Bushra Griffith
Blue cheese is a beloved and divisive food item, with its strong scent and unique appearance. But how do you know when it has gone bad? Blue cheese is made with Penicillium, a type of mould that is safe to consume and gives the cheese its distinct taste, smell, and appearance. However, blue cheese can still spoil if not stored properly. To avoid this, it is recommended to wrap and refrigerate blue cheese, which can make it last 3–4 weeks. If frozen, blue cheese can last indefinitely, although its texture and appearance may be altered. To identify spoilage, look out for fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots, and a strong ammonia-like smell. While some say blue cheese never truly goes bad, it is important to practice food safety and be cautious of any signs of spoilage to avoid food poisoning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots growing on the surface |
| Slimy yellow, pinkish, or brown spots | |
| Black or grey mold | |
| Smell | Ammonia-like |
| Taste | Biting |
| Texture | Soft |
| Storage | Refrigerated: 3-4 weeks |
| Frozen: 6 months |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
How to store blue cheese
Blue cheese is a delicate product that can be tricky to store. It is susceptible to oxidization and can lose its surface moisture, becoming drier and more crumbly. If wrapped and refrigerated, blue cheese can last 3–4 weeks. Frozen blue cheese can last indefinitely, although its texture and appearance may be altered slightly.
To store blue cheese, it is important to control the humidity and temperature. Blue cheese likes to be stored in a high-humidity environment. If you wrap blue cheese too tightly in plastic or cheese paper, it can trap moisture, which can cause the emergence of unwanted bacteria, often pinkish in colour, that can make it inedible.
One option for storing blue cheese is to use a Cheese Grotto, which self-regulates high humidity with an included clay brick humidifier. The Cheese Grotto can be stored in the fridge or on the counter. If stored on the counter, it is recommended to keep it in a breathable container, like a traditional cheese dome, to allow fresh air to circulate.
If you are storing blue cheese in the fridge, it is important to note that blue mould spores can travel through the air and contaminate other nearby cheeses. It is okay to store several types of cheese in the same drawer, but make sure they are all wrapped appropriately, and never store other types of cheese in a wrapper that was once used for blue cheese.
Blue Cheese and IBS: A Helpful Snack Option?
You may want to see also
Signs of spoilage
Blue cheese is made using a type of mould called Penicillium, which is responsible for its distinct taste, smell, and appearance. Unlike other types of mould, the types of Penicillium used to produce blue cheese do not produce toxins and are considered safe to consume. However, blue cheese can still go bad, so it's important to practice basic food safety and store it properly.
Blue cheese can last for 3-4 weeks if wrapped and refrigerated. If you notice any signs of spoilage, you should discard it immediately. Here are some signs that your blue cheese has gone bad:
- Fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots growing on the surface of the cheese.
- A strong odour similar to ammonia.
- A change in colour. Fresh blue cheese already has mould in it, which is typically blue or green. However, if you notice that the creamy part of the cheese has turned pink, brown, or green, it has likely spoiled.
- A change in taste. Fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste. If it becomes too strong or biting, it has probably gone bad.
- Slime on the surface or new mould on the surface.
- Softness. If the cheese goes soft and stuff is growing on it, it should be thrown out. Softness is a sign of low acidity, which means that it is less safe.
Blue Cheese: Refrigeration Requirements and Best Practices
You may want to see also
Blue cheese shelf life
Blue cheese is made using a type of mould called Penicillium, which is responsible for its distinct taste, smell, and appearance. Unlike other types of mould, the Penicillium used in blue cheese production does not produce toxins and is safe to consume. However, blue cheese can still spoil if not stored properly.
When stored properly, blue cheese can last 3–4 weeks in the refrigerator. To extend its shelf life, blue cheese can be frozen, though this may alter its texture and appearance.
Blue cheese should be discarded if there are any changes in its appearance or smell. Signs of spoilage include fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on the surface, as well as an ammonia-like smell. Consuming spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning and increase exposure to harmful mycotoxins.
The shelf life of blue cheese ultimately depends on proper storage and food safety practices. Blue cheese can last for a long time if stored correctly, and some sources suggest that it does not truly "go bad" but rather ages and becomes stronger in flavour.
Blue Cheese: A Protein-Rich Superfood?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Is it safe to eat mouldy blue cheese?
Blue cheese is made using a type of mould called Penicillium, which is responsible for its distinct taste, smell, and appearance. Unlike other types of mould, the types of Penicillium used to produce blue cheese do not produce toxins and are considered safe to consume. However, blue cheese can still go bad, so it's important to practice basic food safety and store blue cheese properly.
Blue cheese should be discarded if there are any changes in its appearance or smell. Consuming spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning and increase exposure to harmful mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are toxic compounds that can suppress immune function, cause digestive distress, and even contribute to cancer.
Blue cheese can be stored wrapped and refrigerated, where it will last 3–4 weeks. It can also be frozen to extend its shelf life, although freezing may slightly alter its texture and appearance. To prevent blue cheese from going bad, it is important to store it at the proper humidity and temperature.
While blue cheese is made with mould and is safe to consume, it can go bad if other types of mould grow on it. If there is stuff growing on the cheese that you can't identify, it's time to throw it out. Softness is also a sign of low acidity, which means the cheese is less safe to eat. If the cheese has a strong odour similar to ammonia, this may also be a sign that it has spoiled.
Blue Cheese Crumbles: Carb Content and Nutrition Facts
You may want to see also
What to do if you eat spoiled blue cheese
Blue cheese is made using a type of mold called Penicillium, which is responsible for its distinct taste, smell, and appearance. Unlike other types of mold, the types of Penicillium used to produce blue cheese do not produce toxins and are considered safe to consume. However, blue cheese can still go bad, so it’s important to practice basic food safety and store blue cheese properly.
If you suspect that you have consumed spoiled blue cheese, it is important to remain calm and vigilant. Food poisoning from spoiled blue cheese can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. If you start experiencing any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you seek medical attention.
To prevent food poisoning, it is crucial to properly store blue cheese. Wrapped and refrigerated blue cheese can last 3–4 weeks, while frozen blue cheese can last indefinitely, although its texture and appearance may be altered. Proper storage can help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and reduce the risk of food poisoning.
If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on the surface of the cheese, it is important to discard it immediately. Additionally, blue cheese that develops a strong ammonia-like odor may be spoiled. Trust your senses of smell and taste to identify spoiled blue cheese. If the cheese has an overpowering smell or taste, it is best to discard it.
In summary, consuming spoiled blue cheese may cause food poisoning, but proper storage and vigilance can help prevent this. If you suspect spoilage, discard the cheese immediately and monitor your health for any potential symptoms of food poisoning.
Blue Cheese and Spinach Salad: A Classic Pairing?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The best way to tell if blue cheese has spoiled is to smell it. Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to go bad. If it smells weird, but not in a blue cheese way, then it's time to say goodbye. If you notice an ammonia-like smell, it is probably spoiled.
If wrapped and refrigerated, blue cheese can last 3–4 weeks. Frozen blue cheese can last indefinitely, although freezing it may slightly alter its texture and appearance. For best taste and texture, you shouldn't keep it frozen for more than six months.
Blue cheese is made using Penicillium, a type of mold that’s responsible for its unique taste, smell, and appearance. Unlike other types of mold, Penicillium does not produce toxins and is safe to consume. However, blue cheese can still spoil, and you may notice fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots growing on the surface of spoiled blue cheese.
