Canned cheese is cheese that has been sealed into a can so that it does not need to be refrigerated and will last indefinitely. A few different companies make canned cheese, and the main aim of their production is to store real cheese in a can, so it can be used by people who don’t have refrigerators or who may be planning a journey out into the wild. Generally, cans of cheese contain about 7 ounces (0.2 kg) of cheese, and cheddar is the most common type.
Cheese is made from milk, which is left to separate into curds and whey. Curds are the thicker, curdled substance, and whey is the more watery run-off liquid. The curds are then aged and eventually form a hardened block of cheese. Cheese comes in many different varieties, from soft, light, spreadable varieties to aged, mold-encrusted types. Cheese is used in many dishes, such as pizza, lasagna and risotto.
Canned cheese aims to provide all the versatility of ordinary cheese but in a more easily stored form. Canned products generally have an exceptionally long shelf-life, because they are sealed in airtight containers that are free from germs and other environmental contaminants. Cheese has been available for long-term storage for many years, but these were powdered or freeze-dried varieties that generally result in a runny, spreadable paste. This cheese is suitable for some uses, but cannot be grated or sliced in the way ordinary cheese can.
The size of the cans used for canned cheese is very similar to a standard 6 ounce (0.17 kg) can of tuna. Canned cheese generally comes in a can that is slightly taller than tuna cans, and the lump of cheese inside measures around 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) wide and 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) tall. To get the cheese out of the can, it is advised to remove the top and bottom lid, and to push the entire thing out as one block. After it has been removed from the can, it should ideally be refrigerated in the same way as ordinary cheese.
Canned cheese could be useful for camping trips or preparing for an emergency situation. The can is sealed in a sterile environment, so the cheese should be able to be stay fresh indefinitely without spoiling. The cheese inside the cans is thought to have a more mild taste than fresh cheese.