Patrick Oconnell
Cheese is a beloved dairy product with a long shelf life, but it can indeed go bad. The shelf life of cheese varies depending on factors such as storage practices, moisture content, preservatives, and temperature. When stored properly in the refrigerator, cheese can last from two weeks to six months. However, it's important to monitor the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mold, odd odors, texture changes, or flavour alterations. Soft cheeses tend to have a shorter shelf life compared to hard cheeses due to their higher moisture content and faster ripening process. To prolong the freshness of cheese, it is recommended to wrap it tightly and store it away from strong-smelling foods in the refrigerator.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | Anywhere from two weeks to six months |
| Factors affecting shelf life | Storage practices, moisture content, preservatives, temperature, type of cheese |
| Spoilage indicators | Mold, odd odors, slimy texture, sour flavor, expiry date |
| Prevention | Store in the refrigerator, wrap tightly with cheese paper, food-grade plastic wrap, or butter paper, avoid strong-smelling foods |
| Edibility of mold | Surface mold is unpalatable but not harmful, can be cut off |
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What You'll Learn
Soft cheese goes bad faster than hard cheese
Cheese is a beloved food for many, but it's also perishable. Knowing how to store cheese and how long it lasts is essential to prevent foodborne illnesses and maximise its flavour and texture.
Soft cheeses ripen from the outside in, with the rind being the first part to age. This is because soft cheeses have a higher moisture content, which makes them more susceptible to bacterial growth. As a result, soft cheeses can spoil faster than hard cheeses. For example, unopened packages of hard cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino can keep fresh for up to nine months, whereas soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert have a shorter shelf life. Once opened, hard cheeses can last in the fridge for up to four weeks, while soft cheeses typically last only about seven days. Freezing is also easier and safer for hard cheeses than soft cheeses.
The reason for this discrepancy lies in the production process. Hard cheeses are aged for longer periods, allowing the lactose to break down. For instance, Parmigiano-Reggiano is aged for a minimum of two years, whereas soft, moist cheeses like mozzarella are only aged for a few weeks. This ageing process makes hard cheeses drier, creating an environment less conducive to bacterial growth.
Additionally, the type of cheese determines how it should be stored. Soft cheeses should be consumed within a week of opening to prevent spoilage. They are also unsuitable for freezing due to their high moisture content. In contrast, hard cheeses can be frozen for extended storage, ideally in portions to prevent waste.
It's important to note that mould may develop on any cheese, but it doesn't always mean the cheese has gone bad. Surface mould can often be cut off, leaving the rest of the cheese edible. However, if the cheese smells bad with an ammonia-like or sour odour, it's best to discard it.
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How to store cheese to prevent it from going bad
Cheese is a beloved food for many, but it can be tricky to store. Proper storage is critical to preventing spoilage and waste. Moisture, temperature, and ripening technique all play a part in how quickly cheese can spoil.
Firstly, it is important to note that cheese should be stored in the fridge. The drawers in your refrigerator have the most consistent temperature and humidity, so the cheese won't get too cold or dry out. The drawers are warmer with higher humidity, which is ideal for cheese storage. The refrigerator temperature should be set between 35 and 45 °F (2 and 7 °C) for cheese-keeping. If you don't have space in a drawer, use a large plastic or glass container to store your wrapped cheeses. Cover it tightly with a lid.
Secondly, different types of cheeses require different storage methods. Most hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, can be stored by wrapping them in paper and plastic wrap. For softer, creamier cheeses like goat cheese or fresh mozzarella, use a resealable container. Make sure to keep the original liquid if the cheese came packaged with it. Soft cheeses have a shorter shelf life, so transfer them to a tightly sealed container and finish them within five days of opening. If you notice any mold on hard cheeses, cut off at least one inch around and below the moldy spot before consuming the rest of the cheese. However, if mold appears on soft cheeses, it is best to discard them.
Additionally, cheese should be allowed to breathe and expel moisture while preventing it from drying out too quickly. Avoid using plastic wrap directly on the cheese, as it traps moisture, leading to the growth of undesirable mold and unpleasant flavors. Instead, opt for specialty cheese paper, which has a perforated layer to allow moisture escape and a wax layer to slow down drying.
Finally, the best way to prevent cheese from going bad is to consume it promptly. Buy only as much cheese as you can finish within a week. If you have leftovers, incorporate them into dishes like grilled cheese, mac and cheese, or risotto.
