Andy Montoya
Mozzarella cheese is a versatile ingredient with a high protein and low-fat content. It is a soft cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, milky flavour. However, its high moisture content means it can spoil faster than harder cheeses like cheddar or Parmigiano Reggiano. Proper storage is essential to prolonging its shelf life. This includes refrigerating it at a temperature below 40°F, using clean utensils, and consuming it within 5 to 7 days of opening. Even unopened mozzarella cheese can go bad, so it's important to look out for signs of spoilage, such as mold growth, discoloration, or a sour smell.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Always store mozzarella in the fridge at a temperature below 40°F. |
| Mozzarella can be frozen to extend its shelf life. | |
| It should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. | |
| Expiry Date | Unopened mozzarella can be consumed 1-2 months past the expiration date. |
| Spoilage Indicators | Mold growth (blue, green, or black) |
| Discoloration (yellowing, dark spots, or black/blue spots) | |
| Texture changes (slimy, sticky, excessively hard, or brittle) | |
| Off smell (sour or rancid odor) | |
| Change in aroma (stronger than the usual mild, milky fragrance) |
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What You'll Learn
How to store mozzarella to extend its shelf life
Mozzarella is a soft cheese with a high moisture content, which means it can spoil faster if not stored properly. Fresh mozzarella is typically stored in water and sold in balls or blocks.
To extend the shelf life of mozzarella, it is important to store it properly. Here are some tips to help you extend the shelf life of mozzarella:
- Fresh mozzarella should be stored in an airtight container, immersed in cold water or olive oil, and kept in the refrigerator. It can be stored this way for up to five days.
- If you are storing larger pieces of mozzarella, you can remove them from their liquid packing solution and encase them in plastic wrap. Replace the plastic wrap each time you open it. These can be stored for up to seven days.
- Smaller pieces of mozzarella tend to dry out more easily and should be stored in brine, whey, or water solutions.
- Do not reach into the liquid packing solution with unclean hands or utensils, as this will contaminate the solution and reduce its shelf life.
- If you suspect that the liquid solution has become contaminated, replace it with a fresh brine solution.
- If you have refrigerated mozzarella for a week or longer, you can refresh it by soaking it in a warm salted whey or salted milk solution for about an hour.
- Low-moisture mozzarella has a longer shelf life than fresh mozzarella. It is firmer and less creamy, and it is commonly used for pizza due to its excellent melting qualities.
- Smoked mozzarella will keep for longer than fresh mozzarella, up to 28 days in the refrigerator.
- You can freeze mozzarella, but it will change the texture, making it crumbly instead of smooth and creamy.
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Signs of spoilage
Mozzarella is a soft cheese with a high moisture content, which means it can spoil faster if not stored properly. It is typically stored in water and sold in balls or blocks. Knowing how to store mozzarella and the signs of spoilage can help you enjoy this cheese to the fullest.
Spoiled mozzarella can pose health risks, so it's important to be aware of the signs of spoilage. Here are some indicators that your mozzarella has gone bad:
- Mold growth: Look for any visible mold on the surface of the cheese. White mozzarella that develops black, blue, or green mold is no longer safe to eat.
- Discoloration: Yellowing or dark spots on the cheese indicate spoilage.
- Texture changes: If mozzarella becomes excessively hard, brittle, or develops a slimy or sticky texture, it has likely spoiled.
- Off smell: Fresh mozzarella should have a mild, milky aroma. A sour or rancid odor could indicate that the cheese has gone bad.
It's important to note that proper storage of mozzarella cheese is crucial to extend its freshness. Always store mozzarella in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F (5°C). Once opened, consume it within 5 to 7 days for optimal freshness.
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Safe handling of mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella is a soft cheese with a creamy texture and a milky flavour. It is typically stored in water and sold in balls or blocks. It has a shorter shelf life compared to harder cheeses. To safely handle mozzarella, follow these steps:
Storage
Mozzarella should always be stored in the fridge, even if the package is unopened. Refrigeration is essential to prolonging the shelf life of fresh mozzarella. At room temperature, mozzarella can spoil quickly due to its high moisture content. An unopened block of mozzarella cheese can last in the refrigerator for a considerable period, typically up to 2-3 weeks past the "best by" date. Once opened, fresh mozzarella will last 3 to 7 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing
Mozzarella can be frozen to extend its shelf life. Cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each and wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen mozzarella will maintain its best quality for about 6 months but remains safe to consume beyond that period. However, freezing may alter its texture and flavour, making it crumbly and causing it to lose some of its flavours. Therefore, frozen mozzarella is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.
