Frederic Melton
Whether small packets of cheese go bad depends on a variety of factors, including the type of cheese, how it's stored, and its original packaging. Generally, hard cheeses like Parmesan and Cheddar have a longer shelf life than soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert. Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are highly perishable and typically last only a few weeks. Proper storage involves wrapping the cheese in parchment or wax paper to maintain moisture and storing it in the fridge at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). While expiration dates are not always accurate, it's important to use your senses to determine if the cheese has gone bad by inspecting its texture, colour, smell, and taste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to store cheese | Wrap it using wax, parchment, or cheese paper after opening to help maintain its moisture. Store at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). |
| How to know if cheese has gone bad | Changes in texture, such as overly dry, crumbly, or slimy. Significant changes in colour, such as yellowing or browning. A strong ammonia aroma. A bad taste. |
| Cheese expiration dates | Expiration dates are not carved in stone. Best-by dates are a guideline for quality, not safety. Cheese often remains safe to eat beyond these dates if stored correctly. |
| Blue cheese shelf life | Several months when unopened and refrigerated properly. |
| Semi-hard cheese shelf life | Several months past their best-by date when kept in the refrigerator before opening. |
| Soft cheese shelf life | A few weeks to a couple of months past their best-by date when unopened and refrigerated. |
| Fresh cheese shelf life | A few weeks past their best-by date when stored in the refrigerator. |
| Cheddar cheese shelf life | Several months to even a year or more past its best-by date when unopened and stored in the fridge. |
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What You'll Learn
How to store small packets of cheese
The best way to store small packets of cheese depends on the type of cheese, as well as the type of packaging it comes in.
For soft and semi-soft cheeses, such as goat, Camembert, and Brie, it is recommended to use a resealable plastic container. Fresh cheeses like mozzarella, feta, and ricotta should be kept in their original packaging with their brine and stored in the fridge, with the water changed every couple of days. These cheeses should be consumed within 7 to 10 days.
Semi-hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Swiss, and Gruyere, can be wrapped in plastic wrap or specialty cheese paper and placed in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. These cheeses should be used within 7 to 10 days for the best results.
Hard cheeses, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano and aged Gouda, can be stored in a few different ways. One option is to wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper, then add a layer of plastic wrap and place it in the crisper drawer. Another option is to use a resealable plastic bag, removing most of the air before sealing. Hard cheeses can also be wrapped in wax paper or cheesecloth and then placed in a ziplock bag. These cheeses can last several weeks to a month or more.
Additionally, it is important to examine the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as an off odor, texture, or taste. If the surface texture has become slimy, wet, or soft, the cheese should be discarded. Blue, gray, or green mold can be scraped off hard cheeses, but if there is red or black mold, the cheese should be discarded.
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How long does cheese last in the fridge?
The shelf life of cheese depends on its moisture content. The more water left in the cheese, the more perishable it is. Cheeses with higher moisture levels have shorter shelf lives because moisture is needed for bacterial growth.
Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, feta, and brie, are highly perishable. They will generally last for one to two weeks in the fridge after opening. However, their quality and taste will be at their prime before that time is up. Feta in brine is a little less perishable than other soft cheeses.
Semi-hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar, aged gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano, have slightly longer shelf lives of two to three weeks in the fridge. Hard cheeses are low in moisture, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. Thus, once opened, a package of hard cheese can last about four weeks in the refrigerator. Unopened packages of hard cheese will last about six months.
To ensure your cheese lasts as long as possible, it should be stored properly. Remove the cheese from its plastic packaging and wrap it loosely in a pliable yet breathable material, such as wax, parchment, or cheese paper. Then, put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid. Blocks of cheese should be stored on the top or middle shelf, or in a drawer. Keep them above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination.
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What are the signs of cheese going bad?
Cheese is a perishable food, and consuming spoiled cheese can lead to foodborne illnesses. However, cheese will usually become unpalatable far before it becomes dangerous. Here are some signs that cheese has gone bad:
Appearance
A change in appearance is often the first sign that cheese has spoiled. This could include a change in colour, such as a hard cheese like cheddar or parmesan turning dark, or the presence of mould. While some mould on cheese is harmless and even desirable, such as the white, fuzzy exterior on some French soft cheeses, other types of mould can be toxic and dangerous if consumed. Unusual colours, textures, or odours could indicate the presence of unsafe mould. Different types of mould can cause different colours and patterns on the cheese, such as blue, red, or white spots.
