ENJOYING CHEESE

Health Benefits
Cheese is an excellent source of calcium, and a good source of protein and phosphorus. Cheese contributes 27% of the calcium, 11% of the phosphorus, 9% of protein, and 9% of the vitamin A in the U.S. food supply. 

   Cheese & healthy eating brochure 

Storing  
Cheese is best enjoyed at its freshest. Always keep it tightly wrapped and sealed, and stored in the refrigerator. Prolonged exposure to air dries out cheese. Cut only what you need from a piece and return the rest to the refrigerator. If you see a small spot of mold on a large piece of cheese, remove the mold by trimming at least ¼" to ½" beneath the mold, and plan to consume the cheese soon. If mold has developed over a larger section, cut away the entire section and discard. Thoroughly moldy pieces should be discarded entirely. 

Cooking
When cooking, turn down the heat. Most varieties respond best to low and medium temperatures for just a short time, only long enough to melt and blend. Shred or grate your cheese before cooking for even blending. For sauces, add it as the last ingredient and heat only long enough to melt. And, if using it as a topping, add the cheese a few minutes prior to removing from the oven, to avoid burning.

Measuring
Weight is the best method to measure cheese for use in recipes. Four ounces of natural cheese equals one cup of shredded cheese. One ounce of cheese equals ¼ cup of shredded cheese.

Printable Cheese Information Sheet