Randy Chandler
Gorgonzola cheese is a distinct, aromatic blue-veined Italian cheese made from unskimmed cow's milk. It is named after the town of Gorgonzola in Lombardy and is traditionally aged for three to four months. It has a strong flavour and a soft, crumbly texture. Crumbled gorgonzola cheese can last for up to six months if unopened and stored correctly in the fridge. However, once opened, it should be consumed within one to two weeks. Signs that gorgonzola cheese has spoiled include a sour smell, an off-white to yellow colour, and a hard or dry texture. While blue-green veins of mold in gorgonzola are safe to consume, any other colour of mold, such as black, red, or brown, indicates that the cheese has expired and should be discarded.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | Up to 6 months unopened |
| Storage | In the fridge, on the bottom shelf or in the vegetable crisper; in the freezer for longer storage |
| Packaging | Rewrap in fresh cling film or foil after each use; store in an airtight container in the freezer |
| Signs of spoilage | Sour smell, off-white to yellow colour, hard or dry texture, black, red, brown, pink, grey or green mould, slimy or gritty texture, ammonia-like smell |
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What You'll Learn
Storage methods to extend shelf life
Gorgonzola is a soft, crumbly, blue-veined Italian cheese with a distinct, strong flavor. It can be stored for 3-4 weeks past the sell-by date when kept correctly in the fridge. Once opened, gorgonzola cheese generally keeps well for 3-4 weeks, although its flavor is at its peak within the first week. To extend the shelf life of gorgonzola cheese, follow these storage methods:
Use Airtight Containers
For longer storage, grate or crumble the cheese and store it in airtight containers in the freezer. Frozen gorgonzola can last up to 6 months, but it's best to use it within the first 2 months for optimal quality. Always thaw frozen gorgonzola in the fridge overnight before using it.
Store in the Vegetable Crisper
Gorgonzola cheese is best kept in the vegetable crisper of your refrigerator, where the temperature is more stable. The vegetable drawer is also a more humid part of the fridge, helping to prevent the cheese from drying out.
Wrap in Cheese Paper or Bee's Wrap
Wrap gorgonzola cheese in cheese paper or bee's wrap, and avoid using plastic wrap or foil. Plastic wrap can trap moisture on the cheese's surface, leading to the growth of unwanted bacteria and the rapid degradation of the cheese.
Use a Cheese Grotto
A Cheese Grotto is a storage container designed to regulate high humidity levels and provide a gentle supply of fresh air around the cheese. It eliminates the need for wrapping cheese and helps maintain freshness by preventing moisture from being trapped on the cheese's surface.
Re-wrap after Each Use
To prevent further exposure to air, always rewrap the cheese in fresh cling film or foil after each use.
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Signs of spoilage
Crumbled Gorgonzola cheese can last for quite a long time if unopened—up to half a year. However, it's important to check for signs of spoilage before consuming it beyond the date on the label.
Gorgonzola is a blue-veined cheese, and the blue-green mold in it is perfectly edible and safe. However, if you notice any other color of mold, such as black, red, brown, pink, or grey, it's best to discard the cheese. The mold in Gorgonzola is not fuzzy, so if you see any fuzziness, it's another indication that the cheese has gone bad.
Another sign of spoilage is a change in color, texture, or smell. If the cheese turns from its off-white creamy color to a yellowish or light caramel color, or becomes dry and hard, it's likely spoiled. A sour or ammonia-like smell is also an indication that the cheese has gone bad.
To prolong the shelf life of crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, it is recommended to store it in an airtight container in the freezer. When stored correctly, frozen Gorgonzola cheese can last up to 6 months, although it's best to use it within the first 2 months for quality purposes.
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How to tell if gorgonzola is bad
Gorgonzola is a distinct, aromatic blue-veined Italian cheese with a strong flavour and creamy texture. It is made from unskimmed cow's milk and primarily produced in the Piedmont and Lombardy regions. It is named after the town of Gorgonzola in Lombardy.
Gorgonzola has a long shelf life when unopened, typically retaining freshness for up to half a year. When stored correctly in the fridge, an unopened packet of gorgonzola can last 3-4 weeks past the sell-by date. Once opened, gorgonzola generally keeps for 3-4 weeks, although the flavour will peak within the first week. For an opened packet, it is best to use it within 7-10 days for the best quality.