Texture
Any sudden or unusual changes in texture can indicate that cheese has spoiled. Hard cheeses like cheddar can start to crack due to changes in moisture content and the growth of bacteria. Spoiled cheese may also feel crumbly, mushy, or very dry.
Smell
How a cheese smells is one of the best ways to determine whether it is safe to eat. If a mild cheese like Monterey Jack or American smells strong, like blue cheese or Limburger, it should be discarded. Cheeses that are naturally pungent, like blue cheese or Camembert, will have a strong ammonia smell once they go bad, similar to cat urine. If you are familiar with the smell of a favourite cheese, and the cheese you have smells like a much more concentrated version, it has probably gone bad.
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Can you eat cheese past its 'best before' date?
The answer depends on the type of cheese. Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan and pecorino, have a longer shelf life than softer cheeses due to their low moisture content, which prevents bacteria from spreading as quickly. These can be consumed up to two months past their expiration date. Parmesan, in particular, can last for as long as you need it thanks to its long aging process and higher salt content.
On the other hand, soft cheeses with high moisture content, such as brie, ricotta, or cottage cheese, should not be kept for more than a week in the fridge. Brie, in particular, can develop an ammonia buildup if left in the fridge for too long, resulting in an unpleasant smell. Semi-soft and semi-firm cheeses, such as Gouda, Cheddar, and Swiss, have a shelf life of several months and can be eaten for up to three weeks past their expiration date.
It's important to note that your senses of smell and taste are often the best indicators of whether a cheese has gone bad, rather than relying solely on expiration dates. If the cheese has been sealed and smells fine when opened, it is likely safe to consume. However, if there is any sign of mold, especially in the form of red or black spores, it is best to discard the cheese.
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What are the best ways to keep cheese fresh for longer?
Cheese is a delicate product, and while it is a form of milk preservation, it is still perishable. The fresher the cheese, the more perishable it is. Harder cheeses tend to last longer than softer cheeses, and some are even built to withstand the test of time.
The best way to store cheese is to keep it in an environment that allows for gas exchange. Plastic wrap is not ideal for this, as cheese can sweat and the plastic can impart a plasticky flavour. Instead, cheese paper is recommended by experts. This is a special type of thick paper coated on one side with a combination of wax and polyethylene. This allows the cheese to breathe and continue maturing without taking on the off-flavours typical of plastic contamination. Parchment paper is a good substitute.
For soft cheeses like mozzarella, feta, and ricotta, it is best to keep them in their original packaging with their brine. This will increase their shelf life and improve their texture. For blue cheese, use foil. For semi-soft cheeses like Brie, Taleggio, and Camembert, a plastic bag or cheese paper is best. If you are using plastic bags, squeeze out as much air as possible.
For hard cheeses, a plastic bag or plastic wrap can be used. If using plastic wrap, it is recommended to slice a bit off the surface before serving. If there is mould, cut off at least 1 inch around and below the mould spot, keeping the knife out of the mould itself.
The best place in the refrigerator to store cheese is in one of the bins usually reserved for vegetables at the bottom of the fridge, as there is more humidity, which benefits cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, all cheese will eventually go bad. However, the shelf life of cheese varies depending on the type of cheese and how it is stored. For example, hard cheeses like Parmesan can last for a long time, while soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert have a shorter shelf life. Proper storage can help extend the shelf life of cheese.
There are several signs that a small packet of cheese has gone bad. These include changes in texture, such as dryness, crumbly or slimy consistency, and discolouration. A strong ammonia or chlorine-like odour can also indicate spoilage. If the cheese has an off or sour flavour, it has likely gone bad.
Small packets of cheese should be stored in the fridge at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). Wrap the cheese gently in parchment paper or cheese paper to help maintain its moisture and protect it while still allowing it to breathe. Avoid using plastic wrap as it can impart an unpleasant flavour to the cheese.
Most small packets of cheese are sold in packaged form and provide a “best-by” or “sell-by” date. These dates are guidelines for optimal quality rather than safety. Hard cheeses generally don't require refrigeration but will last longer if refrigerated. Proper storage can help extend the shelf life of small packets of cheese.
