Patrick Oconnell
Blue cheese is a beloved ingredient, but it can be hard to tell when it's past its prime. Blue cheese is supposed to have a strong smell and moldy appearance, so how do you know when it's gone bad? Well, if you spot mold that looks different from the usual blue-green mold, it's likely a sign that your cheese has gone bad. This could be fuzzy, grey, black, or pink spots, or a slimy texture. If the creamy part of the cheese has turned pink, brown, or green, it has likely spoiled. Blue cheese should also be refrigerated, so if it's been left out for more than two days, it's best to throw it away.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smell | A strong ammonia-like smell indicates spoilage. |
| Appearance | If the creamy part of the cheese turns pink, brown, or green, it has likely spoiled. |
| Texture | If the surface appears slimy or fuzzy, it has likely spoiled. |
| Taste | If the cheese smells the same and hasn't changed in color, taste it to check if it has gone bad. |
| Expiration Date | Check the expiration date on the packaging. Blue cheese can last for about one to two weeks past the expiration date if stored properly in the refrigerator. |
| Storage | Blue cheese should be refrigerated and properly wrapped to prevent spoilage. |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese should be refrigerated to keep it fresh
Blue cheese is a perishable food that requires refrigeration to maximize its shelf life. It is a biologically active product, which means it will continue to mature and change even after you buy it. To keep it fresh, it should be stored in the refrigerator at all times.
When storing blue cheese in the refrigerator, it is important to wrap it properly. First, wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper, and then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Rewrap the cheese every time you use it to prevent moisture buildup. It is also recommended to allow the cheese to breathe, so avoid using plastic wrap for too long, as the cheese will start to "suffocate." Instead, use waxed paper or foil, or a glass or plastic container with a tight lid.
To further extend the shelf life of blue cheese, you can freeze it. Cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each, and wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic freezer wrap, or place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Properly stored, blue cheese will maintain its best quality for about six months in the freezer but will remain safe to consume beyond that time.
Even when stored properly, blue cheese can eventually spoil. Signs of spoilage include the appearance of mold in spots that are fuzzy and darker in color, usually black or grey. Yeast may also appear as yellow or pink slimy patches. Additionally, an ammonia-like smell can indicate spoilage, especially if the odor becomes stronger or fully pungent.
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The creamy part of the cheese should be white, beige, or yellow
The colour of the creamy part of blue cheese is an important indicator of whether it has gone bad. Typically, the creamy part of blue cheese should be white, beige, or yellow. If you notice that it has started to turn pink, brown, or green, your blue cheese has likely spoiled. The blue or green veins in blue cheese are Penicillium mould spores, which are safe to eat and give the cheese its distinctive taste. However, if you spot mould that is black, grey, or in a different colour to the rest of the cheese mould, it is best to discard it.
Blue cheese is known for its strong smell, but if it starts to smell like ammonia, it is likely a sign of spoilage. The smell of ammonia indicates that the acidity of the cheese has reduced, creating an environment for other organisms to grow and causing the cheese to go bad. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to any changes in the smell of blue cheese, especially if it has been left unrefrigerated for more than two days or refrigerated for more than three to four weeks.
The texture of blue cheese can also provide clues about its freshness. If the surface of the cheese appears slimy or fuzzy, it is likely to have gone bad. Additionally, if the cheese has become lumpy, it may be a sign of spoilage. To maintain the freshness of blue cheese, it is recommended to store it in a dry place, such as under a glass bell or wrapped in parchment paper and foil, rather than in plastic wrap, which can trap moisture and lead to faster spoilage.
It is worth noting that blue cheese is quite flexible, and people have different tolerances for how mature they like their cheese. Some may find that even with some of the above signs of spoilage, the cheese is still edible and tasty. However, consuming spoiled blue cheese can lead to food poisoning or the accidental ingestion of toxic mould, so it is important to use multiple indicators to assess its freshness and make an informed decision about whether to consume it.
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Blue cheese has a distinct, pungent aroma
Blue cheese is known for its pungent aroma, which can be confusing for those trying to tell if their blue cheese has gone bad. The smell of blue cheese is famously divisive, with some loving it and others finding it overpowering.
