Frederic Melton
Blue cheese is a beloved ingredient and snack, but it's often hard to tell when it's past its prime. Blue cheese is known for its pungent aroma and streaks of blue, green, or blue-green mold, which are safe to eat and give the cheese its distinctive taste. However, when blue cheese goes bad, it can cause food poisoning or the accidental consumption of toxic mold. So, how do you know if blue cheese has gone bad?
Characteristics of bad blue cheese:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smell | Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to go bad. An ammonia-like smell is a sign of spoilage. |
| Color | Fresh blue cheese has blue or green mold. If you notice gray, fuzzy, black, white, or pink mold, the cheese has likely gone bad. |
| Texture | If the blue cheese appears discolored, slimy, or fuzzy, it has likely gone bad. |
| Expiration date | Blue cheese can last 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. If refrigerated, it can last beyond its expiration date by 1-2 weeks. |
| Storage | Blue cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped. |
| Moisture content | Blue cheese with a high moisture content will go bad more quickly than drier varieties. |
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What You'll Learn
- Blue cheese should be refrigerated and consumed within 3-4 weeks
- The creamy part of the cheese should be white, beige, or yellow
- Blue cheese has a strong smell, but if it smells like ammonia, it's gone bad
- Blue cheese has blue or green streaks of mold, but if you see pink, brown, or black mold, it's spoiled
- Blue cheese can be frozen and will last indefinitely
Blue cheese should be refrigerated and consumed within 3-4 weeks
Blue cheese is a pungent and divisive treat, with a strong smell and taste that can be off-putting to some. But for those who enjoy it, it is important to know how to store it and how long it lasts to ensure it is safe to eat.
Blue cheese should always be refrigerated to keep it fresh. If left out, it will spoil quickly and should be thrown away after two days. When stored in the refrigerator, blue cheese can last for quite a while, usually 3-4 weeks. It is best to check the expiration date on the packaging, as it will often remain good for one to two weeks past this date. To keep blue cheese fresh for as long as possible, the refrigerator temperature should not be set above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Blue cheese can also be frozen, which will make it last indefinitely. However, for the best taste and texture, it should not be kept frozen for more than six months. The taste and texture of blue cheese can change slightly when it is thawed.
Once a package of blue cheese is opened, it should be consumed within 3-4 weeks. This applies to both store-bought and fresh blue cheese. If you are using blue cheese crumbles, they will often go bad quicker, lasting only about a week after opening.
It is important to note that these are general guidelines, and the actual shelf life of blue cheese may vary depending on the packaging and storage conditions.
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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. The creamy part of blue cheese should be white, beige, or yellow. If you notice that the creamy part of your blue cheese has started to turn pink, brown, or green, it has likely spoiled. The blue or green veins in the cheese are Penicillium mould spores, which are safe to eat and give blue cheese its distinctive taste. However, if you spot mould that is not blue or green in colour, such as black, grey, or fuzzy dark mould, it is likely a sign that your blue cheese has gone bad.
It is worth noting that blue cheese has a distinct smell, and while it may be off-putting to some, it is not an indication that the cheese has gone bad. Blue cheese can have a slightly ammonia-like smell, and while it is normal, if the smell becomes stronger, it may indicate spoilage. Once the smell turns fully ammonia-pungent, it is likely that the cheese has gone bad. Therefore, it is important to note the smell of your blue cheese when it is fresh to help you detect any changes.
In addition to colour and smell, the texture of the cheese can also indicate whether blue cheese has gone bad. If the surface of the cheese appears slimy or fuzzy, it is likely spoiled. Furthermore, if your blue cheese has been left unrefrigerated for more than two days or has passed its expiration date, it is best to discard it.
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Blue cheese has a strong smell, but if it smells like ammonia, it's gone bad
Blue cheese is known for its pungent aroma and signature streaks of mould, so it can be challenging to tell when it has gone bad. However, it is essential to distinguish between good and bad blue cheese, as consuming spoiled blue cheese can lead to food poisoning or the accidental consumption of toxic mould.