- Colour: The blue-green veins of mould in gorgonzola are perfectly safe and are the main characteristic of the cheese. However, any other colour of mould, such as black, red, brown, or pink, is a sign of spoilage. If the cheese has an off-white to yellow colour, it may also be spoiled.
- Texture: If gorgonzola has a hard or dry texture, it may have spoiled. Good gorgonzola should be moist and creamy.
- Smell: Give the cheese a sniff, and if it has an ammonia-like smell, it has likely gone bad. Fresh gorgonzola has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to spoil. Trust your nose—if you detect a foul or off smell, it is best to discard the cheese.
- Taste: If you are still unsure, taste a tiny piece of the cheese. If it tastes okay, it is safe to eat.
To extend the shelf life of gorgonzola, always rewrap the cheese in fresh cling film or foil after each use to prevent further exposure to air. Store it in the vegetable crisper of your fridge, where the temperature is more stable. For longer storage, grate or crumble the cheese and store it in airtight containers in the freezer.
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How long does gorgonzola last in the freezer?
Gorgonzola is a distinct, aromatic blue-veined Italian cheese with a strong flavour and a soft, crumbly texture. It is traditionally aged for three to four months and can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four weeks. To extend its shelf life, gorgonzola can be stored in the freezer.
Preparing Gorgonzola for the Freezer
Before placing gorgonzola in the freezer, it is important to cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each. Then, wrap the portions tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Alternatively, you can grate or crumble the cheese and store it in airtight containers in the freezer.
Properly stored gorgonzola will maintain its best quality for about six months in the freezer but will remain safe beyond that time. Gorgonzola that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely. However, for quality purposes, it is recommended to use the frozen cheese within the first two months.
Defrosting Gorgonzola
To defrost gorgonzola, place the frozen cheese in the fridge overnight before use. A wedge of gorgonzola that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional three to four days before using. If the cheese is thawed in the microwave or in cold water, it should be used immediately. It is important to note that frozen gorgonzola may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, so it is best suited for cooked dishes.
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Best practices for storing gorgonzola
Gorgonzola is a soft, crumbly, blue-veined Italian cheese with a distinct, aromatic, strong, tangy flavour. It is usually wrapped in foil, plastic, or vacuum-sealed when purchased. Gorgonzola is a "live" food, so it continuously matures, and proper storage is essential to maintain its quality and prevent spoilage. Here are some best practices for storing it:
Storing Unopened Gorgonzola
Keep unopened gorgonzola in its original packaging and store it in the refrigerator. The original packaging provides a barrier against air and moisture, which can cause the cheese to dry out and spoil. Gorgonzola can last 3-4 weeks past its sell-by date when stored correctly in the fridge.
Storing Opened Gorgonzola
Once opened, transfer the gorgonzola to an airtight container to maintain its quality. Wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper before placing it in the container. Store it in the main compartment of your refrigerator, where the temperature is more stable. Avoid storing it in the door, as temperatures fluctuate. For the best quality, try to use opened gorgonzola within 7-10 days.
Storing Gorgonzola Long-Term
If you want to store gorgonzola long-term, you can freeze it. Cut the cheese into smaller portions and place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Label and date the container before freezing. Frozen gorgonzola can last up to 6 months in the freezer, but for quality purposes, use it within the first 2 months. Thaw frozen gorgonzola in the refrigerator overnight before using it. Freezing may cause the cheese to become slightly crumbly, so it is best used for cooking or baking.
Signs of Spoilage
Gorgonzola is characterised by blue-green mould, which is safe to consume. However, any other colour mould, such as black, red, pinkish, or brown, indicates spoilage, and the cheese should be discarded. Other signs of spoilage include a sour smell, an off-white to yellow colour, and a hard or dry texture. When in doubt, trust your senses—if it looks, smells, or tastes off, it's best to discard the cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Crumbled gorgonzola cheese typically has a shelf life of up to half a year if unopened. It should retain its freshness until the date on the label, and maybe up to 2 to 3 weeks more.
Store it in the vegetable crisper of your fridge, where the temperature is more stable. Always rewrap the cheese in fresh cling film or foil after each use to prevent further exposure to air.
If your gorgonzola cheese has developed any kind of mold that isn't blue, green, or grey, it has expired and should be thrown away. Additionally, if the cheese smells strongly of ammonia, it's time to chuck it.
