Wax on cheese: The role of ProCera® cheese wax in cheese preservation and quality

Applying wax on cheese is a traditional yet essential method to protect and preserve cheese throughout its maturation process. This technique involves waxing the cheese in a specialized wax that creates a barrier against contaminants, prevents moisture loss, and supports optimal aging. For cheese producers, the right wax is crucial to ensure both the quality and longevity of their products. Procudan, with its ProCera® cheese wax line, offers high-performance solutions tailored to the needs of today’s cheese industry, from small producers to large-scale manufacturers.

Read about ProCera® cheese wax

Why use wax on cheese?

Waxing cheese serves several vital functions in the production and storage of cheese, particularly hard and semi-hard varieties like Gouda, Cheddar, and Edam. Applying wax on cheese creates a controlled environment that allows the cheese to mature while being protected from external factors. The benefits include:

Preservation of texture and flavor: Wax seals in the cheese’s natural moisture and prevents it from drying out, which helps maintain the intended flavor and texture.
Protection against mold and contaminants: The wax layer acts as a physical shield, keeping the cheese safe from mold and other contaminants during aging.
Extended shelf life: By controlling the aging environment, waxing helps extend the shelf life of the cheese, making it suitable for storage and transport over long distances.

The ProCera® cheese wax range

Procudan’s ProCera® cheese wax line is designed to meet the diverse needs of cheese producers, offering advanced protection. Each ProCera® product is crafted to ensure ease of use, reliable protection, and customizable options for branding.

ProCera® Natural: A fossil-free solution

ProCera® Natural is a new 100% fossil-free cheese wax. Made entirely from natural ingredients, including beeswax, ProCera® Natural is the choice for producers looking to adopt a natural approach without compromising on performance. This natural wax option aligns with consumer demand for natural products and supports producers' desire for natural packaging for their natural cheeses.

ProCera® traditional range

For producers seeking reliable performance with a more traditional wax, ProCera® offers a range of waxes derived from oil-based products that are processed to meet strict food contact standards. Importantly, no synthetic plastic polymers are used in the ProCera® cheese wax formula. Instead, ProCera® traditional waxes use only biologically-sourced materials, ensuring food safety and quality.

ProCera® Colour and ProCera® Finish for branding

ProCera® Colour and ProCera® Finish are ideal for creating visually distinctive products. ProCera® Colour allows producers to add unique shades to their cheese coatings, enhancing brand identity and market appeal. ProCera® Finish provides a clear, glossy layer that gives cheese a polished appearance, ideal for display and sale.

How to apply wax on cheese with ProCera®

Applying ProCera® cheese wax is straightforward and suitable for various types of cheese production, from small batches to industrial processes. Here are the basic steps:

Prepare the cheese: Ensure the cheese surface is clean and dry. Some cheese types may benefit from forming a natural rind before waxing.
Melt the wax: ProCera® cheese wax can be melted in a boiler to the recommended temperature, depending on application, to ensure smooth application.
Apply the wax: Cheese can be waxed by different methods depending on the production setup.
Cool and store: Allow the waxed cheese to cool and harden at room temperature or refrigerate directly. Store in a cool, dry place to continue aging.

Conclusion

Wax on cheese is more than just a protective layer; it’s an essential tool in ensuring the quality, flavor, and appearance of cheese. Procudan’s ProCera® cheese wax line provides a versatile and high-quality solution for cheese producers, with options that cater to both traditional needs and modern natural demands. Whether opting for the ProCera® Natural or the traditional ProCera® wax range, producers can be confident that their cheese is protected, visually appealing, and aligned with the highest standards of food safety.

Discover the full potential of ProCera® cheese wax for your cheese production. Contact us today to learn how our solutions can enhance your products’ quality and apperance.