Bushra Griffith
Blue cheese is a beloved ingredient in many dishes, but it can be tricky to know when it's past its prime. Blue cheese is made with Penicillium mould, which gives it its distinctive taste, smell, and appearance. While blue cheese can last for a long time, especially when refrigerated, it can still go bad. So how can you tell if your blue cheese has spoiled? There are several signs to look out for, including changes in smell, colour, texture, and taste.
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese storage
Blue cheese is a delicate product that requires careful storage to maintain its freshness. It has a high moisture content and active moulds, which means it won't last as long as other types of cheese.
The ideal environment for storing blue cheese is a climate with high humidity—at least 80% humidity is recommended. This can be achieved using a clay brick humidifier, or by storing the cheese in a breathable material such as a Cheese Grotto, which has a back panel that allows fresh air to circulate.
Blue cheese should not be wrapped too tightly, as this can trap moisture and cause the growth of unwanted bacteria, particularly of a pinkish hue, which is inedible. Instead, it should be wrapped loosely in aluminium foil, parchment paper, or a loose zipper-lock bag.
Blue cheese should be refrigerated to keep it fresh. If left unrefrigerated, it should be discarded after two days. Refrigerated blue cheese will last for three to four weeks, while frozen cheese can be kept for up to six months.
To check if blue cheese has spoiled, smell it—fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but this changes as it starts to go bad. An ammonia-like smell indicates that the cheese is probably spoiled. You can also examine the colour and texture of the cheese—discolouration, sliminess, or fuzziness are signs that the cheese should be discarded.
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Signs of spoilage
Blue cheese is made using a type of mold called Penicillium, which is responsible for its distinct taste, smell, and appearance. While blue cheese is supposed to have mold in it, other types of mold can indicate that it has gone bad. Blue cheese can last for a long time, but it does eventually spoil. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Smell: Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to go bad. If your blue cheese has an ammonia-like smell, it is probably spoiled.
- Color: Pay attention to the color of the creamy part of the cheese. In addition to color changes, look out for a slimy or fuzzy surface, and discard the cheese if you notice changes in texture.
- Taste: If your blue cheese still smells the same and hasn't changed color, you can usually tell if it's gone bad by giving it a taste. Fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste, but it becomes especially biting when it starts to spoil. If it's too strong to enjoy, you should throw it away.
- Time: Blue cheese should be refrigerated to keep it fresh. If left unrefrigerated, it should be discarded after two days. Refrigerated blue cheese will last for three to four weeks.
- Mold: While blue cheese is supposed to have mold in it, the presence of other types of mold can indicate spoilage. Blue cheese with a high moisture content will develop new mold more quickly than drier varieties. If there is any new mold on the surface, it's best to throw the cheese away.
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Shelf life
The shelf life of blue cheese depends on a variety of factors, including humidity, temperature, and moisture content. Blue cheese that is stored properly in the refrigerator can last for several months if unopened, and for three to four weeks if opened. However, it is important to note that blue cheese with a high moisture content will go bad more quickly than drier varieties.
To maximize the shelf life of blue cheese, it is recommended to store it in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If the cheese is left unrefrigerated, it should be discarded after two days. Additionally, blue cheese can be frozen and stored indefinitely at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
When it comes to determining whether blue cheese has gone bad, there are several signs to look out for. One indication is the presence of mold. While blue cheese is made using edible mold, typically blue or green in color, the growth of other types of mold on the surface of the cheese may indicate spoilage. Fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on the surface of the cheese are particularly indicative of spoilage.
In addition to mold, changes in the texture, color, smell, and taste of blue cheese can also signify that it has gone bad. A slimy or dry texture, significant discoloration such as yellowing or browning, an ammonia-like smell, and an overly strong or sour taste can all indicate that the cheese has spoiled. If only a portion of the cheese appears to be affected, it is recommended to discard the entire piece to avoid the potential presence of harmful bacteria or mold.
It is important to note that consuming spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Therefore, it is crucial to practice proper food safety and storage methods to maintain the quality and safety of blue cheese.
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Blue cheese mould
Blue cheese is made using milk from cows, goats and sheep. It is a veined cheese with a distinctive look and flavour. The blue veins are created by piercing the aged cheese, forming air tunnels through which oxygen can reach the inside of the cheese. The blue mould then matures inside these air tunnels, developing flavour as it ages.
The mould responsible for the blue veins in blue cheese is called Penicillium roqueforti. According to legend, one of the first blue cheeses, Roquefort, was discovered when a young boy left his bread and ewes' milk cheese in a cave and, months later, the cheese had been transformed by the mould growing in the cave. Today, this natural mould is refined and used for almost all blue cheeses.
Blue cheese contains edible mould, which gives it a pungent taste and scent. However, blue cheese can still go bad and it is important to know how to spot this. The best way to tell if your blue cheese has spoiled is to smell it. Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but this changes as the cheese starts to go bad. If the cheese has developed an ammonia-like smell, it is probably spoiled. You can also examine the colour of the cheese. Fresh blue cheese already has blue or green mould in it, but you should pay attention to the colour of the creamy part of the cheese. If it has changed colour, or if the surface appears slimy or fuzzy, it should be discarded.
Blue cheese should be refrigerated to keep it fresh. If left unrefrigerated, it should be discarded after two days. In the refrigerator, blue cheese can last for three to four weeks.
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Health risks of spoiled blue cheese
Blue cheese is a flavoursome fermented cheese featuring characteristic blue veins or marbling. It is made by mixing Penicillium roqueforti mould cultures with milk to begin the fermentation process. The mould is nontoxic and safe for human consumption.
However, blue cheese can still go bad if it is not stored properly. If refrigerated, blue cheese can last 3–4 weeks. If you notice any signs of spoilage on your blue cheese, you should discard it immediately. In particular, fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots growing on the surface of blue cheese may indicate that it has gone bad. Additionally, cheese that develops a strong odour similar to ammonia may be spoiled.
Consuming spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning, which causes symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. Certain types of mould also produce mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds that can suppress immune function, cause digestive distress, and even contribute to cancer.
Therefore, it is important to practice basic food safety practices and store blue cheese properly.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese contains an edible mold that gives it a pungent taste and smell. However, it can still go bad, so it's important to practice basic food safety. The best way to tell if your blue cheese has spoiled is to smell it. Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to go bad. Give the cheese a sniff, and if it has an ammonia-like smell, it is probably spoiled. 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.
Blue cheese can last for several weeks in the refrigerator. If kept in the freezer, it can last for up to six months. However, if blue cheese is left unrefrigerated, it should be discarded after two days.
If you've eaten blue cheese that you suspect has gone bad and start to feel sick, it's a good idea to consult a doctor. Consuming spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning, which can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