Liquid Packing Solution
Fresh mozzarella is usually packaged in a liquid solution, which helps keep the cheese moist. Do not reach into the liquid with unclean hands or gloves as this will contaminate the solution and reduce its shelf life. The liquid packing solution should not be replaced with water, as this will deplete the salt levels in the cheese and may cause it to go soft and slimy. If you suspect the liquid solution has been contaminated, replace it with a brine solution.
Signs of Spoilage
Recognizing the signs of spoilage is crucial for maintaining food safety. Fresh mozzarella should have a mild, milky scent. If it has a sour or ammonia-like odour, it is likely spoiled. Check for any discoloration, as white mozzarella that develops black, blue, yellow, or green spots indicates mold growth and spoilage. Fresh mozzarella should be soft and slightly stretchy. If it feels slimy, sticky, or excessively hard, it is a sign of spoilage. If your mozzarella tastes sour, bitter, or off in any way, discard it.
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Mozzarella's versatility in cooking
Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a mild Italian cheese that melts easily, making it a popular choice for pizza, pasta, and vegetarian bakes. The fresher the mozzarella, the better the taste. It is typically stored in water and sold in balls or blocks.
One of the most popular ways to use mozzarella is on pizza. Its stretchy, melty texture is perfect for creating stringy, cheesy slices. But mozzarella isn't just for pizza. It's also a key ingredient in lasagna, adding a creamy, cheesy layer that elevates the dish. For a vegetarian option, try a vegetable lasagna with a tomato-based sauce and a bubbling mozzarella topping.
Mozzarella is also excellent in sandwiches and burgers. It pairs well with meatballs and rich tomato sauce, creating a tasty and satisfying combination. For a vegetarian option, try a barbecue-friendly parcel filled with melted mozzarella and dressed with pesto sauce. Mozzarella sticks are another delicious option for fuss-free party food—simply bake them in the oven and serve with a chilli tomato sauce.
This versatile cheese can also be used in salads, adding a creamy texture and a mild flavour. Try a classic Caprese salad with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, or switch it up with a peach and burrata Caprese. Mozzarella also works well in pasta salads, adding a creamy element that complements the other ingredients.
For a quick and easy weeknight dinner, try cheesy bacon ranch chicken. The mozzarella melts as it cooks, creating a delicious, creamy texture. Or, for a low-carb option, go for a cauliflower crust pizza with mozzarella and your favourite toppings.
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Health risks of consuming spoiled mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella is known for its creamy texture and milky flavour. It is typically stored in water and sold in mozzarella balls or blocks. Low-moisture mozzarella has a longer shelf life as it has been dried further. However, mozzarella is a high-moisture cheese, which means it can spoil faster if not stored properly.
Consuming spoiled mozzarella can lead to foodborne illnesses, including food poisoning. This is because mozzarella is a dairy product with high lactose levels. When lactose breaks down, it produces lactic acid, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. In severe cases, it can lead to dehydration and even death. Spoiled mozzarella can also contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, which can cause serious health complications.
Therefore, it is important to inspect the appearance, smell, texture, and taste of mozzarella to determine if it has gone bad. Fresh mozzarella should be predominantly white or slightly off-white. If there are spots of mould or any discoloration (pink, blue, green, or black), the cheese should be discarded. A sour smell or ammonia-like odour is also an indicator of spoilage. If the cheese feels slimy or excessively wet, this could mean it has started to spoil, whereas a hard or dry texture could indicate age.
To minimise the risk of bacterial growth and foodborne illnesses, it is recommended to always store mozzarella in the fridge and consume it within a week of opening. Fresh mozzarella should be kept in its original liquid, while shredded or block mozzarella should be tightly wrapped or sealed.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several signs that mozzarella cheese has gone bad. Firstly, look for any mold growth, particularly blue, green, or black mold. Secondly, check for discoloration—any yellowing or dark spots on the cheese. Thirdly, feel for texture changes—if it's become excessively hard, brittle, or slimy, it's likely gone bad. Finally, use your nose—if it smells sour or rancid, it's probably spoiled.
This depends on various factors, such as the packaging and temperature of storage. Vacuum-sealed mozzarella can last for a very long time, although the cheese's texture may degrade over time, becoming chewy or brittle. Frozen mozzarella can last around six times longer than refrigerated cheese, although freezing may affect the texture of fresh cheese. In general, if refrigerated mozzarella looks good, it probably is good; if it looks bad, throw it out.
Once opened, mozzarella cheese should be consumed within 5 to 7 days for optimal freshness.
It depends. Some people report consuming mozzarella cheese up to two months past its expiration date without any issues. However, this may depend on the type of mozzarella—low-moisture mozzarella may last longer than fresh mozzarella. If the cheese shows no signs of spoilage and smells and tastes fine, it's likely safe to consume.
