Kamil Perry
Mild shredded cheddar cheese is a versatile and popular dairy product made from cheddar cheese that has been finely grated or shredded. Cheddar cheese, originating from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, is a firm and relatively hard cheese that varies from mild to extra sharp, depending on the aging process. The shredding process increases the surface area of the cheese, allowing for quicker melting and blending in recipes. While shredded cheese can be stored for a while under the right conditions, it can be challenging to determine if it is still edible. The most common signs of spoilage are an off-putting smell, discolouration, and mould.
Does mild shredded cheddar cheese stink?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smell | Mild shredded cheddar cheese may develop an unpleasant odour, which could indicate that it has started to turn bad. |
| Taste | It may taste bad if it has gone bad. |
| Appearance | It may change colour, and spots of mould may appear. |
| Consistency | It may harden or dry out. |
| Expiry | Properly stored, an unopened package of shredded cheddar cheese will last for about 1 week after the Sell By or Best By date on the package. Once opened, it is best to consume the cheese within 1-2 weeks. |
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What You'll Learn
How to tell if mild shredded cheddar cheese has gone bad
Determining whether mild shredded cheddar cheese has gone bad can be tricky as each cheese ages and spoils differently. Here are some ways to tell if mild shredded cheddar cheese has gone bad:
Check the Expiration Date
One of the simplest ways to ensure your cheese is good to consume is to check the “best by” or expiration date on the label. It is generally recommended to consume cheese by the date on the label or within a few days of purchasing it. Opened shredded cheddar cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to four weeks, while unopened packages can last up to four months in the fridge and eight months if stored in the freezer.
Examine the Appearance
Visual cues can be a good indicator of whether your mild shredded cheddar cheese has gone bad. Look for changes in color, such as the cheese turning darker. The presence of mold is a sure sign that your cheese has spoiled, and it is recommended to discard the entire package if mold is spotted.
Smell the Cheese
Smell is another important indicator of whether your mild shredded cheddar cheese has gone bad. Give the cheese a sniff and look for “off” smells, such as spoiled milk, ammonia, or sour odors. If the cheese has developed an unusually strong smell, it is best to discard it. It is helpful to smell the cheese when you first open it to establish a baseline for its original scent.
Texture Changes
Spoiled cheese can also exhibit changes in texture. If the cheese feels crumbly, mushy, or very dry compared to how it felt when first opened, it has likely gone bad.
Taste
Tasting the cheese is generally not recommended, as consuming spoiled food can lead to food poisoning. However, some people choose to taste a small amount of the cheese, and if it tastes overly bitter, sour, or musty, it has likely gone bad.
It is important to note that even if the cheese doesn't exhibit any of these signs of spoilage, it may still be unsafe to consume, especially if it is past its expiration date. When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of caution and discard the cheese.
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The shelf life of mild shredded cheddar cheese
Unopened shredded cheddar cheese will typically last for about one week after the "Sell By" or "Best By" date on the package, provided it has been stored properly in the refrigerator. It is important to note that the "Best By" date does not indicate an expiration date but rather the date until which the food is expected to retain its optimal flavor and texture.
Once the package of shredded cheddar cheese is opened, it is generally recommended to consume it within 3 to 5 days. However, some sources suggest that it may be safe to consume up to 5 to 6 days after opening if stored properly in the refrigerator. To maximize the shelf life of opened shredded cheddar cheese, it is recommended to store it in a resealable package or wrap it in wax, parchment, or cheese paper to prevent it from drying out.
If you wish to extend the shelf life of shredded cheddar cheese beyond a few days after opening, freezing is a viable option. Freezing shredded cheddar cheese can help retain its quality and safety indefinitely, especially if frozen at a constant temperature of 0°F. However, it is important to note that freezing may alter the texture and taste of the cheese to some extent.
When determining if mild shredded cheddar cheese has spoiled, it is essential to use a combination of smell, appearance, and taste. Spoiled cheese may exhibit an “off” smell, similar to spoiled milk, ammonia, or even a refrigerator or freezer. Additionally, the presence of mold, a wet or spongy texture, or a noticeable change in flavor indicates that the cheese should be discarded.
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The effects of additives in mild shredded cheddar cheese
Mild shredded cheddar cheese, like most cheeses, can develop an "off" smell due to spoilage. However, the presence of additives in pre-shredded cheese can mask the spoilage odour, making it challenging to determine if the cheese has gone bad solely based on smell.
