Blue Cheese: When Does It Go Bad?

Blue cheese is a pungent, divisive food that can be challenging to judge when it has gone bad. Its signature blue-green streaks of Penicillium mould are safe to eat, but other types of mould are not. If you see any fuzzy grey, black, or pink mould, or slimy yellow spots, it's time to throw the cheese away. Similarly, if the cheese smells like ammonia, it has likely spoiled. Blue cheese can last for a few weeks in the fridge if stored properly, and it can be frozen to extend its shelf life. However, freezing may affect the taste and texture of the cheese.

Smell: if it smells like ammonia, it's likely gone bad

Blue cheese is known for its pungent smell, but there is a difference between its usual aroma and the smell of spoilage. If your blue cheese smells like ammonia, it's likely gone bad.

Blue cheese is made with edible mold, which gives it its distinctive taste and smell. Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it's not the same as the smell of spoilage. When blue cheese starts to go bad, it will smell like ammonia.

It's a good idea to smell blue cheese when you first buy it so that you know what it smells like when it's fresh. That way, you'll be better able to detect when the scent changes.

The ammonia smell is caused by the bacteria that form as the cheese starts to spoil. The bacteria produce nitrogenous compounds, which give off the ammonia smell. This is a sign that your blue cheese has gone bad and should be thrown away.

In addition to smelling the cheese, you can also look at its appearance to check if it has gone bad. Fresh blue cheese has blue or green mold and a white, beige, or yellow creamy part. If you notice that the creamy part has turned pink, brown, or green, or if there is fuzzy grey or black mold, your blue cheese has likely spoiled.

Colour: if the creamy part of the cheese is pink, brown, or green, it's likely spoiled

When it comes to blue cheese, it can be tricky to tell when it has gone bad. This is because blue cheese is characterised by blue-green streaks of mould and a strong smell, which are normal features of the cheese. However, there are some clear indicators that your blue cheese has spoiled.

One of the most important things to pay attention to is the colour of the creamy part of the cheese. Normally, this part of the cheese should be white, beige, or yellow. If you notice that it has started to turn pink, brown, or green, it is likely that your blue cheese has gone bad. This discolouration is a sign of spoilage and indicates that the cheese is no longer safe to eat.

It is worth noting that not all blue cheeses look the same, and some variations may have a pink hue near the rind, which is expected and perfectly safe to consume. If you are unsure about the appearance of your blue cheese, it is recommended to read the label or check the brand's website for more information.

In addition to colour changes, other signs of spoilage in blue cheese include the growth of mould that looks different from the intended blue-green streaks. This mould may appear fuzzy and can be darker in colour, usually black, grey, or pink. Yeast may also appear as slimy, yellow, or pink spots on the cheese. These visible signs indicate that your blue cheese has spoiled and should be discarded.

To summarise, when examining the colour of blue cheese, focus on the creamy part and look for any deviations from the typical white, beige, or yellow shades. If you notice any pink, brown, or green discolouration, this is a strong indicator that your blue cheese has gone bad. However, always refer to the specific characteristics of the cheese you have purchased to make an accurate judgement.

Texture: if it's slimy or fuzzy, it's likely gone bad

When it comes to blue cheese, it's important to be able to tell the difference between the desirable mould and the kind that indicates spoilage. While blue cheese is known for its signature streaks of mould, it can be tricky to identify when it has gone bad. Here are some signs to look out for:

Texture:

The texture of blue cheese can provide valuable clues about its freshness. If the cheese has a slimy or fuzzy texture, it is likely that it has gone bad. This type of texture indicates the presence of unwanted mould or yeast growth, which can be harmful. Good blue cheese should have a creamy texture, with the mould appearing in streaks or veins throughout the cheese.

When examining the texture, look out for fuzzy grey or black patches of mould. These indicate spoilage and are drastically different from the desirable blue-green mould spores. Yeast may also appear as slimy, shiny, or glistening spots in yellow or pink colours. These spots are a surefire sign of spoilage and should not be consumed.

It's important to note that blue cheese naturally has a pungent odour due to the presence of ammonia. However, if the ammonia smell becomes stronger or turns musty, it could indicate that the cheese is starting to spoil. Trust your senses and judgement—if the cheese looks discoloured or smells unpleasantly funky, it's best not to consume it.

In summary, when it comes to blue cheese, pay close attention to the texture. If you notice any slimy or fuzzy growth, it's best to discard the cheese. Remember to use your senses and judgement, as unpleasant smells or discolouration can also indicate spoilage.

Taste: if it's too strong to enjoy, it's likely gone bad

Blue cheese is known for its strong, pungent flavour and unique appearance. While it is meant to have a bold taste, when it goes bad, that flavour can become overpowering and unpleasant. When trying to assess if your blue cheese has gone bad based on taste, the key indicator is if the flavour is too intense to be enjoyable.

A small amount of blue cheese should have a pleasant, savoury impact on your palate. If the cheese is past its prime, the taste will be unpleasantly strong, with bitter and sour notes that linger. The cheese will have lost its subtle complexity and will be unpleasantly sharp. The flavour of the cheese may also be described as "chemical" or "medicinal," which is a sure sign that it has spoiled.

The taste of spoiled blue cheese can be so potent that it may be difficult to keep in your mouth, and you may feel an immediate urge to spit it out. This intensity of flavour is a clear indication that the cheese has gone too far past maturation and has entered the realm of rancidity. It's important to trust your senses and not force yourself to consume something that your palate is warning you against.

If you are unsure whether your blue cheese has spoiled, it's always best to err on the side of caution and discard it. While it may be disappointing to waste food, the potential risks of consuming spoiled cheese far outweigh the benefits. By paying attention to the taste and other sensory indicators, you can make an informed decision and ensure a pleasant and safe culinary experience.

Expiry date: if it's past the use-by date, it's likely gone bad

Blue cheese typically has a shelf life of a couple of weeks, but some creameries sell theirs with a longer storage period, up to six months. If you've had your blue cheese for longer than this, it's likely gone bad.

Blue cheese should be refrigerated to keep it fresh. If it's been left out of the fridge, it will spoil more quickly. In most cases, blue cheese will go bad after just a few days at room temperature. If it's been left out for two days or more, it's best to throw it away.

When stored correctly, in the fridge, blue cheese can last quite a while. In most cases, it will remain good for one to two weeks past the expiration date. That typically means it will last in the fridge for three to four weeks.

If your blue cheese is past its expiration date, it's likely gone bad. However, it's worth checking for other signs of spoilage before throwing it out. If it's developed an ammonia-like smell, or the creamy part of the cheese has turned pink, brown, or yellow, it's time to discard it.

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