Andy Montoya
Blue cheese is known for its pungent taste and scent, which is due to the edible mold that it contains. While some people enjoy the strong flavor, others find it off-putting. Blue cheese, including Blue Stilton, can spoil and go bad like any other cheese, and knowing how to spot this is important for food safety. In this discussion, we will explore the signs of spoilage in blue cheese, the shelf life, and how to store it to prolong its freshness.
Characteristics of Blue Stilton Cheese Going Bad
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smell | Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to go bad. If it has an ammonia-like smell, it is probably spoiled. |
| Color | Fresh blue cheese already has blue or green mold in it. However, you want to pay attention to the color of the creamy part of the cheese. If it has an unusual color or type of mold, it indicates spoilage. |
| Texture | If the surface appears slimy or fuzzy, and there are changes in texture, it is best to discard the cheese. |
| Taste | If the blue cheese still smells the same and hasn't changed color, you can usually tell if it's gone bad by tasting it. If it's too strong to enjoy, you should throw it away. |
| Expiration | Blue cheese can be refrigerated and typically lasts for three to four weeks. It can be frozen and will last for up to six months. |
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What You'll Learn
Blue stilton cheese shelf life
Blue Stilton cheese is a distinct variety of blue cheese known for its rich, tangy flavour and semi-soft, crumbly texture. It is made from pasteurized milk and originates from England. The shelf life of Blue Stilton cheese depends on various factors, including storage conditions, packaging, and the state of the cheese at the time of purchase.
When stored properly in a refrigerator, Blue Stilton cheese can last for several weeks to a few months. The optimal temperature for storing Blue Stilton cheese is between 46°F and 55°F (8°C to 13°C). It is important to wrap the cheese well to prevent drying while still allowing some breathing room. Blue Stilton cheese should also be kept away from other foods to prevent the transfer of mold spores.
The shelf life of unopened Blue Stilton cheese can range from a few weeks to several months. Some sources suggest that an unopened package can last up to four months in the refrigerator, while others recommend consuming it within three to four weeks for the best quality. Once the package is opened, it is generally recommended to consume the cheese within three to four weeks. To extend the shelf life after opening, Blue Stilton cheese can be wrapped tightly in wax or parchment paper and then covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent air exposure and moisture loss.
It is important to regularly check Blue Stilton cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as unusual mold, a sour or off-putting smell, or changes in texture. Fresh Blue Stilton cheese has a strong, pungent aroma, and as it ages, it may become saltier and more biting in taste. If the cheese develops an ammonia-like smell or becomes too strong or salty for your taste, it is best to discard it.
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Signs of spoilage
Blue cheese is known for its pungent smell and strong taste, but these can change as the cheese starts to spoil. Here are some signs to look out for to determine if your blue stilton cheese has gone bad:
Changes in smell
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. If the cheese has developed an ammonia-like smell, it is probably spoiled. This ammonia-like smell is produced by the bacteria that cause putrefaction in the cheese, and it gets stronger as the cheese continues to spoil.
Changes in appearance
Inspect the cheese for any unusual mold growth. While blue cheese naturally has blue or green mold, an unusual color or type of mold that is not typical of this cheese indicates spoilage. Also, if the cheese looks old, dry, crumbly, and uneven in color, it has likely passed its prime.
Changes in taste
If the blue cheese still smells and looks the same, you can usually tell if it has gone bad by tasting it. Fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste, but as it starts to spoil, it becomes especially biting. If the cheese is too strong to enjoy, you should throw it away.
Expiration date
Blue cheese that has been left unopened in the refrigerator can last for three to four weeks past the expiration date. However, once opened, it is best to consume it within 3-4 weeks to enjoy its best quality.
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Optimal storage conditions
Blue cheese can be kept in the fridge for a long time, but it's important to monitor it for any signs of spoilage. The best temperature for storing blue cheese is between 46°F–55°F (or 8°C–13°C). This is slightly warmer than a typical refrigerator, so consider storing it in the crisper drawer.
