The invention relates to a method for providing a naturally ripened, cylindrically shaped cheese of the hard or semi-hard type, comprising the steps of: (i) forming a cylindrically shaped cheese from a curd by conventional means； (ii) applying a protective water-permeable coating layer onto the entire surface of the cheese, thereby obtaining a coated cheese； (iii) partially enclosing the coated cheese with a further coating of a water-impermeable material such that the convex, circumferential sides and the curved area are covered while leaving the flat bottom and top surfaces uncovered, thereby obtaining a partially enclosed coated cheese； and (iv) allowing the partially enclosed coated cheese to ripen. The invention also relates to a naturally ripened, cylindrically shaped, coated cheese of the hard or semi-hard type, wherein the convex, circumferential sides and the curved area are covered with a further coating of a water-impermeable material and wherein the flat bottom and top surfaces are uncovered.
