Bushra Griffith
Cheese is a beloved food item, but it's not always clear how long it lasts. While whole, cut, or sliced cheeses can survive a little mould and be salvaged, softer cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than harder varieties. Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life. Properly stored, they can last several months to a year. Blue cheeses like Stilton, Roquefort, and Gorgonzola can also have a long shelf life of several months when unopened and properly refrigerated. Semi-hard cheeses like Swiss cheese can last several months past their 'best by' date, while soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert have a shorter shelf life, lasting a few weeks to a couple of months. Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are highly perishable and usually last only a few weeks. Ultimately, the shelf life of cheese depends on the type of cheese, how it's stored, and the degree of spoilage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Expiry Dates | Expiry dates on cheese are not always accurate indicators of when cheese has expired. |
| Shelf Life | Depends on the type of cheese, how it has been stored, and the degree of spoilage. |
| Hard Cheeses | Have a lower moisture content, which extends their shelf life. Can last several months to a year when stored in the fridge. |
| Blue Cheeses | Can have a shelf life of several months when unopened and refrigerated properly. |
| Semi-Hard Cheeses | Have a relatively long shelf life, often several months past their 'best by' date when refrigerated. |
| Soft Cheeses | Have a shorter shelf life, lasting a few weeks to a couple of months past their 'best by' date when unopened and refrigerated. |
| Fresh Cheeses | Highly perishable, usually lasting only a few weeks past their 'best by' date. |
| Grated Cheeses | Riskier, depending on the original moisture content. Should be used as soon as possible. |
| Spoilage Indicators | Look for mould, off colours, unusual textures, or changes in smell. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese expiration dates are not regulated
The shelf life of cheese varies depending on the type of cheese. Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life. These cheeses can last for several months and even up to a year when stored in the fridge. On the other hand, soft and fresh cheeses have a shorter shelf life and are more perishable.
Even if the expiration date on the cheese packaging has passed, it does not necessarily mean that the cheese has expired. You can use your common sense and instinct to determine whether to keep or toss the cheese. Some signs of spoilage to look out for include mould deep into the block of cheese, puffiness or ballooning of the packaging, liquid in the packaging, a sour or off-putting odour, a slimy or sticky texture, or discolouration. If you notice any of these signs, it is best to discard the cheese. However, if there is only a small amount of mould, you can cut off the affected area and enjoy the rest of the cheese.
It is important to note that people with compromised immune systems, pregnant women, elderly individuals, or those with certain health conditions should be more cautious and avoid consuming foods that show signs of spoilage.
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How to identify spoiled cheese
Cheese is a perishable food product, and if consumed when spoiled, it can lead to food poisoning. The signs of spoilage vary depending on the type of cheese, but generally, you should pay attention to the following characteristics: expiration date, appearance, smell, and texture.
Appearance
The appearance of cheese can change as it matures, but if it deviates too much from its original look, it might be spoiled. Changes in colour can indicate spoilage, with the original yellow or orange hue fading or turning white due to the loss of beta-carotene. In some cases, cheese may turn brown, pink, or green, which is a sign of spoilage.
Smell
Spoiled cheese often emits an unpleasant, rancid odour. This smell is caused by the release of free fatty acids and specific volatile compounds during the bacterial or microbial breakdown of cheese. If the cheese smells rancid or sour, it has likely gone bad.
Texture
A change in texture can also indicate that cheese has spoiled. If the cheese has become slimy, sticky, or greasy, it is a sign of bacterial growth and should be discarded. Additionally, if the cheese has become bloated or swollen, it indicates that gases have built up inside, which is another sign of spoilage.
Mould
The presence of mould on the cheese's surface is a clear indication that it has gone bad. Mould can appear in various colours, including white, blue, green, or black. Some moulds on cheese are harmless, but others can be toxic and dangerous if consumed. If you spot mould on a soft cheese, it is recommended to throw away the entire cheese. However, if the mould is on a hard cheese and has not spread, you can cut out the mouldy portion and the surrounding area before consuming the rest of the cheese.
Taste
Spoiled cheese may also exhibit a highly acidic or excessively sour taste due to the overgrowth of bacteria and excessive fermentation. If the cheese tastes bitter or sour, it has likely gone bad.
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Proper cheese storage methods
Cheese is a living, breathing organism, and proper storage can help prolong its shelf life. The length of time cheese can be stored depends on the type of cheese, how it is stored, and the degree of spoilage. Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life. Unopened, they can last for several months, or even up to a year, when stored in the fridge. On the other hand, soft and fresh cheeses have a shorter shelf life and are more perishable.
- Remove the cheese from its original plastic packaging. Leaving cheese in its vacuum-sealed plastic wrap can give it a plastic flavour.
- Wrap the cheese in a clean sheet of cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper. Make sure the cheese is completely covered.
- Label the cheese with the type and date of purchase. This is especially helpful if you have multiple cheeses in your fridge, so you don't have to unwrap them all to find the one you want.
- Loosely wrap the paper-covered cheese in plastic wrap to prevent the cheese from absorbing other flavours in the fridge.
- Store the cheese in a dark, cool, and humid place, such as the produce storage container of your fridge.
