For the Canadian home cheesemaker who has ventured into the realm of aging, the idea of a dedicated cheese cave might seem like a distant dream. However, creating a suitable environment for maturing your homemade cheeses doesn’t necessarily require a significant investment or a purpose-built underground cavern. With a bit of ingenuity and some practical tips, you can build an effective and budget-friendly home cheese cave right in your own Canadian home.

The primary goal of a cheese cave is to provide a stable environment with the correct temperature and humidity. As mentioned in a previous article, the ideal temperature range for aging many cheeses is between 10-15°C (50-59°F), and the humidity should be around 75-85%. Finding a space in your home that naturally tends towards these conditions is the first step in building your budget cave.

Refrigerators offer a readily available and often underutilized option. An old refrigerator, either a standalone unit or the crisper drawer of your main fridge (if you can dedicate it), can be repurposed into a cheese cave. The refrigerator’s insulation helps maintain a stable temperature. To control humidity within the fridge, you can use containers with lids, place a shallow dish of water inside, or use damp sponges. A small hygrometer placed inside will allow you to monitor the humidity levels. You may need to experiment with adjusting the refrigerator’s temperature setting to achieve the desired range. Some models have temperature control knobs that can be set to a warmer setting than typical refrigeration.

Another budget-friendly option is a cooler or insulated container. A large, airtight cooler can provide a stable temperature environment, especially if placed in a cool part of your home like a basement or unheated room. You can regulate the temperature by placing frozen water bottles inside (being careful they don’t directly touch the cheese) or by moving the cooler to a slightly warmer or cooler spot as needed. Humidity can be controlled using the same methods as with a refrigerator.

A wine fridge is another excellent option if you happen to have one or can find a used one at a reasonable price. Wine fridges are designed to maintain temperatures suitable for aging and often have better temperature control than standard refrigerators. Some models also offer humidity control.

Once you have your basic container, you’ll need to consider airflow and shelving. Elevating your cheeses on wire racks or small plastic containers with good ventilation will help prevent moisture buildup underneath them and promote even ripening. Avoid placing cheeses directly on the bottom of the container.

Monitoring your cheese cave is crucial. Invest in a reliable thermometer and hygrometer to keep track of the temperature and humidity levels. Regularly check these readings and make adjustments as needed. Keeping a log of the temperature and humidity can also be helpful in understanding how your cave behaves over time.

Finally, sanitation remains paramount. Regularly clean your cheese cave and any containers or shelves within it to prevent the growth of unwanted molds and bacteria. A diluted bleach solution or a food-grade sanitizer can be used for cleaning.

Building a home cheese cave on a budget is entirely achievable for the Canadian home cheesemaker. By repurposing existing items like refrigerators or coolers and focusing on maintaining stable temperature and humidity, you can create an effective environment for aging your delicious homemade cheeses and taking your craft to the next level.