Blue Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Blue cheese is a pungent variety of cheese with a strong smell and distinct flavour. But how long does it last? When kept in the refrigerator, blue cheese can last for about one to two months. If refrigerated, blue cheese can last for three to four weeks. Freezing blue cheese can extend its shelf life even further, remaining safe indefinitely when frozen. However, the taste and texture of blue cheese may change slightly when it's thawed, becoming crumbly and losing some of its flavour. To maximise its shelf life, blue cheese should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, or first wrapped in wax or parchment paper and then covered with plastic wrap.

How long does blue cheese last in the fridge?

Blue cheese is a pungent, sharp-tasting cheese with a unique appearance. It's made with cultures of the mold Penicillium, which is perfectly safe to eat. But how long does it last in the fridge?

Unopened Blue Cheese

Unopened blue cheese can last for several months and even up to a year if it's stored properly in the fridge. The shelf life depends on the packaging. If it's wrapped in cheese paper and inside a carton package, it will likely have a shorter shelf life than if it's sealed airtight. The cheese should be pretty good for a week or maybe two after the sell-by date, but don't expect it to last much longer than that.

Opened Blue Cheese

Once the package is opened, blue cheese should be consumed within 3 to 4 weeks. If you're not sure when you opened it, there are some signs to look out for that will tell you if it's gone bad.

Signs of Spoilage

• 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's probably spoiled.
• Color – The creamy part of the cheese is normally white, beige, or yellow. If it has started to turn pink, brown, or green, it has likely spoiled.
• Texture – If the surface appears slimy or fuzzy, it's best to discard it.
• Taste – Fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste. If it's too strong to enjoy, it's probably best to throw it away.

Storing Blue Cheese

To keep blue cheese fresh for as long as possible, wrap it well so it doesn't dry out, but also give it some breathing room. The best temperature for blue cheese is between 46°F and 55°F (or 8°C – 13°C). Keep it in the crisper drawer of your fridge, as this is usually the coldest part.

What are the signs of spoilage?

Blue cheese is known for its strong smell and distinct flavour, so it can be difficult to tell when it has gone bad. However, it is important to be able to spot the difference between good and bad blue cheese to avoid food poisoning.

One of the most reliable ways to tell if 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 the cheese has developed an ammonia-like smell, it is probably spoiled.

The colour of the cheese can also indicate spoilage. Fresh blue cheese has blue or green mould in it, while the creamy part is normally white, beige, or yellow. If the creamy part has turned pink, brown, or green, the cheese has likely spoiled.

The texture of the cheese can also be an indicator of spoilage. If the surface of the cheese appears slimy or fuzzy, it has likely gone bad.

Tasting the cheese is another way to tell if it has spoiled. Fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste, while old cheese becomes especially biting when it starts to spoil. If the blue cheese is too strong to enjoy, it should be thrown away. However, it is important to note that eating a small amount of spoiled blue cheese is usually not dangerous.

In addition to these signs of spoilage, it is important to consider the age of the cheese. Blue cheese should be refrigerated and will last for about three to four weeks in the fridge. If left unrefrigerated, it will spoil more quickly, and should be discarded after two days.

Can you eat mouldy blue cheese?

Blue cheese is made using Penicillium, a type of mould that's responsible for its distinct taste, smell, and appearance. Unlike other types of mould, the Penicillium varieties used to produce blue cheese don't produce toxins and are considered safe to consume.

However, blue cheese can still spoil if it's not stored properly. It's important to wrap it tightly and keep it in the refrigerator. If stored properly, blue cheese can last 3–4 weeks in the fridge. Freezing blue cheese can also extend its shelf life. Although freezing may slightly alter its texture and appearance, it remains safe to eat.

So, can you eat mouldy blue cheese? In most cases, yes. Blue cheese is already made with mould, so the presence of mould on the surface isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, if you notice any signs of spoilage, such as fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots, it's best to discard it. Additionally, if the cheese develops a strong ammonia-like odour, it may be spoiled. Consuming spoiled blue cheese can lead to food poisoning, causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps.

To summarise, while blue cheese can be eaten even if it has developed some mould, it's important to look out for other signs of spoilage, such as suspicious-looking spots or a strong ammonia smell. If you're unsure, it's always better to discard the cheese to avoid the risk of food poisoning.

How to store blue cheese

Blue cheese is a flavourful delicacy with a distinct appearance, smell, and taste. It is made using Penicillium, a type of mould that is responsible for its unique characteristics. While the mould used in blue cheese is safe to consume, improper storage can cause the cheese to spoil. Here are some tips to help you store blue cheese properly and maintain its quality:

Wrapping and Refrigeration

Blue cheese should be wrapped in a breathable material like cheese paper, parchment paper, or wax paper. Plastic wrap or airtight containers should be avoided as they can trap moisture and affect the cheese's texture. The wrapped cheese should then be placed in the refrigerator, ideally in the crisper drawer or a similar humid section, to prevent it from drying out. Aim for a temperature of 35-45°F (2-7°C) and maintain a humidity level between 70-80%.

Storing at Room Temperature

If you plan to consume the cheese within a few hours or at a gathering, storing blue cheese at room temperature in a cheese grotto is an option. A cheese grotto is a specialised container that regulates humidity using a clay brick humidifier and a breathable panel. However, room temperature storage will reduce the cheese's shelf life to a few days to a little over a week.

Freezing

Freezing is an option if you want to extend the shelf life of blue cheese. Cut the cheese to the desired size, wrap it in aluminium foil or plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen blue cheese can last for several months, but its texture and flavour profile may change, making it more suitable for cooked dishes than direct consumption.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Avoid storing blue cheese in airtight containers or mixing it with other cheeses. Rewrap the cheese after each use and handle it with clean hands or utensils. Also, pay attention to condensation inside the wrapper, as it can indicate improper storage conditions.

Signs of Spoilage

Even with proper storage, blue cheese can spoil over time. Signs of spoilage include pinkish or brown discolouration, a slimy or sticky texture, and an ammonia-like smell beyond the usual pungent aroma. If you notice any of these signs, discard the cheese immediately.

How to freeze blue cheese

Blue cheese is a very strong type of cheese, made using cow's, sheep's, or goat's milk and matured with penicillium, a type of mould. Freezing blue cheese is a great way to preserve this pungent cheese and have it ready to add to recipes later on.

Firstly, if your block of blue cheese is big, it's a good idea to cut it into smaller pieces. This will help it to thaw more quickly when you need to use it. You can cut it into slices or cubes, or grate it.

Next, wrap the cheese in two layers of clingfilm, making sure to remove any excess air. Then, place the wrapped blue cheese in an airtight freezer bag or container.

Finally, label the freezer bag or container with the date of freezing, and place it in the freezer.

Blue cheese can last for a long time in the freezer—up to 6-8 months before its flavour and texture start to be affected. It can be safely eaten after this time, but it won't be at its best.

How to Defrost Blue Cheese:

To defrost blue cheese, simply take it out of the freezer and leave it in the fridge. It should take around 24 hours to defrost, although larger blocks may take up to 48 hours. If you're in a hurry, you can speed up the process by defrosting the cheese in cold water, or by adding it straight to a pot or skillet.

How to Use Defrosted Blue Cheese:

Freezing and defrosting blue cheese can change its texture and taste, so it's best used in cooked dishes such as soups, casseroles, sauces, and grilled sandwiches.

Frequently asked questions