Kamil Perry
Gorgonzola is a memorable Italian blue cheese with a deep blue veining that runs through the wheel. This distinct veining is caused by a special type of mold that gives the cheese its unique flavour. As a hard cheese, gorgonzola has a relatively long shelf life. However, it can still go bad. So, how can you tell if your gorgonzola has gone off?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator |
| Storage conditions | Refrigerate at all times, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil |
| Signs of spoilage | Sour, rancid, or ammonia smell, mould that is not blue, changes in texture, becoming overly dry, crumbly, or slimy |
| Freezing | Can be frozen for up to 6 months, or indefinitely at 0°F |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
How long does gorgonzola cheese last in the fridge?
Gorgonzola is a blue cheese with a deep blue veining that runs through the wheel of cheese. This is formed by a special type of mould that gives Gorgonzola its unique flavour and appearance. As a hard cheese, Gorgonzola has a relatively long shelf life compared to other cheeses. An unopened container of Gorgonzola will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 weeks. During this time, the cheese will continue to mature, so it should be consumed within this timeframe.
Once opened, Gorgonzola should be consumed within a week. To extend its shelf life, the cheese can be wrapped in wax or parchment paper and then covered with plastic wrap before being placed in the refrigerator. If mould appears on the cheese, it should be noted that the blue veins are a good type of mould, and the cheese is safe to eat. However, if there is mould in addition to the blue veins, it should be discarded. The presence of new mould that is a different colour from the blue veins is an indication that the cheese has gone bad.
Gorgonzola cheese that has gone bad will also exhibit changes in texture, becoming overly soft, squishy, or slimy. It will also give off a very strong foul smell, even more intense than usual, that will be difficult to miss. If Gorgonzola shows any of these signs, it should be thrown out.
To further extend the shelf life of Gorgonzola cheese, it can be frozen. To do this, the cheese should be cut into portions no larger than half a pound each and wrapped tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or placed inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. When properly stored, Gorgonzola cheese will maintain its best quality for about 6 months in the freezer but will remain safe to eat beyond this timeframe.
Cheese Gone Bad: How to Tell
You may want to see also
What are the signs gorgonzola cheese has gone bad?
Gorgonzola is a blue cheese with a relatively long shelf life, lasting up to 3-4 weeks unopened and 1 week once opened, when stored correctly in the refrigerator. However, it's important to look out for signs that your gorgonzola has gone bad.
Firstly, mould is a key indicator that gorgonzola has gone bad. While the blue veins are a signature feature of gorgonzola, any other colour of mould is a sign of spoilage. If the gorgonzola has turned fuzzy and is a different colour from the blue veins, it should be discarded.
Gorgonzola that has gone bad may also exhibit changes in texture. It may become overly soft, slimy, or squishy, rather than firm or crumbly.
Another tell-tale sign is an unusual smell. Gorgonzola that has gone bad may smell sour, rancid, or like ammonia. This smell will be noticeably stronger than the usual scent of gorgonzola.
If your gorgonzola exhibits any of these signs, it's best to throw it out. While it is possible to cut away mouldy areas on hard cheeses, soft cheeses like gorgonzola should be discarded if mould is present.
Raclette Cheese: Does It Stink or Not?
You may want to see also
What should I do if there is mould on my gorgonzola cheese?
Gorgonzola is a type of blue cheese characterised by its deep blue veining, which is produced by a "good" type of mould that intensifies the flavour. Harder blues like Gorgonzola tend to be drier and last longer than softer blue cheeses.
If there is mould on your Gorgonzola cheese, it is important to identify the type of mould. The blue veining in Gorgonzola is normal and safe to eat. White mould is also common in blue cheeses and is not a safety issue. However, if you notice black, red, or brown mould on your Gorgonzola cheese, it is best to throw it away.
If the mould on your Gorgonzola cheese is not one of the safe types mentioned above, it is important to take caution. Some sources suggest that tasting a small amount of the mouldy cheese is the only way to know if it has gone bad. However, this is not recommended due to potential health risks. Instead, look for other signs of spoilage, such as a strong foul smell, a change in texture (becoming very soft, squishy, or slimy), or the presence of foreign" mould that is a different colour from the blue veins. If you notice any of these signs, it is best to discard the cheese.
To prevent mould from growing on your Gorgonzola cheese, follow proper storage practices. Keep the cheese in an airtight container in the fridge. Unopened Gorgonzola can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 weeks, while opened Gorgonzola should be consumed within a week.
The Enzyme Mystery: Are Cheeses Safe to Eat?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Can gorgonzola cheese be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze gorgonzola cheese. Freezing gorgonzola is a great way to extend its shelf life. Gorgonzola cheese can last for about three to four weeks in the refrigerator, but if you freeze it, it will be good for up to six months.
To freeze gorgonzola cheese effectively, it is recommended to portion the cheese into half-pound sections or smaller. You can wrap the cheese in freezer paper or aluminium foil and then place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
However, gorgonzola cheese that has been frozen and thawed may have a slightly different texture and taste. It may become crumbilier, making it harder to cut or cube. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare the cheese in the desired shape before freezing.
It is also important to note that gorgonzola cheese should not be left at room temperature for extended periods. It can be left out for one to two hours at a time, but it is not recommended to store it at room temperature due to the mould growth used in the cheese-making process.
How Long Does Parmesan Cheese Last?
You may want to see also
What are some substitutes for gorgonzola cheese?
Gorgonzola is a memorable Italian cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy, characterised by its deep blue veining and intense flavour. The blue veins are created by a special mould, without which gorgonzola wouldn't exist.
There are several substitutes for gorgonzola cheese, depending on whether you are looking for a dairy-free alternative or not.
Dairy-free alternatives
- Creamy 'cheese' made from yoghurt, which adds a tangy flavour.
- Roasted walnuts for texture and flavour.
- Other nuts such as almonds, pinenuts, pistachios, macadamias or cashews.
- Olives for a salty, briny burst of flavour.
- Hummus for a creamy texture and tangy flavour.
- Avocado for creaminess, especially when combined with a squeeze of lemon or lime.
- Sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.
Dairy alternatives
- Fresh goat's cheese has a tangier flavour but lacks the distinctive 'blue' flavour of gorgonzola.
- Cream cheese works well in dishes with other strong flavours.
- Feta is drier, more crumbly, and saltier than gorgonzola, but can be a good substitute when seasoned accordingly.
- Persian feta is marinated in oil and has a lovely tangy flavour and creamy texture.
- Cottage cheese is milder and creamier than gorgonzola.
- Halloumi has a harder and more crumbly texture, and is saltier, but provides a similar substance.
- Shaved parmesan has a stronger, more savoury flavour profile.
- Other blue cheeses such as Danish Blue (or Danablu), Roquefort, Stilton, and Cabrales.
String Cheese: How Long Does it Last?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
An unopened container of Gorgonzola will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 weeks. Once opened, it should be used up within a week.
Gorgonzola cheese that has gone bad will have a very strong foul smell, even more intense than usual. It may also develop new mould that looks like a different colour from the blue veins. The cheese may also become slimy and wet or overly dry and crumbly.
If mould appears on a package of shredded, sliced, or crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, the entire package should be discarded. For a wedge of Gorgonzola cheese, cut away at least 1 inch around and below the mouldy area and re-cover the cheese in fresh wrap.
To extend the shelf life of Gorgonzola cheese, it can be frozen. Cut the cheese into portions no larger than 1/2 pound each, wrap tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Gorgonzola cheese that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will remain safe indefinitely.
