Kamil Perry
Blue cheese is a type of cheese made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of mold. It is safe to eat and gives blue cheese its distinctive taste and scent. However, blue cheese can go bad if it is not stored properly. To keep blue cheese fresh for as long as possible, it should be stored in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped, and the refrigerator temperature should not be set above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If stored properly, blue cheese can last 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. Freezing blue cheese can also extend its shelf life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Tightly wrapped in the refrigerator |
| Shelf life | 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator |
| Indefinite shelf life | If kept in the freezer at 0 degrees |
| Signs of spoilage | Fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on the surface |
| Glistening yellow areas | |
| Ammonia-like smell | |
| Slime on the surface |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese storage
Blue cheese is made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of mould. Certain types of mould produce compounds called mycotoxins, which are toxic to humans. However, the varieties of Penicillium used to produce blue cheese don't produce toxins and are considered safe to consume.
Blue cheese can be stored in a refrigerator or freezer. When stored in the refrigerator, it should be wrapped and stored at a temperature of no more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It can last for three to four weeks when stored properly. Frozen blue cheese can last indefinitely, although its texture and appearance may change slightly.
To store blue cheese in the refrigerator, it is recommended to use a breathable wrapper such as aluminium foil, parchment paper, or a loose zipper-lock bag. It is important to avoid wrapping the cheese too tightly, as this can trap moisture and cause the growth of unwanted bacteria, which is usually pinkish in colour and can make the cheese inedible. Another option for storing blue cheese is to use a Cheese Grotto, which provides a gently aerated, humid climate that preserves the freshness of the cheese.
To spot if blue cheese has spoiled, you can look for changes in colour, smell, or texture. Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to go bad. If the cheese has an ammonia-like smell, it is probably spoiled. Additionally, the surface of the cheese may appear slimy or fuzzy, and the colour of the creamy part of the cheese may change. It is important to note that blue cheese will continue to age and develop a stronger flavour even when stored properly. Therefore, it is best to buy only what you need or plan to use relatively quickly.
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How to spot if blue cheese has gone bad
Blue cheese is a type of cheese made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of mould. It has a distinct earthy flavour and a pungent taste and scent. It is safe to eat and doesn't go bad due to blue mould, but it can go bad if not stored properly. If wrapped and refrigerated, blue cheese can last 3-4 weeks.
- Smell: The best way to tell if blue cheese has gone bad is to smell it. Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to spoil. If it has an ammonia-like smell, it is probably spoiled.
- Colour: Pay attention to the colour of the creamy part of the cheese. Fresh blue cheese already has mould in it, which is typically blue or green in colour. However, changes in the colour of the creamy part could indicate that it has gone bad.
- Texture: Observe the surface of the cheese to see if it appears slimy or fuzzy. Changes in texture could be a sign of spoilage.
- Taste: If the blue cheese still smells the same and hasn't changed colour, you can try tasting a small amount. Fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste, whereas old cheese becomes especially biting when it starts to spoil. If it's too strong to enjoy, you should throw it away.
- Expiration date: Check the expiration date on the cheese. In most cases, blue cheese will remain good for one to two weeks past the date, meaning it will last about three to four weeks in the fridge.
It's important to note that even if the blue cheese has been properly stored and shows no signs of spoilage, it may still be too strong or overpowering for your taste. In that case, you may choose to discard it even if it hasn't technically gone bad.
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Blue cheese shelf life
Blue cheese is made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of edible mould. This mould gives the cheese its distinctive taste and scent. However, blue cheese can still go bad, so it's important to practice basic food safety and store it properly.
When stored properly, blue cheese can last 3–4 weeks in the refrigerator. To keep it fresh for as long as possible, make sure your refrigerator temperature is not set above 40°F (4°C). Blue cheese should be kept tightly wrapped in the fridge. There is even a cheese wrap designed specifically for blue cheese, with a waxy cheese paper layer inside to cover the rindless cheese and a foil layer outside for sealing.
If you leave blue cheese out on the counter, it will spoil more quickly. If it has been left out for two days or more, it is best to throw it away.
Blue cheese can also be frozen to extend its shelf life. It will remain safe to eat indefinitely when frozen, although its texture and appearance may be slightly altered.
There are several signs that can indicate that blue cheese has gone bad:
- Smell: Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to go bad. If it has an ammonia-like smell, it is probably spoiled.
- Colour: Look at the colour of the creamy part of the cheese, not just the blue or green mould.
- Texture: If the surface appears slimy or fuzzy, it has likely gone bad.
- Taste: If the cheese smells the same and hasn't changed colour, you can usually tell if it's gone bad by tasting it. If it's too strong to enjoy, throw it away.
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Ammonia-like smell from blue cheese
Blue cheese is made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of mould. The mould gives blue cheese its distinctive pungent taste and smell. However, blue cheese can still go bad, and it's important to practice basic food safety and store it properly.
Blue cheese can last 3–4 weeks in the refrigerator if stored properly. To keep your blue cheese fresh for as long as possible, make sure your refrigerator temperature isn't set above 40°F (4°C). Freezing blue cheese can help to extend its shelf life. Although freezing may slightly alter its texture and appearance, it remains safe to eat indefinitely.
The best way to tell if your blue cheese has spoiled is to smell it. Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to go bad. If you notice an ammonia-like smell, it is probably spoiled. The blue mould in the cheese produces ammonia, which reduces the acidity over time. Once the acidity is low enough, other things can start to grow on the cheese, causing it to spoil. The bacteria that cause spoilage excrete nitrogenous compounds, which give off an ammonia-like smell.
If you notice any signs of spoilage on your blue cheese, you should discard it immediately. In addition to an ammonia-like smell, spoilage may be indicated by fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on the surface of the cheese, or a change in colour of the creamy part of the cheese to pink, brown, or green.
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Freezing blue cheese
Blue cheese is a strong-smelling and tasting cheese that is made using cow's, sheep's, or goat's milk and matured with penicillium, a type of mould. Freezing blue cheese is a good way to preserve it and prevent it from spoiling.
Firstly, if your block of blue cheese is large, it is recommended to cut it into smaller pieces so that it can defrost more quickly when you need to use it. Next, wrap the cheese in clingfilm to keep it airtight, then place it in a freezer bag, squeezing out all excess air. You can also use aluminium foil or parchment paper, ensuring the cheese is tightly wrapped to protect it from the cold air of the freezer. Finally, seal the bag or container and label it with the date of freezing.
Blue cheese should last a long time in the freezer, and it will remain safe to eat indefinitely. However, its taste and texture will be affected by freezing. After 6-8 months, the flavour and texture will start to deteriorate, and it will be safe to eat but not at its best.
It is not recommended to vacuum seal blue cheese as it contains anaerobic bacteria, which thrive in the absence of oxygen. Vacuum sealing blue cheese could therefore be a health risk.
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Frequently asked questions
Unopened blue cheese can last 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. If frozen, it can last indefinitely.
The best way to tell if your blue cheese has gone bad is to smell it. Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to go bad. If it has an ammonia-like smell, it is probably spoiled. You can also look out for fuzzy, grey-black mould spots, glistening yellow areas, or changes in texture.
Blue cheese contains edible mould that gives it its pungent taste and scent. However, if you see fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots growing on the surface, it has likely gone bad and should be discarded.
In most cases, eating a small bit of spoiled blue cheese isn't dangerous and won't make you sick.
