Bushra Griffith
Blue cheese is a type of cheese that contains edible mold, giving it a distinct pungent taste, smell, and appearance. It is made using a type of mold called Penicillium, which does not produce toxins and is safe to consume. Blue cheese can be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly to prevent it from drying out, and can last 3-4 weeks. It can also be frozen to extend its shelf life. When blue cheese goes bad, it can develop fuzzy mold in grey or black patches, and the creamy part of the cheese can turn pink, green, brown, or yellow. It may also develop an ammonia-like smell due to the production of nitrogenous compounds by bacteria. To determine if blue cheese has gone bad, it is important to use your senses and basic judgment to look for discoloration, a funky smell, or a change in taste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to store | Tightly wrapped in the refrigerator, with temperature between 46°F – 55°F (or 8°C – 13°C) |
| Shelf life | 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator |
| Indefinitely in the freezer | |
| Signs of spoilage | Fuzzy mold, grey or black patches, change in colour of the flesh (from white or creamy to pink, green, brown, or yellow), strong ammonia-like smell, dry and crumbly texture |
| How to prevent spoilage | Store in an airtight container or freezer bag, keep away from other foods, consume within a few weeks of opening |
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What You'll Learn
How to store blue cheese
Blue cheese is a common type of cheese with a strong smell and distinct flavour. It is made using Penicillium, a type of mould that is responsible for its unique taste, smell, and appearance. Blue cheese can be a tricky cheese type to store. The cheese paste is often delicate with its pierced blue veining, making it more susceptible to oxidising and losing its surface moisture.
If you're storing blue cheese on the counter, use a traditional cheese dome and be sure to lift the dome for fresh air to get to the cheese so it doesn't spoil. If you're storing it in the fridge, it should be wrapped tightly to prevent unwanted bacteria from growing. However, do not wrap it too tightly, as this can trap moisture and cause rapid degradation. Blue cheese likes to be stored in a climate with high humidity. The ideal refrigerator temperature for storing blue cheese is below 40 degrees.
Blue cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life. If stored in the freezer at 0 degrees, it can last indefinitely. However, freezing may slightly alter its texture and appearance, and it is recommended that it is used within six months for the best taste and texture. When freezing blue cheese, cut it into pieces no larger than half a pound each.
To check if blue cheese has gone bad, smell it. Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to spoil. If it has an ammonia-like smell, it has probably gone bad. Also, look out for fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots growing on the surface of the cheese, which may indicate that it has gone bad.
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How long does blue cheese last?
Blue cheese is a type of cheese made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of mold. Unlike other types of mold, the varieties of Penicillium used to produce blue cheese do not produce toxins and are safe to consume. However, blue cheese can still go bad, so it is important to practice basic food safety and store blue cheese properly.
If stored properly, blue cheese can last 3–4 weeks in the refrigerator. To store blue cheese in the refrigerator, it should be tightly wrapped. The refrigerator temperature should not be set above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Blue cheese can also be stored in the freezer to extend its shelf life. Frozen blue cheese can last indefinitely, although freezing it may slightly alter its texture and appearance. For best taste and texture, it is recommended to not keep blue cheese frozen for more than six months. To store blue cheese in the freezer, it must be cut into pieces that are no larger than half a pound each.
There are several signs that indicate that blue cheese has gone bad. Blue cheese that has gone bad may show signs of putrefaction and have an ammonia-like smell. It may also develop fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots. If there are any changes in the appearance or smell of blue cheese, it should be discarded.
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How to identify if blue cheese has gone bad
Blue cheese is made using Penicillium, a type of mould that gives it a unique taste, smell, and appearance. While blue cheese is supposed to have mould in it, it can still go bad. Here are some ways to identify if blue cheese has gone bad:
Appearance
The mould in blue cheese is typically blue or green in colour. However, if you notice any fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on the surface of the cheese, it has likely gone bad. These spots indicate the presence of unwanted mould, which can be toxic and harmful.
Smell
Blue cheese is known for its strong, pungent odour, which is often ammonia-like. This smell can become stronger as the cheese ages. However, if the smell turns musty or fully ammonia-pungent, it is likely a sign of spoilage. Trust your nose—if the smell seems off or strange, it's best to discard the cheese.