Pre-shredded cheddar cheese often contains additives such as cellulose or potato starch, which serve the purpose of preventing the cheese shreds from sticking together and absorbing moisture. These additives can have the effect of altering the texture of the cheese, making it creamier and inhibiting clumping. While these additives are generally considered harmless and approved by food safety authorities, some consumers may prefer to avoid them due to health concerns or a preference for more natural products.
Another common additive in pre-shredded cheddar cheese is natamycin, a natural mould inhibitor and antifungal agent. Natamycin effectively prevents mould growth and extends the shelf life of the cheese. However, it has been noted that natamycin may disrupt the healthy bacteria balance in the gut, and some individuals may be sensitive to ingesting it. While natamycin is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other authorities, its presence in pre-shredded cheese can be a factor for consumers to consider when making purchasing decisions.
The use of additives in mild shredded cheddar cheese can have both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, additives like cellulose and natamycin can improve the functionality and shelf life of the product. On the hand, some consumers may experience gut health issues or have sensitivity to certain additives. Additionally, the presence of additives can make it more challenging to determine spoilage based on smell alone. Therefore, it is essential for consumers to consider their individual preferences and health needs when deciding whether to purchase pre-shredded cheddar cheese with additives.
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How to store mild shredded cheddar cheese
Mild shredded cheddar cheese is a semi-hard cheese. When stored properly, it can last for about a month in the fridge. However, it is important to note that cheese can spoil differently depending on its type, and it is best to consume it by the date on the label or within a few days of purchasing it.
To store mild shredded cheddar cheese properly, you should first wrap it in wax or parchment paper. Then, add a layer of plastic wrap to prevent the cheese from drying out. Finally, place the wrapped cheese in the vegetable crisper of the refrigerator, where the temperature is cold and stable.
If you have shredded a large block of cheese and have leftovers, you can store the shredded cheese in a Ziploc bag or an airtight container and freeze it. When you need to use it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge.
It is important to note that cheese can spoil, and there are a few signs to look out for. Firstly, smell the cheese. If it has an "off" smell, especially if it is not a stinky type of cheese, it has likely spoiled. You can also examine the texture; if the surface has become slimy, wet, or soft, it is best to discard the cheese.
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The origin of mild shredded cheddar cheese
Mild shredded cheddar cheese, like all other types of cheddar cheese, originates from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. The name "cheddar" is not protected under European Union or UK law, although the name "West Country Farmhouse Cheddar" has a protected designation of origin (PDO) in the UK and EU, and may only be produced in Somerset, Devon, Dorset, and Cornwall, using milk sourced from those counties.
Cheddar cheese is a natural cheese that is relatively hard and off-white, or orange if colourings such as annatto are added. It is produced all over the world, including in Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, Finland, Uruguay, and the United States. The state of Wisconsin in the US is the largest producer of cheddar cheese, with other production centres including California, Idaho, New York, Vermont, Oregon, Texas, and Oklahoma.
Mild cheddar cheese has a smooth and buttery texture, with a mellow flavour that makes it a favourite for both children and adults. It is aged for just 2 to 3 months before it is taken out of storage. Cheddar that does not contain annatto is often labelled "white cheddar" or "Vermont cheddar", regardless of whether it was produced in Vermont. Real Vermont cheddar cheese, on the other hand, uses locally sourced Vermont cow's milk and has a smooth, creamy texture and a mild yet rich flavour.
Cheddar cheese is sold in several varieties, including mild, medium, sharp, extra sharp, New York style, white, and Vermont. The flavour, colour, and quality of industrial cheddar cheese can vary significantly, and food packaging usually indicates a strength, such as mild, medium, strong, tasty, sharp, extra sharp, mature, old, or vintage. These labels may indicate the maturation period or the use of food additives to enhance the flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
The most obvious sign that shredded cheese has gone bad is mold on its surface. Other signs include an off-odor, discoloration, and a change in consistency. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard the cheese.
Shredded cheddar cheese has a larger surface area, which makes it more susceptible to bacteria and air exposure, leading to quicker molding or expiration.
Unopened shredded cheddar cheese will typically last for about one to two weeks beyond the "`sell by`" or "best by" date printed on the package. To extend its shelf life, you can store it in the freezer for up to six months.
