Frederic Melton
Cheese is a beloved staple in many households, but it's essential to understand its shelf life and storage requirements to ensure food safety and maintain its quality. The duration cheese can be left out of the fridge and its longevity in the refrigerator depend on several factors, primarily the type of cheese and its moisture content. Leaving cheese unrefrigerated for extended periods can lead to bacterial growth, impacting its taste, texture, and safety. Proper storage methods, such as wrapping and maintaining optimal fridge temperatures, are crucial for preserving cheese. Understanding these factors is essential to maximise the lifespan of cheese and prevent waste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storing cheese in the fridge | Cheese should be stored in the fridge when not being served to keep it from ripening too quickly. |
| Storing cheese out of the fridge | Cheese can be stored out of the fridge if it will be consumed in 3-4 days. |
| Storing cheese in the freezer | Freezing cheese can alter its flavour and texture. |
| Storing cheese in plastic wrap | Cheese should not be wrapped in plastic wrap as the fats in the cheese interact with the plastic and cause a stale, plastic-y flavour to develop. |
| Best temperature for storing cheese in the fridge | A safe fridge temperature is below 40°F (4°C). Higher temperatures increase the rate at which bacteria multiply. |
| How long does cheese last in the fridge? | This depends on the type of cheese. Hard cheeses can last for several months to a year. Soft cheeses can last for a few weeks to a couple of months. |
| How long can cheese be left out of the fridge? | Cheese should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. If the temperature is above 90°F (32°C), this limit reduces to one hour. |
Explore related products
$11.72 $16.99
What You'll Learn
How long does cheese last in the fridge?
The length of time cheese lasts in the fridge depends on the type of cheese and whether it has been opened. Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, or Gouda, have lower moisture content, making them less prone to spoilage from bacterial growth. Unopened, they can last for several months to a year when stored in the fridge. Once opened, hard cheeses can last three to four weeks in the fridge.
Semi-hard cheeses like Swiss cheese and blue cheeses like Stilton have a relatively long shelf life, often several months past their 'best by' date when kept in the refrigerator before opening. After opening, they should last for several weeks in the fridge.
Soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, and fresh mozzarella, have a higher moisture content and are more perishable. Unopened, they typically last for a few weeks to a couple of months past their 'best by' date when refrigerated. After opening, soft cheeses should be consumed within one to two weeks and should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours.
Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are highly perishable and usually last only a few weeks past their 'best by' date when stored in the refrigerator. After opening, they are best consumed within one to two weeks.
It is important to note that the 'best by' or 'sell by' dates on cheese are guidelines for quality rather than safety. Cheese often remains safe to eat beyond these dates if stored properly in the fridge. Additionally, the optimal temperature for a fridge is below 40°F (4°C) to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth.
Cheese: A Vitamin D Source?
You may want to see also
How to store cheese in the fridge
The first thing to note is that cheese does not have to be stored in the fridge. Technically, you can store any cheese out of refrigeration, and it will still be safe to eat. However, storing cheese in the fridge will slow down the ripening process, and it will last longer.
When storing cheese in the fridge, it is important to keep it wrapped in the right material. Cheese paper is the best option, as it is designed to allow the cheese to breathe without drying out. If you do not have cheese paper, you can use foil, which works well to protect the cheese. Parchment paper is another good option, but if you use this, it is recommended to first wrap the cheese in paper and then put it in a plastic bag or airtight container. You can also use a Ziploc bag, but make sure to leave some air in the bag so that the cheese has enough oxygen. Do not wrap cheese directly in plastic wrap or Saran wrap, as this can cause a stale, plastic-like flavour to develop.
The temperature of the fridge is also important. Store cheese in the coldest part of the fridge, and if you are serving it, let it sit out at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving.
Different types of cheese have different shelf lives. Hard, unopened cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda can last several months to a year when stored in the fridge. Once opened, they can last three to four weeks. Blue cheeses like Stilton, Roquefort, and Gorgonzola can last several months when unopened and properly refrigerated. Semi-hard cheeses like Swiss cheese also have a relatively long shelf life, often several months past their 'best by' date. Soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and mozzarella have a shorter shelf life, typically 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.
The Hunt for Cheese in Once Human
You may want to see also
How to wrap cheese for the fridge
When storing cheese in the fridge, it is important to wrap it properly to maintain its freshness and flavour. The best way to wrap cheese is to use wax paper or parchment paper, then add a layer of plastic wrap and place it in the crisper drawer. This method provides breathability for the cheese without drying it out.
Firstly, place the parchment or waxed paper flat on your counter and put the cheese on top. Bring the edges of the paper up and around the cheese, creasing as you go to make neat, clean folds. You can use tape to secure the paper if you like. If you are wrapping more than one type of cheese, it is a good idea to label them. Write the name of the cheese and the date of purchase on a strip of cardstock and place it face down on a sheet of plastic wrap before laying the wax or parchment paper on top.
