Bushra Griffith
Cheese is a beloved staple in many households, but it's important to be mindful of food safety, especially when it comes to leaving cheese out at room temperature. The rate at which cheese spoils depends on various factors, including the type of cheese, the temperature of the environment, and the cheese's moisture content. So, how long does cheese really have before it goes bad when left out in a warm environment?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How long can cheese sit out at room temperature | 2 hours, 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C) |
| How long can cheese be left out of the fridge | 4 hours |
| Hard cheeses | Can last longer at room temperature than soft cheeses |
| Soft cheeses | More perishable, should be consumed within a week of opening |
| Hard cheeses | Can last three to four weeks after opening when stored properly |
| Cheese going bad | Cheese will usually become unpalatable far before it becomes dangerous |
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What You'll Learn
Hard cheeses can be left out for longer than soft cheeses
The length of time cheese can be left out depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, its moisture content, and the ambient temperature. 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 just one hour.
Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, can be left out for longer than soft cheeses. This is because hard cheeses have a lower moisture content, which creates an environment that inhibits bacterial growth and spoilage. They are also aged for longer, which contributes to their longer shelf life.
On the other hand, soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and mozzarella have a higher moisture content, making them more perishable and susceptible to bacterial growth. They should be consumed within one to two weeks when stored in the fridge and should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours.
If hard cheeses have been left out for four hours or less, they can be rewrapped and returned to the fridge. However, it is important to inspect them for signs of spoilage, such as a bad smell, a slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks, or mould. If any of these signs are present, the cheese should be discarded.
To extend the shelf life of hard cheese, it can be stored in the fridge or even frozen. When stored in the fridge, unopened hard cheese can last for several months to a year. Once opened, hard cheese will typically last about three to four weeks in the refrigerator. To maximize the shelf life of hard cheese, it should be stored correctly, such as by using porous materials like wax, parchment, or cheese paper for wrapping.
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Soft cheeses should be discarded after two hours at room temperature
Hard cheeses, on the other hand, have a lower moisture content and can, therefore, sit out at room temperature for longer periods without spoiling. Examples of hard cheeses that can last three to four weeks after opening when stored properly include Cheddar, Swiss, Gouda, and Parmesan.
It is important to note that the safety window for any type of cheese left out at room temperature depends on several factors, including temperature, moisture content, and freshness. According to the U.S. Department of Health, cheese should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, and this limit reduces to one hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C).
To keep cheese fresh, it is recommended to wrap it tightly in wax or parchment paper, then place it in a plastic bag or airtight container. This helps to prevent drying and allows the cheese to breathe. Additionally, when serving cheese, it is best to let it sit out at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to improve its texture and flavor.
While soft cheeses should generally be discarded after two hours at room temperature, it is possible to prolong their shelf life by following proper storage practices. By wrapping the cheese well and refrigerating it, you can slow down the spoilage process and safely consume it at a later time. However, it is crucial to regularly check for any signs of spoilage, such as a bad smell, slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks, or mould. If any of these signs are present, it is best to discard the cheese for food safety reasons.
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Hard cheeses can be refrigerated and used again
Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life. Unopened, they can last for several months and even up to a year when stored in the fridge. Once opened, hard cheeses can last for a few weeks to a couple of months in the refrigerator.
Hard cheeses can be left out at room temperature for longer than soft cheeses before spoiling. Soft cheeses like mozzarella, cream cheese, and ricotta should be consumed within one week of opening and should not be left out of the refrigerator for more than two hours. On the other hand, hard cheeses can be left out for up to four hours and still be safe to eat if properly wrapped and refrigerated afterward.
It is important to note that hard cheeses can spoil, and one should look out for signs of spoilage such as an unpleasant smell, a slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks, or mold. If these signs are present, the cheese should be disposed of. If none of these signs are present, the cheese can be wrapped and placed back in the refrigerator.
To keep hard cheeses fresh, they should be wrapped tightly in wax paper or parchment paper and then placed in a plastic bag or airtight container. This helps to prevent them from drying out while allowing them to breathe. Proper storage ensures freshness and flavor and has a significant impact on the cheese's shelf life.
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Soft cheeses last one week in the fridge after opening
Soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, mozzarella, goat's cheese, feta, and cream cheese, are more perishable than hard cheeses and typically last for about a week in the fridge after opening. This is because soft cheeses have a higher moisture content, which makes them more susceptible to bacterial growth. Fresh cheeses like ricotta and cottage cheese have an even shorter shelf life and are best consumed within a week or two of opening.
To keep soft cheeses fresh, they should be wrapped tightly in wax or parchment paper and then placed in a plastic bag or airtight container. This will prevent them from drying out while still allowing them to breathe. It is also important to store soft cheeses in the refrigerator, as leaving them out at room temperature for too long can lead to spoilage. According to the U.S. Department of Health, soft cheeses 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.
It is important to regularly check soft cheeses for signs of spoilage, even if they have been stored properly. Soft cheeses should be discarded if they exhibit any of the following: a sour, rancid, or ammonia smell; visible mould (except for blue cheeses, where the presence of blue mould is intentional and safe to eat); or changes in texture, such as becoming overly dry, crumbly, or slimy.
While soft cheeses generally last about a week in the fridge after opening, it is worth noting that different types of soft cheeses may have slightly different shelf lives. For example, unopened soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert can last for a few weeks to a couple of months past their 'best by' date when refrigerated. On the other hand, fresh soft cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are highly perishable and usually last only a few weeks past their 'best by' date, even when stored properly in the refrigerator. Therefore, it is always important to check the specific guidelines for the particular type of soft cheese you are consuming.
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Hard cheeses can last several months in the fridge when unopened
Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life. Hard cheeses that haven't been opened can last for several months and even up to a year when stored in the fridge. For example, an unopened chunk of Cheddar cheese can be safely refrigerated for about six months, while other hard cheeses like Parmesan and Gouda can last for several months to even a year or more.
Hard cheeses can be left out longer without becoming unsafe, but the quality and taste may change. Leaving hard cheeses out for extended periods may impact the quality of the product but will not—in most cases—result in a food safety issue. The U.S. Department of Health states that hard, aged cheeses like Cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan can last three to four weeks after opening when stored properly. To keep cheese fresh, wrap it tightly in wax paper or parchment paper, then place it in a plastic bag or airtight container. This prevents it from drying out while allowing time to breathe.
To maximize the shelf life of unopened hard cheese, it is recommended to keep it in its original packaging when refrigerating. This helps maintain the optimal storage conditions and delays the exposure of the cheese to air and potential bacterial contamination. Additionally, ensure that your refrigerator temperature is maintained below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage.
Hard cheeses can be frozen for up to eight months, but freezing will impact the texture and quality. To freeze hard cheese, cut it into portions and wrap them tightly or place them in freezer bags. When thawing, allow the cheese to breathe in the refrigerator for about 12 hours.
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Frequently asked questions
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 reduces to one hour. However, hard cheeses like Cheddar or Parmesan can be left out for longer than soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert.
Spoiled hard and semi-hard cheeses may display an unpleasant smell, a slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracked areas, or mould. Spoiled soft cheeses may display a slimy texture, a yellowed colour, mould, sourness, or a scent of ammonia. If you're unsure, it's best to throw it out.
Theoretically, pasteurised cheese can be left out of the fridge for days without making you sick. However, it may not look its best—cracks may appear, the cheese may become rubbery, and hard cheeses may look greasy. To keep it in the best condition, it's recommended to leave cheese out of the fridge for between four and eight hours.
