Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How should I store my cheese?

To best preserve your wonderful Sartori® Cheese, we recommend storing in a refrigerator at a temperature of 34-40 degrees Fahrenheit. Once your cheese is opened, we suggest you wrap it tightly in saran wrap, put it in a sealed plastic bag, or in a tightly sealed container. This will help prevent the cheese from drying. Tip: Store your cheese in the vegetable drawer where the air is more humid.

Q. Can I eat the rind?

Yes, the rind is meant to be eaten! However, some folks like to trim the rind (1/8 inches off) of our SarVecchio® Parmesan and Classic Parmesan.

Q. What’s the best way to serve Sartori® cheese?

Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before consumption, and leave the cheese in its packaging. After 30 minutes, remove packaging and enjoy with your friends and family!

Q. What are the crunchy crystals in some Sartori® cheese?

In our award winning BellaVitano®, SarVecchio® parmesan and MontAmoré® cheese, you may notice a slight crunchy feel. The BellaVitano® and MontAmoré®  crunchy crystals come from Calcium Lactate. They are a result of the cheesemaking process and can contribute to the cheese's flavor and texture; a sign of high-quality cheese. SarVecchio® parmesan crunch comes from Tyrosine Crystallization. They are a sign of high quality and proper maturation and contribute to the cheese's complex texture and flavor. The white spots you may see on the surface of some Sartori® cheese varieties are also calcium crystals. It is a sign of a great, well-aged cheese. Enjoy!

Q. What is the shelf life of your cheese after the package has been opened?

All of our packaged products, once opened, can be used for 7 days as long as they are kept refrigerated and properly sealed.

All of our deli bags (shredded, grated, shaved), once opened, can be used for 3-5 days as long as they are kept refrigerated and properly sealed. (This is printed on the packaging).

Q. Is Sartori® cheese vegetarian?

Classic Parmesan, SarVecchio® Parmesan, all cheddars, and all BellaVitano® cheese varieties use microbial enzymes and may be considered vegetarian, in particular lacto-vegetarians and lacto-ovo vegetarians.

Q. Do Sartori® products contain allergens?

As we make some varied and unique cheeses, we suggest you read the label where we clearly call out all the ingredients and allergens. For starters, our cheese is made from milk. This allergen, and any other, is listed following the word “contains” in bold print under the ingredient statement on the product label. Example:

Ingredients: Pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes.

Contains: Milk

Q. Is Sartori® cheese made with RBST/RBGH-free (Certified Hormone-Free) Milk?

Yes, Sartori® cheese is made with 100% rBST/rBGH-free milk. For more detailed information or questions about RBGH/RBST-free cheese, please contact us at customercare@sartoricheese.com. We will be more than happy to provide you with more information.

Q. Is Sartori® cheese made using pasteurized milk?

Yes, our milk is certified Grade A and is pasteurized in accordance with state and federal regulations. Our family-owned patron farm partners are an integral part of the Sartori® story (please see a few of our brief videos highlighting some of the farms!). We have partnered with local farms for generations and believe in the quality of their milk. Through our strong relationships, we work as a team to ensure that it is the finest, freshest milk available.

Q. Can Sartori® cheese products be frozen?

Yes, although we do not recommend it. Freezing and thawing may alter the characteristics of the cheese, resulting in clumping or drying when it is thawed out.

Q. Is there gluten in Sartori® cheese?

All Sartori® cheese is considered gluten-free by the FDA with the exception of the following flavors: Raspberry Ale BellaVitano®, and Tennessee Whiskey BellaVitano®.

Q. Is there alcohol content in your cheese?

A few of Sartori’s® products use alcohol-containing liquids as their treatment to the outside of the cheese rind. During the aging process, the cheese will pick up flavor from the liquids. However, because of the aging and packaging process used, essentially all alcohol is evaporated. These products are safe for children and pregnant women to consume.

Q. Does Sartori® offer kosher products?

All of Sartori’s® retail cheeses are not kosher, although some use kosher ingredients.

Q. Do you offer tours?

At this time, we do not offer tours. If that changes, we will post on our website and make an announcement through our e-newsletter and social media channels.

Q. How can I learn more about becoming a Sartori® supplier or customer?

If you’re interested in becoming a Sartori® supplier or customer, please contact us at customercare@sartoricheese.com. For detailed terms, please reference the Terms & Conditions of Purchase and Terms & Conditions of Sale.