Frederic Melton
Brie cheese is a soft cheese with a creamy, mild flavor and a high water content of about 50%. While it does eventually go bad, its expiration date is flexible. Properly stored, it can be consumed weeks after its printed expiration date. The key to extending its shelf life is to store it in a cool, dry place, with no air touching the cheese. If stored correctly, it can be consumed one to two weeks past its printed date. However, it is important to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage before consumption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry place, with no air touching the cheese. |
| Packaging | Keep it in its original packaging or use cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper. |
| Expiry | The expiration date is flexible. The cheese can be good for up to 2 weeks past the best-by date, but proceed with caution to avoid sickness or food poisoning. |
| Inspection | Check for darkened spots on the rind, dark mold, or a darkened color. These indicate that the cheese has expired. |
| Taste | The taste may not be acceptable 2-3 weeks past the date, but the cheese will still be safe to eat. |
| Mold | The white mold on the rind is safe to eat and adds flavor. Other types of mold indicate that the cheese should be discarded. |
| Ammonia | Brie can build up ammonia, but it is safe to eat if it is allowed to breathe for 30 minutes. |
| Pasteurization | Unpasteurized Brie has a shorter shelf life. |
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What You'll Learn
Brie cheese can be good 2-3 weeks past the printed date
Brie cheese is a soft cow's milk cheese with a creamy texture and nutty flavour. It is one of the most popular soft-ripened cheeses, along with Camembert. Soft-ripened cheese is a type of cheese where mould is added to the outside of the cheese to create a rind. The white rind of Brie cheese is actually a white mould called penicillium candidum, which is not a harmful bacteria. It is completely safe to eat and adds an earthy, rich flavour.
To ensure that Brie lasts as long as possible, it is important to store it correctly. The proper storage for Brie is in a cool, dry place, with no air touching the cheese. Air touching the cheese will create mould. Therefore, the best way to store Brie is in its original packaging or wrapped in waxed paper or parchment paper. If you want to store a portion of the Brie, you can rewrap it, ensuring that the cheese is properly sealed. Then, loosely wrap it in plastic wrap. Freezing Brie is also an option to make it last longer.
When determining if Brie is still good to eat past its printed date, it is important to look for signs of spoilage. If there are signs of mould or greenish-blue spores on the surface, the Brie should be discarded. A darkened colour or funky smell also indicates that the Brie has expired. However, the white mould that typically forms on Brie is safe to eat and can be cut off if desired.
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It's safe to eat if it has white mould
Brie is a soft-ripened cheese that is made by adding mould to the outside of the cheese to create a rind. This white rind, called penicillium candidum, is completely safe to eat and adds an earthy, rich flavour to the cheese. In fact, some people consider it to be the best part of the cheese!
However, it's important to distinguish between the desirable white mould and other types of mould that may be harmful. If your brie has developed dark spots or dark mould, this is a clear indicator that it has expired and should be discarded. Other signs of spoilage include a gooey to liquid core and an unpleasant smell.
If your brie has only developed the whitish "mould" that is characteristic of this cheese, it is safe to consume. Simply cut off this thin layer before eating the rest of the cheese. Proper storage is key to preventing mould growth—Brie should be stored in a cool, dry place, ideally in its original packaging to prevent air from touching the cheese.
It's worth noting that the expiration date on the packaging serves as the best guide for determining freshness. While Brie can be consumed beyond this date, caution is advised to prevent foodborne illnesses. Freezing is an effective way to extend the shelf life of Brie and maintain its quality.
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It's unsafe to eat if it has coloured mould
While Brie cheese is a robust cheese that can age a few months past its expiration date, it is unsafe to eat if it has coloured mould. The white rind of Brie cheese is a white mould called Penicillium candidum, which is safe to eat and adds an earthy, rich flavour. However, if you see any dark spots or dark mould on your Brie, that is a clear indicator that it has expired and should not be consumed.
Soft cheeses like Brie are more susceptible to bacteria due to their high water content. While the colonisation of noble mould fills the ecological niche that would otherwise be claimed by pathogens, the soft texture of Brie makes it less acidic and more welcoming to harmful bacteria. Therefore, it is important to inspect your Brie cheese for any signs of coloured mould before consuming it, even if it is past its expiration date but within a safe range.
The presence of dark spots or dark mould on Brie cheese indicates that it has been contaminated by bacteria, which can cause food poisoning or other illnesses. While some people choose to cut off the mouldy parts and consume the rest of the cheese, it is generally recommended to err on the side of caution and discard the entire cheese to prevent any potential health risks.
