unbroken waxed cheese wheel can last for over 25 years if kept under the right conditions. Indeed, many cheeses are aged in wax for a year or two before even being shipped to customers.
Can you eat the brown wax on cheese?
Yes, the rind is generally safe to eat Unless there is wax, cheesecloth or paper on the rind, Bivins says you don’t need to worry about getting sick if you take a big bite out of the rind of your cheese, which Food & Wine has pointed out before. “No cheesemaker would put anything on the cheese that would be harmful.”
Is cheese wax healthy?
So long as the cheese coating in question was not made by man alone (like the red wax on Gouda) the rind is safe to eat. Depending on your palate, you may find that a little rind complements the cheese and enhances its flavor. You may also find it too strong, bitter, moldy or textually unpleasant.
How do you serve cheese covered in wax?
To do so, slice from the center-point outwards making even diagonal cuts around the cheese. Cut off the very end, then cut into long slices, so everyone gets to enjoy the sumptuously gooey texture nearer the tip. Wax on or wax off, the choice is yours.
Why is some cheese covered in wax?
Can you cut the wax off of cheese?
I usually cut the wheel of cheese, wax and all. So cut a quarter or a half off, depending on how much you want to eat. Then, you can simply peel the wax off. Clean the knife of wax before using it again to cut cheese you’ll be eating.
What can you do with waxed cheese cloth?
The cloth can be composted easier or even reused in the kitchen after a wash. Back to the waxed cheese we have been buying from our local deli – cheese wax is a mix of paraffin and microcrystalline, both petroleum based. The wax is also coloured with food grade colours.
What to do if rind is sticking to cheese?
If the cheese seems to be sticking to the rind, wrap the wheel in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer to harden before trying again. Discard the rind and serve the cheese. Allow the cold cheese to come to room temperature before serving.
How long does it take to remove rind from Brie cheese?
Place the brie in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. During this time the brie will harden, which will make it easier to remove the rind. 30 minutes is the minimum amount of time necessary to give the brie the chance to firm up.
I usually cut the wheel of cheese, wax and all. So cut a quarter or a half off, depending on how much you want to eat. Then, you can simply peel the wax off. Clean the knife of wax before using it again to cut cheese you’ll be eating.
Do you put cheese in the freezer before waxing?
Place the cheese in the freezer for 15 minutes before getting started. This step helps the wax harden much quicker and reduces the wax sticking to your fingers. Heat the wax in a suitable pot until it reaches 224-236°F.
What are the pros and cons of waxing cheese?
Pros: This method usually requires less wax to be heated (just enough to dip the brush and coat the cheese) and it is safer since the wax is never heated to a dangerous temperature. Cons: The temperature is not hot enough to kill the mold spores and mold may develop under the wax.
How to wax cheese in a double boiler?
Low heat cheese waxing 1 Add wax blocks in a suitable sized pot and then place it in another larger pot that is filled with water (double boiler). 2 Use a natural-bristle brush to apply liberal quantities of wax to the outside of the cheese. 3 Flip the cheese gently and continue coating the remaining cheese.