Frederic Melton
Mozzarella cheese is a versatile staple in many kitchens and cuisines, known for its creamy texture, mild flavour, and melt-worthy qualities. However, its high moisture content makes it susceptible to spoilage if not properly stored. So, how long does mozzarella cheese last, and does it get better with age or turn rancid over time? The shelf life of mozzarella cheese depends on factors such as its form, moisture content, and proper storage practices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | Unopened mozzarella can last beyond its 'sell by' date if kept refrigerated, typically staying fresh for 2 to 3 weeks for factory-sealed blocks and 4 to 6 weeks for refrigerated fresh mozzarella balls. Once opened, mozzarella in block form can be eaten for a few weeks if stored correctly in the refrigerator. Fresh mozzarella should be consumed within 3 to 5 days. |
| Signs of spoilage | Aged or drier varieties may have visible mold on the exterior. Pre-grated mozzarella may also exhibit visible mold as well as a sour or yeasty smell. Brined varieties may have a musty, sour, or smelly-foot odor or an excessively cloudy brine. |
| Storage | To preserve its condition, mozzarella should be kept in an airtight container or resealable bag to maintain its moisture and protect it from other flavors within the refrigerator. |
| Freezing | Fresh mozzarella can be frozen and will maintain its best quality for about 6 months. |
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What You'll Learn
Fresh mozzarella lasts 1-2 weeks in the fridge
Fresh mozzarella is typically stored in water and sold in balls or blocks. It is crafted from the richness of cow or buffalo milk and is known for its creamy texture and milky flavour. It is a high-moisture cheese, which means it can spoil faster if not stored properly.
Mozzarella can be frozen to further extend its shelf life. When freezing, cut the cheese into portions no larger than 1/2 pound each, and wrap tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Properly stored, fresh mozzarella will maintain its best quality for about 6 months but will remain safe beyond that time. Frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour.
It is important to note that fresh mozzarella has a shorter shelf life than low-moisture mozzarella, which has been dried further to extend its shelf life. Low-moisture mozzarella can be stored for an extended period and is commonly used for pizza due to its excellent melting qualities.
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Low-moisture mozzarella lasts longer
Mozzarella cheese is a versatile staple in many kitchens and cuisines. It is known for its creamy texture, mild flavour, and melt-worthy qualities. While fresh mozzarella cheese has a shorter shelf life, low-moisture mozzarella lasts longer and can be stored for an extended period.
Low-moisture mozzarella has been dried further to extend its shelf life. It is commonly used for pizza because of its excellent melting qualities. The longevity of mozzarella cheese differs between its various types. Proper storage is key for all types of mozzarella, dictating not only how long they last but also ensuring they remain safe and enjoyable to consume.
To preserve its condition, it is advisable to keep the cheese in an airtight container or resealable bag, maintaining its moisture and protecting it from other flavours within the refrigerator. Fresh mozzarella, on the other hand, demands more urgent attention; it's ideal to use it within 3 to 5 days to savour its quality.
Mozzarella is considered a healthy option among dairy products due to its relatively low-fat content and high protein. A typical serving of mozzarella contains about 85 calories, 6 grams of fat, and 6 grams of protein. It is also a good source of calcium and vitamin B12. However, as a soft cheese, mozzarella has a shorter shelf life compared to harder cheeses such as cheddar or Parmigiano Reggiano.
To maximise the shelf life of fresh mozzarella cheese after opening, wrap the original packaging tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For even better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating. Properly stored, fresh mozzarella cheese will last about 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. If you want to further extend the shelf life of fresh mozzarella cheese, you can freeze it.
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How to identify spoilage
Mozzarella cheese is a beloved ingredient in many dishes, but it can quickly turn from delightful to dangerous if not properly stored or consumed past its prime. To avoid any health risks, it is essential to know how to identify spoilage. Here are some detailed signs of spoilage to watch out for:
Appearance
Fresh mozzarella should be predominantly white or off-white. Any discoloration, such as yellow, brown, pink, blue, or green spots, indicates spoilage. These colour changes are often caused by mould growth, which is a clear sign that the cheese has deteriorated. Additionally, dried-out or hardened edges suggest that the cheese is past its prime.
Texture
Mozzarella cheese should have a soft, springy, and smooth texture. If it becomes slimy, sticky, excessively hard, or develops a rubbery texture, it is likely spoiled. Crumbly texture is also an indicator of spoilage, especially if the cheese usually has a smooth consistency.
