Cheese Storage: How Long Does It Last?

Cheese is a beloved staple in many kitchens, but it can be hard to know how long it will last in the fridge. The shelf life of cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, moisture content, storage practices, and preservatives. In general, soft cheeses like ricotta, feta, and mozzarella have a shorter shelf life of about one to two weeks, while hard cheeses like aged cheddar, gouda, and Parmesan can last up to four weeks or even longer. Proper storage is crucial to extending the life of your cheese, so it's recommended to wrap cheese in porous materials like wax or parchment paper and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

How Long Cheese Fridge

Soft cheeses like mozzarella, feta, and ricotta last 1-2 weeks in the fridge

Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, feta, and ricotta, typically last for 1-2 weeks in the fridge. These cheeses are more perishable than harder varieties due to their higher moisture content, which provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Therefore, soft cheeses should be consumed within a week for the best quality and taste.

To ensure the longest possible shelf life for soft cheeses, proper storage is essential. For soft cheeses sold in brine, such as feta or fresh mozzarella, keep them fully submerged in the liquid and ensure the container is securely closed. For other soft cheeses, it is recommended to wrap them in wax, parchment, or cheese paper and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Additionally, it is important to maintain a safe refrigerator temperature of below 40°F (4°C) to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth.

Remember, soft cheeses like mozzarella, feta, and ricotta are highly perishable, so always check for signs of spoilage before consuming, even if they are within the expected shelf life.

Now, let's delve into more detail about each of these soft cheeses and their specific storage requirements:

Mozzarella

The fresher the mozzarella, the more perishable it is. It is recommended to buy mozzarella close to when you plan on consuming it. To extend its shelf life, store it in its natural liquid in a sealed container. When stored properly, fresh mozzarella will typically last for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Feta

Feta cheese in brine has an extended shelf life compared to other soft cheeses due to the salt in the brine, which inhibits mold growth. However, feta is still highly perishable, and proper storage is crucial. Keep feta fully submerged in the brine and ensure the container is securely closed. With proper storage, feta will generally last for 1-2 weeks in the fridge.

Ricotta

Ricotta is a highly perishable fresh cheese with a short shelf life. To maximize its shelf life, store ricotta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best to consume ricotta within a week or two of opening, as its high moisture content makes it susceptible to spoilage.

Hard cheeses like aged cheddar and parmesan can last 3-4 weeks

Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar and parmesan, can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks after opening. In fact, unopened hard cheeses don't require refrigeration, but they will last much longer if they are stored in the fridge. Unopened blocks of hard cheese can last up to six months in the fridge and eight months in the freezer.

Hard cheeses have a longer shelf life than soft cheeses because they contain less moisture, which makes them less prone to spoilage from bacteria. This means that hard cheeses like aged cheddar and parmesan can be enjoyed for weeks after opening, making them a great option for those who want to buy cheese in larger quantities or who prefer a longer-lasting option.

When storing hard cheeses in the refrigerator, it is recommended to follow these steps:

• Remove the cheese from its plastic packaging.
• Wrap it loosely in cheese paper or wax paper.
• Put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid.

Additionally, if you notice any mould on hard cheeses, simply cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the affected spots. This is because, due to their low moisture content, mould on hard cheeses doesn't spread as quickly as on soft cheeses. However, it is important to monitor yourself for any symptoms of food poisoning, such as vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhoea, as some moulds are more dangerous than others.

In summary, hard cheeses like aged cheddar and parmesan can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks after opening, making them a convenient and long-lasting option for cheese lovers.

Semi-hard cheeses like gouda and cheddar last 2-3 weeks

Semi-hard cheeses, such as Gouda and Cheddar, can be expected to last 2-3 weeks in the fridge. This is because they contain less moisture than soft cheeses, which are more perishable and tend to spoil more quickly.

To ensure your semi-hard cheese lasts the full two to three weeks, follow these steps for proper storage:

• Remove the cheese from its plastic packaging.
• Wrap it loosely in a pliable yet breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper.
• Put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid.

It's worth noting that the shelf life of cheese depends on many factors, including moisture content, storage method, quality, and packaging. The cheese's environment in the fridge is also important; it should be protected but able to breathe, and the fridge temperature should be below 40°F (4°C).

Additionally, while cheese usually becomes unpalatable before it becomes dangerous, it's important to look out for signs of spoilage. For semi-hard cheeses, this can include red or black mould, drastic changes in texture, or a yeasty or ammonia smell.

Freezing cheese is not recommended, but it can be done in a pinch

Freezing cheese is not generally recommended, especially when it comes to soft cheeses. However, if you're in a pinch, it can be done.

Freezing cheese can prolong its shelf life and reduce waste, but it may negatively affect the cheese's texture and quality. When cheese is frozen, small ice crystals form inside, disrupting its internal structure. As a result, when the cheese is thawed, it releases water, causing it to dry out and become crumbly.

Hard and semi-hard cheeses with lower moisture content, such as cheddar, Swiss, or blue cheese, can be frozen. However, their texture will likely become crumbly and mealy, and they will be harder to slice.

Mozzarella and pizza cheese can also be frozen, but their texture and melting properties may suffer.

To freeze cheese, portion it into usable quantities and wrap it tightly in parchment paper and foil. Then, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or bag and freeze it as quickly as possible. Frozen cheese can be stored for up to six months but should be thawed slowly in the refrigerator before use.

It is important to note that freezing cheese is best reserved for cooking rather than serving as table cheese. Frozen cheese is suitable for dishes where changes in texture are less noticeable, such as sauces, casseroles, or grilled cheese sandwiches.

Proper storage can extend the life of cheese, such as using parchment paper or a cheese bag

Proper storage is key to extending the life of your cheese. The ideal storage method balances airflow and humidity to prevent dehydration and the build-up of excess moisture.

Cheese is a living food, and it needs to breathe. Wrapping cheese in plastic suffocates it, leading to wet, mouldy cheese, and it can also make your cheese taste like plastic. On the other hand, wrapping cheese in plain paper will cause it to dry out.

One way to store cheese is to use parchment paper. This allows the cheese to breathe and prevents additional moisture. You can then place the wrapped cheese in a plastic bag or a resealable container. Alternatively, you can use wax paper, which is also breathable and will prevent excess moisture.

Another option is to use cheese paper. Cheese paper is the waxy paper that cheese is sometimes packaged in. It is coated with wax and polyethylene, which wicks away excess moisture while allowing the cheese to breathe, and it prevents the cheese from tasting like plastic. You can buy rolls of cheese paper, or, if your cheese came packaged in it, you can rinse and dry the paper and reuse it. If you use cheese paper, you will also need to place the wrapped cheese in a container.

You can also buy specially coated cheese storage bags, which keep in humidity to prevent dryness but also allow the cheese to breathe.

Frequently asked questions