Blue cheese should be refrigerated to keep it fresh, and it will typically last for a few weeks in the fridge. If left unrefrigerated, it should be discarded after two days. When stored in the freezer, blue cheese can last for up to six months. To maximise its shelf life, blue cheese should be stored in a dry place, wrapped in a breathable material like parchment paper or beeswax wrap, rather than plastic wrap, which can trap moisture and lead to faster spoilage.
One of the key indicators that blue cheese has gone bad is when mould that looks different from the typical blue-green Penicillium mould appears. This unwanted mould will be darker in colour, usually black, grey, or pink, and have a fuzzy texture. The creamy part of the cheese may also turn pink, brown, green, or blue, indicating spoilage.
In addition to visual cues, smell is a crucial factor in determining whether blue cheese has gone bad. Blue cheese naturally has a strong smell, which some may confuse for spoilage. However, if the cheese emits an ammonia-like odour, it has likely gone bad. This ammonia smell is due to the blue mould producing ammonia, which reduces the cheese's acidity over time. Once the acidity is low enough, other organisms can grow, causing the cheese to spoil.
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Blue cheese has blue or green streaks of mold, but if you see pink, brown, or black mold, it's spoiled
Blue cheese is made using Penicillium, a type of mould that gives the cheese its distinct taste, smell, and appearance. While blue cheese is supposed to have blue or green streaks of mould, if you see pink, brown, or black mould, it's spoiled and should be discarded. Other signs that your blue cheese has gone bad include an ammonia-like smell, a slimy texture, and discolouration.
Blue cheese with a high moisture content will spoil more quickly than drier varieties. Proper storage is key to preventing spoilage. To keep your blue cheese fresh for as long as possible, store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator and ensure your refrigerator temperature isn't set above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. When properly stored, blue cheese can last 3–4 weeks in the refrigerator.
If you're unsure whether your blue cheese has gone bad, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard it. Additionally, if you've eaten blue cheese that you suspect has spoiled and start to feel sick, consult a doctor.
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Blue cheese can be frozen and will last indefinitely
When it comes to thawing frozen blue cheese, it is best to defrost it in the refrigerator. Once thawed, it can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before using. However, if the blue cheese was thawed in the microwave or in cold water, it should be used immediately. Keep in mind that thawed blue cheese is best suited for cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups, and casseroles, rather than eating plain.
It is important to note that blue cheese has a long shelf life and can last for about 1 to 2 months in the refrigerator when properly stored. To maximize its shelf life, wrap the original packaging tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For even better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Additionally, blue cheese does not typically go bad in the traditional sense. Instead, it ages and becomes stronger in flavor. However, if the cheese has been left unrefrigerated for two days or more, it is best to discard it. To determine if your blue cheese is still safe to consume, check for changes in color, smell, and texture. If the creamy part of the cheese turns pink, brown, green, or blue, or if it develops a slimy or fuzzy surface, it should be discarded. Similarly, if the cheese has an ammonia-like smell or a stale odor, it has likely spoiled.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese is known for its pungent smell and streaks of blue/green mold, so it can be tough to tell when it's gone bad. However, if you notice mold that is darker in colour, usually black, grey, or pink, or if the cheese has a fuzzy texture, it's likely gone bad. Additionally, if the cheese smells strongly of ammonia, it's probably spoiled.
Blue cheese can last a few weeks in the fridge, typically around three to four weeks. It's best to keep it refrigerated and wrapped in parchment paper and aluminium foil to allow the cheese to breathe. If left unrefrigerated, blue cheese should be discarded after two days.
Yes, the blue-green veins in blue cheese are Penicillium mold spores, which are safe to eat and give the cheese its distinctive taste. However, if you notice mold that looks different from the intended blue-green mold, it's best to discard the cheese, especially in the case of soft cheeses.
Spoiled blue cheese will usually have a strong ammonia-like smell. It may also smell musty or stale. The odour of spoilage can be confusing, as blue cheese has a strong and divisive scent even when fresh.
