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Cheese Storage Humidity Control

CFW undertakes humidity control projects for cheese caves among many climate control tasks for food storage. We supply a wide range of misting fans, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, hygrometers, fans and temperature control units. We also provide parts and support services. For further information about specific dehumidifier products, please view www.dampcontrol.co.za or contact us to enquire about other products and services.

Cheese is a food that is especially sensitive to storage conditions. It begins to dehydrate as soon as the curds and whey are separated. While a gradual loss of moisture is expected in cheeses that are aged, quality will deteriorate with rapid drying. This is especially true of younger cheeses. Many small cheese makers refrigerate their cheeses, but unfortunately this too can desiccate the cheese, making it less appetizing. In many cases the refrigeration units also have a small capacity and high energy consumption. For this reason, a complete air conditioning and humidity control system is usually installed in cheese seasoning rooms.

Cheese Storage Guidelines
Ideally, cheese should be stored in environments with a relative humidity of 80% or greater for the finished product. During curing, ordinary moderately hard cheeses made with a good deal of moisture may be kept at 86%-90% RH (relative humidity) and drier cheeses at 90%-92% RH. Higher humidity can result in undesirable fungal growth. Care should be taken to prevent condensation onto the cheese by not placing cooling units above or too close to the product. In ripening rooms, cheeses which will only be stored for a week or two may be kept at 85% RH. The cheese can also be kept for longer at lower humidity levels, but this may result in the loss of some cheese as the rind becomes thicker. Foggers or misters may be used to humidify the space. (Misters have a low capital cost.) They should be placed so as to avoid mist hitting the cheese.

 

Contact Us

Address

Cape Town, South Africa (HQ)

3 Parin Road, Parow Industria, 7500, Western Cape

Johannesburg, South Africa

4 Chilworth Road, Founders View North, Modderfontein, Edenvale, 1645, Gauteng

Phone

Cape Town, South Africa (HQ)

T +27 (0)21 931 8331
F +27 (0)21 931 3165

Johannesburg, South Africa

T +27 (0)11 452 5830 / 5146
F +27 (0)11 452 5132

Email

Cape Town, South Africa (HQ)

environmental@cfw.co.za

 Johannesburg, South Africa

environmentaljhb@cfw.co.za

Mailing address:

P.O. Box 1542, Parow, 7499, South Africa