Smell
Fresh mozzarella has a mild, slightly tangy, and milky aroma. If the cheese starts to give off a sour, rancid, yeasty, musty, or ammonia-like odour, it is likely spoiled. An unusual or unpleasant smell is a strong indicator that the cheese has gone bad.
Taste
While it is not recommended to taste cheese suspected of spoilage, an off flavour can confirm if mozzarella has gone bad. Fresh mozzarella has a delicate, milky, and slightly tangy taste. Spoiled cheese may exhibit a sour, bitter, or unpleasant flavour. Any sharp, acidic, or rancid notes indicate spoilage.
Packaging
If there are any visible cracks or leaks in the packaging, it is best to discard the cheese. Additionally, for fresh mozzarella stored in brine or water, discoloured or cloudy liquid can indicate spoilage.
It is crucial to remember that consuming spoiled mozzarella cheese can lead to foodborne illnesses, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fever, and other unpleasant symptoms. Therefore, when in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of caution and discard the cheese.
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Freezing mozzarella
Mozzarella cheese can be frozen and will last for over six months in the freezer. Freezing mozzarella can impact the texture slightly, making it crumbly. This is because any moisture in the cheese or trapped on its surface may expand and contract as it is frozen and thawed.
If you are going to freeze mozzarella, it is important to do it the right way to avoid ruining the cheese. First, remove the cheese from its original packaging. Then, take the mozzarella balls and slice them into individual portions. Remove the excess moisture with a paper towel. Wrap the individual cheese slices in plastic wrap or cling film as tightly as possible. For best results, double up on the wrappings by adding a layer of foil on top of the initial wrapping. Place the wrapped cheese in a freezer bag and label it with the date and type of cheese.
To defrost mozzarella cheese, move it into the refrigerator and allow it to thaw for several hours or overnight. For larger chunks, place the mozzarella in the fridge overnight so it can slowly thaw, minimising condensation. Do not leave it at room temperature because moisture may accumulate on the cheese, giving it an odd texture. Do not microwave mozzarella cheese to defrost it, as it is prone to uneven thawing.
For shredded mozzarella, use a freezer-safe zip bag with the air pushed out. Shredded mozzarella does not need time to thaw; simply take it out and add it to your recipe.
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Proper storage
To preserve its condition, it is advisable to keep mozzarella in an airtight container or resealable bag to maintain its moisture and protect it from other flavours within the refrigerator. When stored correctly in the refrigerator, mozzarella in block form can remain suitable for eating for a few weeks after opening. Fresh mozzarella, on the other hand, is ideally used within 3 to 5 days to savour its quality.
To further extend the shelf life of fresh mozzarella, it can be frozen. To do this, 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 inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. When properly stored, fresh mozzarella will maintain its best quality for about 6 months in the freezer but will remain safe beyond that time.
To keep brined varieties fresh for longer, keep them refrigerated and replace the brine daily; the replacement brine should taste salty like the ocean.
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Frequently asked questions
The shelf life of mozzarella cheese depends on its form and whether it has been opened. Fresh mozzarella cheese lasts for about 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Unopened mozzarella can be expected to last beyond its 'sell by' date if kept refrigerated, typically staying fresh for 2 to 3 weeks for factory-sealed blocks and 4 to 6 weeks for refrigerated fresh mozzarella balls. Once opened, mozzarella in block form can be eaten for a few weeks if stored correctly in the refrigerator. Shredded mozzarella can last between 2 to 4 weeks in the fridge due to added preservatives.
There are a few signs to look and smell for to determine if mozzarella cheese has gone bad. Aged or drier varieties may have visible mould on the exterior. Pre-grated mozzarella may also exhibit a sour or yeasty smell. Brined varieties may have a musty, sour, or smelly-foot odour or an excessively cloudy brine. If you see visible mould on a drier variety, you can cut it off and use the remaining cheese as long as it doesn't smell. If you're still in doubt, it's best to throw it out as moist cheeses like mozzarella can harbour Listeria, E coli, brucella, and salmonella.
Yes, you can freeze fresh mozzarella cheese. Cut the cheese into portions no larger than 1/2 pound each, and wrap tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Properly stored, fresh mozzarella cheese will maintain its best quality for about 6 months but will remain safe to eat beyond that time. Frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, so it is best suited for cooked dishes.