Additionally, it is important to note that the storage conditions can also affect the shelf life of Brie cheese. Proper storage in a cool, dry place with minimal air exposure can help extend its freshness and prevent mould growth. However, if mould develops, it is best to discard the cheese rather than risk consuming contaminated food.
In summary, while Brie cheese can be consumed past its expiration date, it is important to thoroughly inspect it for any signs of coloured mould. Dark spots or mould indicate that the cheese has expired and should not be consumed to avoid potential health risks associated with bacterial contamination. Proper storage can help extend the shelf life, but it is always recommended to prioritise food safety when dealing with perishable items like Brie cheese.
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It's unsafe to eat if it's a liquid consistency
Brie is a soft and creamy cheese with a high water content of about 50%, which gives it its characteristic melt-in-your-mouth texture. While it is generally safe to consume past its printed expiration date, there are certain signs to look out for that indicate it has gone bad.
One important indicator is the consistency of the cheese. If your Brie has turned into a liquid consistency, it has definitely gone bad and should not be consumed. Overripe Brie will have a slimy, oozy, liquid-like texture, which is a result of excess moisture and rapid protein breakdown during the draining and salting processes. This excess moisture can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria, making the cheese unsafe to eat.
To prevent your Brie from reaching this stage, it is crucial to store it correctly. Brie thrives in a dry environment, and improper storage can lead to mold growth and accelerated spoilage. The best way to store Brie is in its original packaging or wrapped tightly in cheese paper, followed by a layer of plastic wrap. Freezing is also an option to extend its shelf life.
Additionally, always inspect your Brie before consumption. If you notice any dark spots or dark mold, or if the rind has darkened, it is best to discard it. While a thin layer of white mold is typical and safe to consume, colored mold can indicate the presence of harmful pathogens. Trust your senses; if the cheese has developed a funky smell or tastes off, it's best to discard it.
While it is tempting to indulge in this delicious cheese, it is important to prioritize food safety. Consuming spoiled Brie can lead to sickness and food poisoning. When in doubt, it is always better to err on the side of caution and discard the cheese rather than risking potential health hazards.
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It's best stored in the fridge, in its original packaging
Brie cheese is a soft cow's milk cheese with a creamy texture and nutty flavor. It is one of the most popular soft-ripened cheeses, along with Camembert. Soft cheeses are more welcoming to bacteria, but Brie's white rind, which is a type of mold called penicillium candidum, fills the ecological niche that would otherwise be claimed by pathogens. This makes Brie a relatively durable food.
The best way to store Brie cheese and prolong its life is in the fridge at around 40°F (4°C). It should be kept in its original packaging, which is designed to keep it moist while also allowing it to breathe. If you only want to store a portion of the Brie, you can rewrap it using cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper, ensuring that it is tightly sealed. Then, loosely wrap it in plastic wrap. Freezing Brie cheese is an option to make it last longer, but it will alter its texture and flavor.
Some people choose to ignore use-by dates on cheese products, and Brie can last a few months after the expiration date, especially if it is stored correctly. However, it is important to thoroughly inspect your Brie before consuming it past its printed date. The general rule of thumb is to check the expiration date on the original packaging first. Brie can be good up to 2 weeks past the best-by date, but consuming it after this time frame may lead to sickness or food poisoning.
Signs that Brie cheese has expired include darker spots on the rind or a change in the color or hue of the rind. The cheese may also develop a gooey to liquid core and a funky smell, indicating over-ripening. If there is any mold other than the white mold typically found on Brie, it is best to discard it. Soft cheeses like Brie are not acidic enough to stop pathogens from growing, so it is important to practice caution when consuming cheese past its expiration date.
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Frequently asked questions
Brie cheese can be good for consumption for up to two to three weeks past the expiration date. However, it is important to check the cheese for any signs of spoilage before eating it.
Brie cheese is a soft cheese that is susceptible to bacterial growth. Signs of spoilage include dark spots or dark mold on the cheese, a darkened rind, or a funky smell. If you see any of these signs, it is best to discard the cheese.
To extend the shelf life of Brie cheese, it is important to store it correctly. Brie cheese should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from strong odours and other mouldy cheeses. It is best to keep it in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper, followed by a layer of plastic wrap. Freezing Brie cheese is also an option to extend its shelf life.
