Blue Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Blue cheese is a beloved delicacy for some, but its signature mould and pungent aroma can make it difficult to tell when it's gone bad. It's important to be able to spot the difference between edible blue cheese and spoiled blue cheese, as eating the latter can lead to food poisoning and the accidental consumption of toxic moulds.

How to store blue cheese

Blue cheese is a pungent delicacy that requires proper care to preserve its bold flavours and creamy texture. Here are some tips to ensure your blue cheese remains in optimal condition:

Wrapping and Packaging

• Avoid using plastic wrap or airtight containers as blue cheese needs to breathe.
• Instead, opt for wax paper, parchment paper, or cheese paper to wrap the cheese, which will prevent moisture loss while allowing air circulation.
• Then, cover the wrapped cheese with plastic wrap or foil to ensure it doesn't dry out.
• For an extra layer of protection, place the wrapped cheese in a loose plastic bag or an airtight container.
• If you're freezing blue cheese, wrap it tightly in heavy-duty foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in a freezer bag.

Storage Location and Temperature

• Store blue cheese in the refrigerator, ideally in the vegetable crisper, to maintain a temperature of 35-45°F (2-7°C).
• Aim for humidity levels between 70-80% to prevent the cheese from cracking or developing unwanted mould.
• Keep blue cheese separate from other cheeses and food to prevent the mould spores from spreading.
• If storing at room temperature, use a cheese grotto, which regulates humidity with a clay brick humidifier and a breathable panel.

Extending Shelf Life

• Buy only what you'll use soon and consume refrigerated blue cheese within 3-4 weeks.
• Rewrap the cheese after each use, handle it with clean utensils, and avoid condensation inside the wrapper.
• For long-term storage, consider vacuum-sealing or freezing, but note that freezing may alter the texture and flavour of the cheese.

By following these storage guidelines, you can enjoy your blue cheese at its flavourful best and minimise waste.

How to spot bad blue cheese

Blue cheese is known for its distinctive streaks of mould and pungent aroma, so it can be tricky to tell when it has gone bad. However, it's important to be able to spot the difference between good and bad blue cheese to avoid food poisoning or the accidental consumption of toxic moulds. Here's how to spot bad blue cheese:

Smell

The best way to tell if your blue cheese has spoiled is to smell it. Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to go bad. Give the cheese a sniff, and if it has an ammonia-like smell, it is probably spoiled. It's a good idea to give blue cheese a smell when you've just brought it home so that you know what it's supposed to smell like.

Colour

Fresh blue cheese already has mould in it, which is typically blue or green. However, you want to pay attention to the colour of the creamy part of the cheese. It's normally white, beige or yellow. If you notice it's started to turn pink, brown, or green, your blue cheese has likely spoiled.

Texture

In addition to colour changes, study the cheese to see if its surface appears slimy or fuzzy, and discard it if you notice changes in texture.

Taste

If your blue cheese still smells the same and hasn't changed colour, you can usually tell if it's gone bad by giving it a taste. While fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste, old cheese becomes especially biting when it starts to spoil. If you taste a bit of the blue cheese and it's too strong to enjoy, you should throw it away. In most cases, eating a small bit of spoiled blue cheese won't make you sick, so tasting it isn't dangerous.

How long does blue cheese last in the freezer?

Blue cheese is a pungent, edible mould that is perfectly safe to eat. However, it can still go bad. If you are planning to store blue cheese in the freezer, it is important to know how to do it properly and for how long it will last.

Storing Blue Cheese in the Freezer

To store blue cheese in the freezer, it is recommended to cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each. For crumbled blue cheese, divide it into portions of similar weight. Then, use a food scale to weigh each slice or portion. After that, double-wrap the cheese. First, wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper, then place plastic wrap or foil over the paper to prevent it from drying out. Finally, place the double-wrapped cheese into a plastic freezer bag to protect it from freezer burn.

Blue cheese can last indefinitely in the freezer if kept at a constant temperature of 0°F. However, for the best taste and texture, it is recommended to not keep it frozen for more than six months. Frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour. The thawed cheese is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.

How to spot bad blue cheese by smell

Blue cheese is known for its distinctive smell, but how do you know when it's gone bad?

The best way to tell if your blue cheese has spoiled is to smell it. Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to go bad. Give the cheese a sniff, and if it has an ammonia-like smell, it is probably spoiled.

It's a good idea to give blue cheese a smell when you've just brought it home. That way, you'll know what it smells like when it's fresh and be better able to detect when the scent begins to change.

If you're unsure what fresh blue cheese should smell like, sources suggest that it should be similar to beef, meat or buttermilk.

In addition to smelling the cheese, you should also check its colour. The creamy part of the cheese is normally a white, beige, or yellow shade. If you notice that it's started to turn pink, brown, or green, your blue cheese has likely spoiled.

If your blue cheese has started to smell like ammonia and/or has changed colour, it's time to throw it away.

How to spot bad blue cheese by colour

Blue cheese is known for its signature streaks of mould and pungent aroma. It can be challenging to tell when it has gone bad. However, it is important to be able to spot the difference between edible blue cheese and spoiled blue cheese. Here is how to spot bad blue cheese by colour:

The Creamy Part Has Changed Colour

The creamy part of the cheese is normally white, beige, or yellow. If you notice that it has started to turn pink, brown, or green, your blue cheese has likely spoiled. These discolourations can be described as "fuzzy".

The Surface Has Changed Colour

If the surface of the cheese has changed colour and you see grey or black patches of mould that are fuzzy, discard the cheese.

The Rind Has Changed Colour

Some blue cheeses naturally develop a pink hue around the rind, and this is fine and expected. However, if you are unsure, check the label or the FAQ section on the brand's website.

The Cheese Has Darkened in Colour

Blue cheese that is going bad will typically darken in colour, develop a strong smell, and mould may appear.

The Cheese Has Developed a Yellow-Green Colour

Blue cheese needs oxygen to thrive. Without it, blue cheese will start to turn yellow-green on its way to going bad.

Frequently asked questions