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How to identify if cheese has gone bad
Knowing when cheese has gone bad can be tricky as each type of cheese ages and spoils differently. However, there are some tell-tale signs to look out for. Firstly, it is important to note that cheese is a living thing, and like any living organism, it can get sick and spoil. Therefore, the best tools to determine whether cheese has gone bad are your senses, particularly sight, smell, and taste.
Appearance
Cheese that has changed too much from its original appearance may be a sign that it has gone bad. For example, if you start noticing patches of fuzz in different colours or textures, this is likely a sign that the cheese has spoiled. However, it is important to note that many French soft cheeses have a white, fuzzy exterior that resembles bad mould but is safe to eat. Similarly, white specks or crystallized patches on certain aged hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda are normal and safe to eat. These spots are most likely calcium lactate crystals, which form when the lactic acid in cheese combines with calcium.
Smell
As cheese is a dairy product, one sign of spoilage is an "off" smell. This scent can vary depending on the type of cheese, ranging from spoiled milk, ammonia, or even a refrigerator or freezer. It is advisable to smell the cheese when you first purchase it to establish a baseline for its scent and help you notice any deviations. However, some cheeses can be naturally pungent, so relying solely on smell may not always be reliable.
Taste
When in doubt, you may need to resort to tasting a small amount of the cheese. If it has an off or sour flavour, or an unpleasant aftertaste, it has likely spoiled and should be discarded.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the shelf life of cheese varies depending on the type and how it is stored. Soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert have a shorter shelf life, while semi-hard cheeses like Swiss cheese and hard cheeses like Cheddar can last several months to even a year or more past their 'best by' date when properly refrigerated.
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Cheese expiration dates
Soft cheeses like Brie, goat cheese, and Camembert ripen from the outside in, so their rind is the first part to age. They have the potential to go bad faster. If you see mold on a soft cheese, throw it out. However, if you see mold on a hard cheese, you can cut off the moldy part and continue to use the cheese. This is because hard cheeses are preserved foods, like pickles or cured meats.
In general, cheese will last longer if it is stored properly. Proper storage includes wrapping the cheese tightly and storing it in the fridge. One source recommends buying only as much cheese as you can consume in a week. Another source says that grated cheese should be used as soon as possible, while whole cheese will last longer.
Expiration dates on cheese are not always accurate. In the US, there are no regulations on date marking for cheese. Producers can put a "Best Buy" date on the packaging, but these dates are arbitrary. One source recommends using common sense to determine if cheese has expired, rather than relying solely on the expiration date. Another source recommends using your senses of sight, smell, and taste to determine if cheese has gone bad.
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Why cheese goes bad
Cheese is a dairy product that is highly susceptible to spoilage. The primary reason for this is the presence of microbes, including bacteria and moulds, which can be harmful or produce toxins that can make you sick.
Cheese can be broadly classified into soft and hard varieties. Soft cheeses, such as Brie, goat cheese, and Camembert, tend to ripen from the outside in, with the centre remaining firm while the outer layer becomes gooey. This makes the rind of such cheeses the first part to age, and as the proteins in the cheese break down, nitrogen is released in the form of ammonia, resulting in an unpleasant chemical aroma. While consuming cheese at this stage is typically safe, it can lead to a bitter aftertaste. In such cases, it is advisable to cut off the top rind and consume the inner paste, which often retains its flavour better. However, if the cheese has orange spotting, fluffy growths, or blue spots, it is best to discard it.
Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesian, are less prone to spoilage. If mould appears on these cheeses, it can usually be cut off without affecting the rest of the cheese. However, it is important to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, unusual appearance, or unpleasant taste.
The shelf life of cheese can range from two weeks to six months, depending on various factors, including storage practices, moisture content, and preservatives. Proper storage is crucial, as cheese can quickly absorb off-flavours from other foods in the fridge. Additionally, maintaining a temperature below 40°F can significantly slow bacterial growth, while freezing can halt it altogether, although this may alter the texture of the cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheese can go bad. The shelf life of cheese depends on a variety of factors including storage practices, moisture content, and preservatives.
You can check for mould, an unusual odour, a change in texture, or a sour flavour.
If there is mould on hard cheese, cut off the affected part and the rest should be safe to eat. However, soft cheese should be thrown away if mould is found.
Cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in cheese paper, food-grade plastic wrap, or butter paper.
