Frederic Melton
Cheese is a beloved food item, but it can be tricky to know when it's gone bad. Cheese is a dairy product that can spoil if left unrefrigerated for too long, and the shelf life depends on the type of cheese. Soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and Mozzarella have a higher moisture content, making them more perishable than harder cheeses. They typically last for about a week in the fridge, whereas hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda can last for several weeks to a couple of months. Signs of spoilage include visible mould, a sour or bitter taste, unusual textures, and a strong ammonia smell. Proper storage is crucial to extend the shelf life of cheese, and it's important to keep it in an airtight container or wrapped in porous material like wax or parchment paper in the refrigerator.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Spoilage | Cheese can spoil if left unrefrigerated for too long. |
| Factors | Type of cheese, moisture content, whether it is fresh or aged, and storage method. |
| Types | Soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, Mozzarella, and Feta are more perishable due to their higher moisture content. Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have lower moisture content and can sit out longer without spoiling. |
| Duration | Soft cheeses typically last 7 days in the fridge after opening, while hard cheeses can last 3-4 weeks. |
| Signs | Visible mold, sour or rancid smell, unusual texture, discoloration, and bitter or sour taste. |
| Prevention | Store cheese in an airtight container, wrap it in porous material like wax or parchment paper, and maintain a fridge temperature below 40°F (4°C). |
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What You'll Learn
Soft cheeses spoil faster than hard cheeses
Cheese is a beloved food for many, but it can be tricky to know how long it will last in the fridge. The shelf life of cheese depends on several factors, including its moisture content, storage practices, and preservatives. Soft cheeses with high moisture content tend to spoil faster than hard cheeses with low moisture content.
Soft cheeses, such as ricotta, feta, mozzarella, goat's cheese, and cream cheese, are more perishable and have a shorter shelf life than hard cheeses. They typically last about one to two weeks in the refrigerator after opening. This is because they have a higher moisture content, creating an environment more prone to spoilage from bacterial growth. Proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of soft cheeses. For example, soft cheeses sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, should be kept in the liquid with a secure lid. Blue cheese can be wrapped in foil, while Brie, a soft-ripened cheese with a delicate rind, can be wrapped in cheese paper or parchment paper and kept in an airtight container.
On the other hand, hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have a lower moisture content, making them less susceptible to bacterial growth and spoilage. Unopened hard cheeses can be stored at room temperature and typically last up to six months in the fridge, while opened hard cheeses can last three to four weeks. To ensure the longevity of hard cheeses, they should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in the coldest part of the fridge.
It's important to note that the presence of mould on cheese indicates spoilage. While mould can be cut off hard cheeses, soft cheeses are more susceptible to mould growth throughout and should be discarded if mould is present. Other signs of spoilage in cheese include discolouration, changes in texture, a yeasty or ammonia smell, and a bitter or sour taste. Consuming spoiled cheese can lead to adverse health effects, including gastrointestinal discomfort, allergic reactions, and, in severe cases, food poisoning. Therefore, when in doubt, it's best to discard the cheese.
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Proper storage is key to preventing spoilage
Cheese is a delicious and nutritious food, but it can be tricky to keep it fresh. Proper storage is key to preventing spoilage and extending its refrigerator life. Soft cheeses like feta, mozzarella, and Brie have a high moisture content, making them more perishable than harder varieties. They typically last about a week in the fridge, but their quality and taste will start to decline before then. To get the most out of soft cheeses, store them in a way that allows them to breathe and release moisture while protecting them from low humidity. Wrap them in porous material like wax or parchment paper, then place them in a container with an airtight lid.
Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack, have less moisture than soft cheese, giving them a slightly longer shelf life of about two to three weeks. For optimal freshness, remove them from their plastic packaging and wrap them loosely in a breathable material like wax paper. Then, place them in an airtight container.
Hard cheeses like aged cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have a much longer fridge life, lasting three to four weeks or even longer when stored properly. Inspect hard cheeses for mold and cut off any spots, but be aware that white specks are likely calcium lactate crystals and safe to eat.
In general, a safe fridge temperature for storing cheese is below 40°F (4°C). Higher temperatures increase the rate of bacterial growth, leading to faster spoilage. To maintain proper humidity and avoid contamination, keep cheese above raw meats, poultry, and fish. Additionally, change the bag of aged cheeses every week, pat them dry, and avoid moisture. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, unusual texture, or mold, it's best to discard the cheese.
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Signs of spoilage to look out for
Cheese is a beloved food product, but it can spoil if left unrefrigerated for too long. The shelf life of cheese also depends on the type of cheese, primarily its moisture content, and whether it is fresh or aged. Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have lower moisture content and can sit out longer without spoiling. Soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and Mozzarella are more perishable due to their higher moisture content.
