Patrick Oconnell
Camembert cheese is a soft-ripened cheese with a creamy texture and a strong smell. It is commonly sprayed with the mould Penicillium camemberti, which gives it its characteristic bloomy rind. While Camembert has a high moisture content that can cause it to spoil, proper storage can extend its shelf life. When stored in the refrigerator, Camembert cheese can last 1 to 2 weeks. Freezing is also an option, but this affects its texture and taste, making it better suited for cooked dishes. To maximise its shelf life, Camembert should be wrapped tightly and stored at room temperature, typically under a glass globe. While a strong smell is desirable, an ammonia odour indicates that the cheese has gone bad.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Store in its wrapper, in the box, usually under a glass globe, at room temperature. |
| Storage temperature | Room temperature |
| Refrigeration | Refrigeration is not recommended. |
| Shelf life | 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. |
| Freezing | Can be frozen for up to 6 months. |
| Thawing | Can be thawed in the fridge, microwave, or cold water. |
| Texture | If gone bad, it will develop a hard texture around the corners. |
| Color | May get darker in color. |
| Smell | An off smell is an indication of spoilage. |
| Mold | If mold appears that was not part of the manufacturing process, discard it. |
| Consumption | Consuming moldy cheese is safe as long as the mold is cut off. |
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What You'll Learn
How to store Camembert cheese
Camembert cheese is a soft-ripened cheese with a bloomy rind, a creamy interior, and a range of flavours from mild and milky to earthy and vegetal. It is a living thing and needs to breathe. Therefore, it should not be wrapped in plastic unless the plastic is perforated. The best way to store Camembert cheese is to leave it in the wooden box it came in, wrapped in the paper it came in, in a vegetable crisper. If you are storing it in the refrigerator, it should be wrapped in cheese paper and kept in the coldest part. You can also wrap the original packaging tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil; for even better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Camembert cheese requires the proper temperature and humidity to maintain its quality and shelf life. In the refrigerator, it will last for 1-2 weeks. On the counter at room temperature (below 70 degrees), it will last for up to seven days. To extend the shelf life, you can freeze the cheese. Cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each and wrap it tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, so it is best suited for cooked dishes.
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How long does Camembert cheese last in the fridge?
Camembert cheese is a soft cheese that is commonly sprayed with the mould Penicillium camemberti and/or Geotrichum candidum. It is a high-risk food for listeria food poisoning due to its moisture content, so it must be eaten fairly quickly.
When it comes to storing Camembert cheese, there are differing opinions on whether it should be kept in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Some sources claim that Camembert should be stored in its original packaging at room temperature, as refrigeration can trap the ammonia smell that develops in the cheese and affect its flavour. However, other sources suggest that Camembert will last longer if kept in the fridge.
If you choose to store your Camembert cheese in the refrigerator, make sure to keep it wrapped tightly in its original packaging, or for better results, wrap it first in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating. Properly stored in the refrigerator, Camembert cheese will typically last for about 1 to 2 weeks.
To extend the shelf life of Camembert cheese, you can freeze it. Cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each and wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen Camembert cheese will maintain its best quality for about 6 months but will remain safe to consume beyond that time. After thawing, the cheese can be kept in the refrigerator for an additional 3 to 4 days. However, freezing may affect the texture and flavour of the cheese, making it better suited for cooked dishes like sauces, soups, and casseroles.
Signs that your Camembert cheese has gone bad include a hard texture around the corners, a darker colour, an off smell, or the appearance of mould that was not part of the normal manufacturing process. If you notice any of these signs, it is best to discard the cheese.
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How to identify if Camembert cheese has gone bad
Camembert is a soft cheese that is commonly sprayed with the mould Penicillium camemberti and/or Geotrichum candidum. It is usually stored in its wrapper, in the box, under a glass globe, at room temperature. However, it does not store well once opened. Properly stored, it will last 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Texture
If your Camembert cheese has gone bad, it will typically develop a hard texture around the corners.
Colour
The cheese may get darker in colour. If that is the case, it is not safe to consume.
Smell
If your Camembert gives off an off-smell, it is a clear indication of spoilage. Smelly is desirable, but when it smells of ammonia, it won't taste nice.
Mould appearance
If there is any mould appearance that was not a part of the normal manufacturing process, it is best to throw it away.
Storage
Camembert cheese can be frozen, but this affects its quality by inevitably affecting its texture. It will taste weird if eaten alone, but it can be added to dishes or dips.
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Can you freeze Camembert cheese?
Whether or not to freeze Camembert cheese is a divisive topic. Some sources claim that you can freeze Camembert, while others advise against it.
Camembert is a soft cheese with a high moisture content. Freezing such cheeses can cause their molecular structure to break down, resulting in a crumbly texture and a loss of flavour. The higher the water content in cheese, the more susceptible it is to damage from ice crystals. As a result, soft cheeses like Camembert can become liquidy and develop an unpleasantly grainy texture when frozen and defrosted.
However, if your goal is to use the cheese in cooked dishes, freezing Camembert can be an option to extend its shelf life. It is important to note that the cheese should not be consumed plain after thawing, as the degradation of texture and flavour will be noticeable. Instead, it can be baked or cooked as part of a dish.
To freeze Camembert cheese, it should be tightly wrapped in aluminium foil, cling film, or parchment paper to protect it from freezer burn. It can then be placed in an airtight container and stored in the freezer for up to twelve months. When ready to use, the cheese should be thawed in the refrigerator for about 24 hours.
In conclusion, while it is possible to freeze Camembert cheese, it is generally recommended to consume it fresh. Freezing can negatively impact its texture and flavour, making it unsuitable for plain consumption. However, if used in cooked dishes, frozen Camembert can still be a viable option to reduce waste and extend its shelf life.
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Is it safe to eat Camembert cheese that smells bad?
It is important to note that the shelf life of Camembert cheese depends on its storage conditions. It is recommended to store Camembert cheese in its original packaging, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, and then placed in the refrigerator. Properly stored Camembert cheese will last 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Now, coming to the question, "Is it safe to eat Camembert cheese that smells bad?". The answer is, it depends. A characteristic of Camembert cheese is its strong, pungent smell, which can be described as earthy, nutty, fruity, grassy, or even mushroomy. A smelly Camembert cheese is considered good to eat, and the stronger the smell, the better it is. However, if the Camembert cheese smells like ammonia, it is an indication that it is too far gone and might not taste nice.
In addition to smell, there are other indicators to determine if Camembert cheese has gone bad. If the cheese has developed a hard texture around the corners or has darkened in colour, it is not safe to consume. If there is mould on the cheese that was not a part of the normal manufacturing process, it is best to discard it.
To extend the shelf life of Camembert cheese, it can be frozen. However, freezing may affect the texture and quality of the cheese, making it crumbly and less flavourful. Frozen Camembert cheese is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedge of Camembert cheese will last 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Camembert cheese is best stored at room temperature and should be consumed rapidly as it can quickly develop an odour.
Yes, you can freeze Camembert cheese. It will maintain its best quality for about 6 months.
If your Camembert cheese has gone bad, it will typically develop a hard texture around the corners and may even get darker in colour. If there is mould that was not part of the manufacturing process, throw it away.
Camembert cheese has a strong smell that is similar to blue cheese. It is desirable for the cheese to be smelly, but if it smells like ammonia, it has likely gone bad.