Texture
Blue cheese is typically soft, but if it becomes too crumbly or develops a slimy texture, it may be an indication of spoilage.
Storage and Expiry
Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the freshness of blue cheese. It should be tightly wrapped and stored in the refrigerator. When properly stored, blue cheese can last 3–4 weeks in the refrigerator. Freezing is also an option to extend its shelf life, although freezing may alter its texture and appearance. If frozen, blue cheese can last up to 6 months for the best taste and texture.
In summary, when identifying if blue cheese has gone bad, pay attention to any unusual appearance, smell, or texture. Always practise food safety and store blue cheese properly to minimise the risk of spoilage and enjoy your cheese safely.
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Can you eat mouldy blue cheese?
Blue cheese is made using Penicillium, a type of mould that is responsible for its unique taste, smell, and appearance. While most types of mould are toxic to humans, the Penicillium mould used in blue cheese does not produce toxins and is safe to consume.
However, blue cheese can still go bad if it is not stored properly. It is important to practice basic food safety and store blue cheese correctly to prevent spoilage. Blue cheese should be tightly wrapped and refrigerated, where it can last for 3-4 weeks. If stored in the freezer, blue cheese can last indefinitely, although its texture and appearance may alter slightly.
To determine if blue cheese has gone bad, there are a few key indicators to look out for. Firstly, examine the cheese for any changes in appearance, such as fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on the surface. These could indicate the presence of harmful mould. Additionally, pay attention to the smell of the cheese. Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but if it starts to develop an ammonia-like odour, it is likely spoiled. Consuming spoiled blue cheese can lead to food poisoning, so it is crucial to discard the cheese if there are any signs of spoilage.
If your blue cheese shows signs of spoilage when you first open it, you can return it to the store and ask for a refund or exchange. To prevent spoilage and ensure the longest shelf life, it is recommended to store blue cheese in the refrigerator at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Freezing blue cheese
Blue cheese is a common type of cheese known for its strong smell and distinct flavour. It is made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of mould. Freezing blue cheese is a good way to extend its shelf life. However, it is important to note that freezing will affect the taste and texture of the cheese.
When it comes to freezing blue cheese, there are a few important steps to follow. Firstly, it is recommended to cut the cheese into smaller pieces or crumble it to ensure quicker thawing. Then, the cheese should be wrapped tightly in cling film or parchment paper to keep it airtight and protect it from the cold air of the freezer. It is also a good idea to use a vacuum sealer if available, but it is important to note that some sources advise against vacuum sealing blue cheese as it contains anaerobic bacteria that thrive in the absence of oxygen. Instead, the wrapped cheese can be placed in an airtight container or a freezer bag to further preserve freshness and retain flavour. Marking the date of freezing on the bag or container with a marker pen can help keep track of how long the cheese has been frozen.
Blue cheese can last indefinitely in the freezer when stored at 0 degrees Celsius. However, for optimal taste and texture, it is recommended to consume it within six to eight months as the flavour and texture may start to deteriorate. Frozen blue cheese is safe to eat even after this period, but the quality may not be as fine. When thawed, the cheese may lose some of its sharp flavour and become more crumbly. Therefore, it may work better in certain dishes than others.
To summarise, freezing blue cheese is a simple process that can help extend its shelf life. However, it is important to follow proper wrapping and storage techniques to maintain freshness and flavour. Additionally, freezing will affect the taste and texture of the cheese, so it may not be as good as fresh blue cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
No, blue cheese does not get strained. It is made using Penicillium, a type of mold that is responsible for its unique taste, smell, and appearance.
Blue cheese can go bad if it is not stored properly. Signs that it has gone bad include a strong ammonia-like smell, fuzzy grey or black mold, and discolouration of the creamy part of the cheese.
Blue cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped to prevent it from drying out. The ideal temperature is between 46°F–55°F (8°C–13°C).
Yes, blue cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life. However, freezing may alter its texture, appearance, and taste. It is recommended to cut the cheese into small portions before freezing and to use it within six months for the best quality.