Next, add a loose layer of plastic wrap or place the wrapped cheese in a plastic bag. This will help to prevent fridge odours from seeping into the cheese. You can also use a large Tupperware container to store all your cheese pieces together.
It is important to note that cheese should not be wrapped directly in plastic wrap, as this can cause the cheese to go bad faster and develop a stale, plastic-like flavour. Instead, use wax paper or parchment paper as the first layer of wrapping to allow the cheese to breathe and prevent additional moisture.
Radahn Cheese: Did the Latest Patch Fix the Issue?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Signs of cheese going bad
Cheese is a perishable food, and consuming spoiled cheese can lead to foodborne illnesses. Therefore, it is important to be able to identify the signs of spoilage. While cheese can be stored out of the refrigerator, keeping it in the fridge will help to stabilize it and keep it from ripening too quickly.
Mould
Mould growth on cheese can be both desirable and undesirable. Some types of cheese, such as Stilton or Brie, are intentionally inoculated with moulds to achieve a specific flavour or texture. In such cases, the mould is safe to eat. However, if mould grows on cheese unintentionally, it may produce spores and toxins that can make the cheese unsafe to eat. Different types of mould can cause different colours and patterns on the cheese, such as blue, red or white spots. While some moulds on cheese are harmless, others can be toxic and potentially dangerous if consumed in large amounts. It is important to check for signs of unsafe mould growth, such as unusual colours, textures or odours. If you notice mould on the cut surface of the cheese, simply trim away the surface mould and continue enjoying the rest of the cheese.
Colour
A change in the colour of cheese can be a sign of spoilage. Oxidation can cause a change in colour, as the compound beta-carotene, which is responsible for the yellow colour of most cheeses, is broken down. This can cause the exposed part of the cheese to look much whiter. Browning can also be a sign of spoilage in cheeses like Gouda and Parmesan.
Texture
Any sudden or unusual changes in texture can be a sign that the cheese has spoiled. Hard cheeses like Cheddar can start to crack when they spoil due to changes in the cheese’s moisture content and the growth of unwanted bacteria. As hard cheeses age, they lose moisture, which can cause them to become brittle and prone to cracking. Soft cheeses with higher moisture content are more perishable and less likely to last unrefrigerated.
Smell
How a cheese smells is one of the best ways to determine whether it is safe to eat. If a mild cheese, like Monterey Jack or American, smells strong, like blue cheese or Limburger, then it has likely gone bad. Cheeses that are naturally pungent, like blue cheese or Camembert, will have a strong ammonia smell, similar to cat urine, once they go bad. If the cheese smells like a much more concentrated version of what you're used to, it's probably no longer safe to eat.
Chick-fil-A's Pimento Cheese: Why It's No Longer on the Menu
You may want to see also
How long cheese can be left out of the fridge
While cheese can be stored outside of the fridge without spoiling for a short period, the length of time depends on the type of cheese and how it's stored.
According to the U.S. Department of Health, cheese should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. If the temperature is above 90°F (32°C), this limit is reduced to one hour. Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss cheese, can be left out for longer periods, especially if they are wrapped, as they have a lower moisture content and are less susceptible to bacterial growth. However, soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, and mozzarella, should not be left out for more than two hours due to their higher moisture content, which promotes bacterial growth.
If you are creating a cheese board, it is recommended to use chilled trays to keep the cheese cool. You can place the cheese board over a chilled platter or bowl of ice. Additionally, pairing the cheese with dried fruits, nuts, and chutneys can help prevent cross-contamination.
When storing cheese in the fridge, it is important to wrap it properly. The ideal wrapping material is the specially designed cheese paper that some cheesemongers provide. This allows the cheese to breathe and prevents it from drying out. If you don't have cheese paper, foil is the next best option, followed by parchment paper. If using parchment paper, it is recommended to first wrap the cheese in paper and then in plastic wrap or a ziplock bag to prevent air from permeating the wrapping and drying out the cheese. Do not wrap cheese directly in plastic wrap, as the fats in the cheese can interact with the plastic and cause a stale, plastic-like flavour to develop.
While cheese can be stored out of the fridge for a short period, it is generally recommended to store it in the fridge when not serving it. The colder temperatures will stabilise the cheese and prevent it from ripening too quickly.
Panera Bread's Cheese Pastry: Gone for Good?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The U.S. Department of Health recommends that perishable food, including soft cheeses, should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours. Hard cheeses can be left out for up to four hours and then rewrapped and put back in the fridge.
Unopened hard cheeses can last for several months to a year in the fridge. Once opened, hard cheeses will last three to four weeks.
Soft cheeses will last for one to two weeks in the fridge after opening. Fresh cheeses like ricotta and cottage cheese should be consumed within one to two weeks of opening.
Cheese should be wrapped in porous material like wax, parchment, or cheese paper to prevent it from drying out. It should be stored in the coldest part of the fridge, in an airtight container or wrapped tightly.
Freezing cheese can alter its flavour and texture. However, all cheese except soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage, and cream cheese can be frozen for up to six months at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below.