The blue-green veins of mould in blue cheese are Penicillium mould spores, which are safe to eat and necessary for the distinctive taste. However, mould in soft cheeses, particularly blue cheese, can be an indication that it has gone bad. If you see fuzzy mould that is darker in colour, usually black or grey, this is a sign that your blue cheese has spoiled and should be discarded.
Blue cheese can also spoil if it is not stored properly. It should be refrigerated and stored in a dry place, as mould develops more easily in a damp environment. It is recommended to re-wrap blue cheese that has been purchased in plastic wrapping, first in parchment paper and then in either aluminium foil or beeswax wrap. This two-layer wrapping method allows the cheese to breathe, as plastic wrap traps moisture and can cause faster spoilage.
In addition to visible mould, blue cheese can also spoil and develop an ammonia-like smell. This smell can be difficult to distinguish from the normal scent of blue cheese, but if it becomes stronger and more musty or fully ammonia-pungent, it is likely a sign that the cheese has gone bad.
It is important to note that the colour of blue cheese can vary, and it is normal for it to have a cream-to-white body or a greenish-blueish hue. However, if the creamy part of the cheese turns pink, brown, or green, it has likely spoiled.
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Blue cheese can be frozen and will last indefinitely
Blue cheese is a perishable food, and it can be challenging to determine whether it is maturing or going bad. Blue cheese can be frozen, and it will last indefinitely. However, after 6-8 months, the flavour and texture of the cheese will begin to be affected. It is still safe to eat after that, but it may not be as tasty as it once was. Freezing blue cheese is a great way to preserve it for the long term.
Blue cheese is a type of cheese that is intentionally impregnated with Penicillium, a controlled type of mould. This mould is safe to eat and gives blue cheese its distinctive taste and appearance. However, other types of mould can develop on blue cheese if it is not stored properly. If you see fuzzy, grey-black mould spots, glistening yellow areas, or any mould that is not the typical blue-green colour, it is best to discard the cheese.
The smell of blue cheese can also be an indicator of whether it has gone bad. Blue cheese typically has a strong, pungent odour that is divisive among cheese lovers and haters alike. While it is normal for blue cheese to have a slightly ammonia-like smell, if the odour becomes stronger or fully ammonia-pungent, it is likely a sign of spoilage.
To prolong the shelf life of blue cheese, it is recommended to store it in a dry place, such as under a glass bell or in a specifically designed cheese wrap. Additionally, blue cheese can be stored in the fridge, where it will stay good for up to 4 weeks and retain its taste and texture.
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Blue cheese is very flexible and can vary in colour and texture
The mould in blue cheese is typically blue or green in colour, and it is safe to eat and necessary for giving blue cheese its distinctive taste. The creamy part of the cheese should be white, beige, or yellow. If you notice it turning pink, brown, or green, the cheese has likely spoiled. The mould you want to avoid in blue cheese is drastically different from the blue-green mould spores that are safe to eat. Look out for fuzzy mould, darker in colour, usually black or grey. This type of mould can make you very ill, so it is best to throw out the cheese if you spot it.
Blue cheese also has a very distinct, pungent odour, and it can be confusing to tell if the smell is a sign of spoilage. It is normal for blue cheese to have a slightly ammonia-like smell initially, but once it grows stronger, it could be a sign of spoilage. If the smell turns musty or fully ammonia-pungent, it is likely bad.
Blue cheese should be refrigerated to keep it fresh, and it can last a few weeks in the fridge. If left unrefrigerated, it is best to throw it away after two days. To keep your blue cheese fresh for as long as possible, keep it in a dry place, and ensure your refrigerator temperature is not set above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese is supposed to have a pungent smell, but if the smell becomes musty or like ammonia, it has likely gone bad.
Blue cheese is supposed to have greenish-blue veins and a body that is cream to white in colour. If you spot growths that look different from the intended mould, it's likely a sign that the cheese has gone bad. These visible signs may include colours like green, pink, or grey, and a texture that can be described as "fuzzy".
Fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste. If the blue cheese you're tasting is too strong to enjoy, it's likely gone bad.
Blue cheese can last for a few weeks in the fridge. If stored in plastic wrap, it's recommended to re-wrap the cheese in a layer of parchment paper and then with either aluminium foil or beeswax wrap.
