Cheese wax is commonly used to seal and protect cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and edam during the aging process. The wax provides a protective barrier against moisture loss, mold growth, and contamination. While most cheese wax is colored red, waxes can also be black, yellow, or white.
Can you eat cheese wax?
Yes, cheese wax is technically edible. The main ingredients in cheese wax are food-grade paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, carnauba wax, and coloring agents like annatto or beta-carotene for the red color. These ingredients are all considered food-safe and edible.
However, just because cheese wax is edible does not mean it is commonly consumed. The wax is flavorless and has a waxy, chewy texture that is not very palatable. Most people do not want to eat the wax coating on their cheese.
Is it safe to eat the red wax?
Eating small amounts of cheese wax is generally recognized as safe by food regulatory agencies. Paraffin wax, the main component, is non-toxic unless consumed in extremely large quantities. The red coloring agents annatto and beta-carotene are also food-safe natural colorings exempt from certification.
However, the wax coatings are not intended for consumption. They serve a functional protective purpose only during cheese aging and storage. Consuming the wax provides no nutritional value. Most experts advise peeling off and discarding the wax before eating the cheese.
Can eating the wax make you sick?
For most people, occasionally ingesting small bits of cheese wax will not cause illness or adverse health effects. Paraffin wax simply passes through the digestive system undigested. The food-grade coloring agents are also non-toxic at low levels.
However, the wax coating could potentially harbor microbes that could cause illness if the cheese is past expiration or has been improperly stored. Mold, bacteria, and other pathogens may reside on the surface of the wax. Consuming the wax then exposes you to higher loads of these microbes that contaminate the cheese over time.
Will the wax cause an intestinal or digestive blockage?
It is very unlikely that eating cheese wax would result in an intestinal blockage or obstruction. Paraffin wax is non-toxic and inert, so it passes through the gastrointestinal tract without issue. The wax would need to be consumed in extremely large, concentrated amounts to even risk posing any danger of obstruction.
For people with gastrointestinal motility issues, such as chronic constipation, the wax could potentially worsen symptoms. But a small amount of ingested cheese wax should not impede bowel function in healthy individuals without underlying conditions.
Can the dye or wax cause an allergic reaction?
Allergic reactions to cheese wax are very rare because the ingredients are relatively inert and non-allergenic. However, an allergy is possible in sensitive individuals, especially in response to the red dye.
Annatto, a common natural red food coloring, can rarely cause an annatto allergy characterized by hives, itching, and puffy skin. An allergy to beta-carotene is even less common but also possible. Ingesting wax itself is unlikely to elicit an immune reaction or allergy symptoms.
What does cheese wax taste like?
Cheese wax itself has no discernible taste. Paraffin wax is flavorless and odorless. The purpose of the wax coating is to protect the cheese only, not impact its aroma or flavor.
However, any accumulated mold, bacteria, yeasts, or accumulated cheese odors on the wax surface may impart some flavors. Typically the wax has a mild waxy or fatty mouthfeel but no distinct taste of its own.
Is the wax coating necessary?
Cheese wax serves several important functions for cheese preservation:
- Seals in moisture and prevents the cheese from drying out
- Protects against mold growth on the cheese surface
- Provides a barrier against contaminants and pathogens
- Helps maintain an ideal environment for cheese ripening
- Allows cheeses to be stacked and stored conveniently
The wax coating helps extend the shelf life of cheeses significantly. Bare cheeses would dry out, grow mold faster, and have more rind wastage without an edible protective wax seal.
What cheese has red wax?
Many hard and semi-hard cheese varieties traditionally have red wax coatings, including:
- Cheddar
- Gouda
- Edam
- Parmesan
- Gruyere
- Manchego
- Farmhouse Cheddar
- Somerset Cheddar
- Red Leicester
- Wensleydale
Soft cheeses like brie or fresh mozzarella do not need protective wax coatings. Hard grating cheeses like Pecorino Romano also typically have no wax because of their granular texture.
Can you reuse cheese wax?
You can reuse cheese wax at home if you are making your own cheeses requiring a protective wax coating. To reuse:
- Remove all visible cheese, mold, and contaminants from the wax surface
- Melt the cleaned wax fully into a liquid state
- Strain through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
- Mix in a small amount of new wax if desired
- Test the melted wax temperature before coating cheese
However, most commercial cheese producers use new cheese wax for each batch for food safety reasons. Reused wax may carry a risk of contamination even when thoroughly cleaned.
How do you remove cheese wax?
To remove the wax coating from cheeses:
- Use a paring knife to lift up the wax edge and peel it off
- Scrape off any excess wax residue with the knife
- Cut away any thickened wax around the cheese rind
- Trim off any hardened wax using a vegetable peeler
- Wipe clean with a damp paper towel if needed
Removing the wax before serving allows full flavor and aroma development. But leave intact until ready to serve for the protective preserving benefits.
Can you freeze wax-coated cheese?
Yes, you can freeze waxed cheeses. The wax helps protect the cheese from freezer burn or ice crystal formation during freezing. To freeze:
- Double wrap cheese in plastic wrap or foil
- Place in freezer bag or airtight container
- Freeze for up to 6 months
- Thaw in fridge before serving
The cheese may weep a bit upon thawing but should retain good texture. Allow time for flavor to recover after freezing too.
Can you eat the rind under the wax?
On many aged hard cheeses, the rind underneath the wax coating is edible and safe to consume. Exceptions are cheeses with mold-ripened rinds, which may impart off flavors.
The rind offers concentrated, intense flavor. But it may have a crumbly, dry, sharp texture compared to the inner cheese. Taste a small piece first before eating the rind to check personal preference.
Conclusion
While cheese wax may technically be edible, it is not intended for consumption and provides no nutrition. Peel off and discard the wax coating before eating for food safety. If small wax bits are accidentally ingested, there is minimal health risk for most people.
The red wax protects cheeses during storage and ripening. Its removal is an important step before enjoying the full aroma and taste of the cheese inside. With proper handling, waxed cheeses can stay fresh for extended periods.