It's important to note that cheese can go bad, and it's best to err on the side of caution and not consume it if it exhibits signs of spoilage. Signs of spoilage include an off odor, texture, or taste. Mould that is not part of the manufacturing process, such as orange, rust red, blue, or green mould, is also a sign of spoilage. Blue cheeses, like Stilton, Roquefort, and Gorgonzola, are created from mould spores, so the presence of blue mould is intentional and safe to eat.
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Safe consumption of mouldy cheese
Cheese is a dairy product with a long shelf life, but it does eventually spoil and become unsafe to eat. Mould is a type of fungus that thrives in moist, nutrient-rich environments, making cheese an ideal growth medium. While some moulds are safe for human consumption and are even used in the cheesemaking process, others can be hazardous, leading to food poisoning, allergic reactions, or even long-term health risks such as cancer.
The safe consumption of mouldy cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, the extent of mould growth, and individual sensitivity to spoiled food. Here are some guidelines to help you make an informed decision:
- Type of Cheese: Hard, aged cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, or Gouda have a lower moisture content, which inhibits mould growth. If mould is present, it can often be safely scraped off, and a quarter-inch layer of cheese should be removed along with it. However, if there is significant mould growth or the cheese smells off, it is best to discard it.
- Soft Cheeses: Fresh soft cheeses like ricotta, mascarpone, or chèvre are highly perishable, and mould can quickly penetrate deep into the cheese. It is recommended to discard these cheeses if mould is present. For mould on soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert, remove at least a quarter-inch of cheese around the mouldy area.
- Colour of Mould: The colour of mould can provide a helpful indication of its potential hazard. White, fuzzy mould tinged with green has a minimal impact on flavour and can usually be cut away safely. Black, grey, orange, or reddish moulds are less desirable and may indicate the presence of harmful microorganisms. It is recommended to cut away a more substantial portion of cheese around these moulds to ensure no affected areas remain.
- Smell and Texture: If the cheese smells like ammonia or has a sour, rancid odour, it has likely spoiled and should be discarded. Similarly, changes in texture, such as excessive dryness, crumbly consistency, or sliminess, indicate spoilage and should be avoided.
- Individual Sensitivity: It is important to consider individual sensitivity to spoiled food. If you have a compromised immune system, are pregnant, elderly, or have certain health conditions, it is generally advisable to be cautious and avoid consuming any mouldy cheese.
To prevent mouldy cheese, proper storage is essential. Avoid plastic wrap as it seals in moisture, promoting mould growth. Instead, wrap cheese in cheese paper or parchment paper and store it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Additionally, ensure that cheese is cut and sliced in a clean environment to prevent exposure to harmful microorganisms.
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Best-before dates and expiration dates
Best-before and expiration dates are often confusing, and many people interpret them as a hard-and-fast rule. However, this is not always the case, especially with cheese.
Firstly, it is important to note that in some places, like the US, there are no regulations on date marking for cheese. Therefore, the dates on cheese products are often arbitrary and simply a guide to quality rather than safety. This means that cheese can be safely consumed past its best-before date, as long as it shows no signs of spoilage.
Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life, even beyond their best-before dates. Properly stored, these cheeses can last several months to a year in the fridge. Blue cheeses like Stilton, Roquefort, and Gorgonzola can also have a longer shelf life of several months when unopened and properly refrigerated. Semi-hard cheeses like Swiss cheese can also last several months past their best-before dates when refrigerated before opening.
On the other hand, soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese have a shorter shelf life. Unopened, they can last a few weeks to a couple of months past their best-before dates when refrigerated. Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are highly perishable and usually only last a few weeks.
To determine if cheese has gone bad, use your senses of sight, smell, and, if you're feeling brave, taste. Mould is a tell-tale sign of spoilage, but not all moulds are created equal. For example, blue mould is expected and safe to eat in blue cheeses like Stilton, while other types of mould on cheeses like Cheddar or Swiss are not safe. Changes in texture, such as dryness, crumbly or slimy consistencies, can also indicate spoilage. An off smell, such as sour, rancid, or ammonia-like odours, is another sign that cheese has gone bad.
It is important to note that some people are more sensitive to spoiled food than others. If you have a compromised immune system, are pregnant, elderly, or have certain health conditions, it is generally advisable to be cautious and avoid consuming foods that show any signs of spoilage.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheese does expire. However, the shelf life varies depending on the type of cheese. Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan and Gouda have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life. Soft and fresh cheeses have a shorter shelf life and are more perishable.
There are several ways to determine if cheese has expired. Firstly, you can look at the cheese for any signs of mould, off colours or unusual textures. Secondly, you can smell the cheese. Cheese should typically have a characteristic smell related to its type, but if it smells sour, rancid, or like ammonia, it's a sign of spoilage. Thirdly, you can taste the cheese, but this is not recommended if the cheese shows signs of spoilage.
It is generally not recommended to eat cheese that has expired, as it may be unsafe and lead to food poisoning. However, some people choose to consume expired cheese if it passes the sight and smell tests, and they are in good health. If you choose to consume expired cheese, monitor yourself for symptoms of food poisoning like vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhoea.
The length of time cheese lasts depends on the type of cheese and how it is stored. Hard cheeses that haven't been opened can last for several months and even up to a year when stored in the fridge. Soft cheeses such as Brie and Camembert typically last for a few weeks to a couple of months past their 'best by' date when refrigerated. Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta and cottage cheese are highly perishable and usually last only a few weeks.