To keep your blue cheese fresh for as long as possible, ensure your refrigerator temperature isn't set above 40°F (4.4°C). Keep the cheese wrapped well to prevent it from drying out, but also give it some breathing room. Use wax or parchment paper, followed by plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent air exposure and moisture loss. If you're using aluminium foil, make sure it's not in direct contact with the cheese, as this can affect the flavour.
Keep blue cheese away from other foods, so the mould spores don't contaminate them. If you're storing leftover blue cheese in a container, it will start to dry out after a day or so without a wrap.
When it comes to pre-crumbled blue cheese, it typically has a long shelf life of up to six months if the package is unopened. Once opened, it should be finished within about a week for the best results.
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Taste, smell, and appearance changes
Blue Stilton cheese is known for its strong taste and smell, as well as its distinctive blue-veined appearance. While some people love the pungent aroma and sharp flavour, for others it is not to their liking. However, beyond the personal preference, there are some clear indicators to show when a blue cheese has gone bad.
Firstly, the smell. Fresh blue cheese has a strong, distinctive scent, but this changes as it starts to spoil. If your blue cheese has developed an ammonia-like smell, it has probably gone off. The ammonia smell is caused by nitrogenous compounds produced by the bacteria in the cheese as it starts to putrefy. This is the same compound that gives other protein-rich foods, such as meat, their distinctive rotten smell.
Secondly, the colour. Blue cheese already has blue or green veins of mould, which is perfectly safe to eat. However, the creamy part of the cheese should be white or beige. If this part of the cheese has turned pink, brown, or any other colour, it has likely gone bad.
Thirdly, the taste. If the smell and appearance of the cheese seem fine, you can try a small taste. Fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste. If the cheese has gone bad, it will be especially biting or acidic, and may be too strong to enjoy. If it tastes unpleasant, throw it away.
Finally, the expiration date. If you are unsure, always check the use-by date on the packaging. Blue cheese should be refrigerated and will usually last around three to four weeks in the fridge. If unrefrigerated, it should be discarded after two days.
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Freezing blue stilton cheese
Blue Stilton cheese can be frozen, but opinions vary on whether it is still edible after defrosting. Some sources say that it will be inedible, as the ice crystals that form will cause the cheese to degrade into a watery mess. However, others say that it is still edible, although the taste and texture will be affected, and it may be better suited to cooking than eating straight.
If you do choose to freeze your Blue Stilton cheese, it is recommended to cut it into smaller pieces so that it thaws quicker. Wrap the cheese in clingfilm to keep it airtight, then place it in a freezer bag. Use a marker pen to write the date of freezing on the bag. Blue Stilton cheese should last in the freezer for 6-8 months before its flavour and texture start to be affected. After this point, it will still be safe to eat, although the quality may not be as high.
To defrost the cheese, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw. You can also break off frozen pieces of cheese to use directly in recipes, such as sauces or grilled dishes.
It is important to note that freezing is not the only way to preserve Blue Stilton cheese. If stored properly in the fridge, Blue Stilton cheese can stay good for up to 4 weeks and retain its taste and texture. To store Blue Stilton cheese in the fridge, wrap it well to prevent it from drying out, but also give it some breathing room. The ideal temperature for storage is between 46°F–55°F (or 8°C–13°C), which is slightly warmer than a typical fridge, so consider storing the cheese in the crisper drawer. Keep Blue Stilton cheese away from other foods to prevent the mould spores from contaminating them.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue stilton cheese naturally has a strong, pungent scent and a distinctive set of moulds, but if you notice an unusual colour or type of mould, or a sour or off smell, it has probably gone bad. You can also tell if it has gone bad by giving it a taste—if it's too strong to enjoy, it has likely spoiled.
When stored under optimal conditions in a refrigerator, blue stilton cheese can last up to six weeks. If it is unopened and aged for a longer period, it can remain good for up to four months in the refrigerator. Once opened, it is best to consume it within three to four weeks.
To extend its shelf life, blue stilton cheese should be wrapped tightly in wax or parchment paper, followed by plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent air exposure and moisture loss. It should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 40°F and 55°F (or 4°C and 13°C).
Yes, blue stilton cheese can be frozen. If it is kept in the freezer at 0°F, it can last indefinitely.