Mould
The most obvious sign of spoilage is visible, unintentional mould. For semi-soft to hard cheese, you can simply cut at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) below and around the mouldy areas and use the rest. However, soft cheeses like cottage cheese, cream cheese, and crumbled, shredded, or sliced cheeses—whether soft or hard—should be discarded if mould is present. Blue cheese is an exception, as the presence of blue mould is intentional and safe to eat.
Smell
Cheese should typically have a characteristic smell related to its type, but if it smells sour, rancid, or like ammonia, it has likely gone bad. A chemical aroma or funky barnyard smell may also indicate spoilage.
Texture
Cheese that has gone bad may exhibit changes in texture, becoming overly dry, crumbly, or slimy.
Discolouration
Significant changes in colour, such as yellowing or browning, can indicate spoilage. White specks or crystallized patches on certain aged hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda are normal and safe to eat. These spots are most likely calcium lactate crystals, which form when the lactic acid in cheese combines with calcium.
Taste
If the cheese has an off or sour flavour, it has likely spoiled and should not be consumed. A bitter aftertaste may also indicate spoilage.
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How to store cheese in the fridge
Cheese is a delicate product that requires careful storage to maintain its freshness and flavour. Proper storage can dramatically extend the life of your cheese. Here is a guide on how to store cheese in the fridge:
Choose the Right Container
Use a container with an airtight lid to protect your cheese from low humidity in the fridge. Glass or plastic containers are fine for short periods, so long as the cheese is kept humid and cool. Avoid plastic wrap or cling wrap as this can cut off the air supply, causing the cheese to "suffocate" and develop odd flavours and textures.
Use the Right Wrapping
Cheese paper is ideal for wrapping cheese. It provides airflow and humidity, keeping your cheese fresh. Alternatively, you can use parchment or butcher paper, followed by a loosely closed Ziploc bag, ensuring that some air remains in the bag. For soft cheeses like ricotta, feta, and mozzarella, it is best to keep them in their original packaging with brine.
Store in the Right Place
The cheese and produce drawers of your fridge are best at keeping cheese humid and cool. Avoid storing different types of cheese in the same container, as this can cause mould to form faster.
Storage by Cheese Type
The way you store your cheese will depend on its type. Soft cheeses, such as ricotta, feta, and mozzarella, have a high moisture content and are more perishable, so proper storage is key. They will generally last about a week in the fridge. Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack, have a slightly longer shelf life of about two to four weeks. Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar, Gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano, can last several months in the fridge when stored properly.
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How long does cheese last out of the fridge?
Cheese is a beloved dairy product with a relatively long shelf life. However, it can spoil if left unrefrigerated for extended periods. The length of time cheese can be safely left out of the fridge depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, the temperature of the environment, and the storage method.
Soft Cheeses
Soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, mozzarella, feta, cottage cheese, cream cheese, and Queso Fresco, have a high moisture content, making them more perishable. At room temperature, soft cheeses should be discarded after two hours, according to the U.S. Department of Health. If the temperature rises above 90°F (32°C), this time limit shortens to one hour.
When stored in the fridge, soft cheeses typically last for about one week after opening. To maximize their shelf life, soft cheeses should be wrapped in wax, parchment, or cheese paper and placed in an airtight container to protect them from drying out and humidity fluctuations.
Hard Cheeses
Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Gouda, Parmesan, and Swiss cheese, have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life. At room temperature, hard cheeses can be left out for longer periods, but it is still recommended to wrap and refrigerate them after two hours to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
In the fridge, hard cheeses can last three to four weeks after opening when stored properly. To optimize their shelf life, hard cheeses should be wrapped tightly in wax, parchment, or cheese paper and stored in an airtight container in the coldest part of the fridge. Unopened hard cheeses can even be stored at room temperature, but they will last much longer if refrigerated.
Signs of Spoilage
It is important to regularly examine cheese for any signs of spoilage, especially after it has been left out of the fridge. Visible mold, discoloration, changes in texture (dryness, crumbly, or slimy consistency), sour or rancid smell, and unusual taste are all indications that the cheese has spoiled and should be discarded.
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Frequently asked questions
The length of time cheese lasts in the fridge depends on its type. Soft cheeses like feta, mozzarella, and Brie tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda. In general, soft cheeses last for about a week in the fridge, while hard cheeses last for three to four weeks.
Signs of spoilage include visible mold, a sour or bitter taste or smell, changes in texture, and discolouration. If a soft cheese has mold, it should be discarded. If a hard cheese has mold, it can be cut off if at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mold is removed.
Cheese can spoil if left unrefrigerated for too long, especially soft cheeses with higher moisture content. Hard cheeses like Cheddar or Parmesan can be left unrefrigerated for longer periods, but soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert should be discarded if left out overnight.
