Cheese Blocks: How Long Do They Stay Fresh?

Cheese is a versatile and tasty staple in many kitchens. However, it doesn't last forever. The shelf life of cheese depends on the type of cheese and how it's stored. Blocks of hard cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar, can last between two and four months unopened in the fridge, while softer cheeses like mozzarella or feta should be consumed within one to two weeks. To extend the shelf life of cheese, it's important to store it properly. This includes wrapping it in breathable material like parchment paper and ensuring your fridge is at a safe temperature, below 40°F (4°C).

Blocks of cheese should be wrapped in a breathable material and stored in the fridge

Cheese is a dairy product with a long shelf life, but it will eventually spoil. The length of time cheese lasts in the fridge depends on the type of cheese and how it is stored. Soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses, as they have a higher moisture content. Hard cheeses can last up to four weeks in the fridge, while soft cheeses should be consumed within one to two weeks.

When storing cheese in the fridge, it is important to use the right type of wrapping. Avoid tight, non-porous materials such as plastic wrap, as these can dry out the cheese and harden it. Instead, opt for a breathable material such as wax, parchment, or cheese paper. These materials will allow the right amount of moisture to escape while maintaining optimal humidity. Wrap the cheese gently and ensure it has space to breathe. If you don't have cheese paper, parchment paper is a good alternative.

It is also important to store cheese in the correct part of the fridge. The best place is the top or middle shelf, or in a drawer, as long as it is above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination. Keep your fridge at a safe temperature of below 40°F (4°C) to slow the growth of bacteria.

By following these storage guidelines, you can help extend the life of your block of cheese and enjoy it for as long as possible.

Blocks of cheese can be frozen but may taste different when defrosted

When freezing cheese, it is important to wrap it properly to prevent it from drying out. Avoid using tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, as this can affect the texture of the cheese. Instead, opt for porous materials like cheese or wax paper, which allow the cheese to breathe while still providing protection. Parchment paper is also a suitable option for wrapping cheese before placing it in the freezer.

It is worth noting that frozen cheese may have a slightly different taste and texture compared to fresh cheese. This is due to the formation of ice crystals during freezing, which can affect the structure of the cheese. Therefore, it is advisable to freeze cheese in small portions to minimise the impact on taste and texture.

Additionally, when defrosting frozen cheese, it is important to do so gradually and safely. Place the frozen cheese in the refrigerator to thaw slowly, rather than defrosting it at room temperature. This helps to preserve the quality and safety of the cheese.

Overall, while freezing blocks of cheese is possible, it may alter the taste and texture to some extent. Therefore, it is recommended to consume cheese fresh whenever possible and only freeze it when necessary.

Blocks of soft cheese should be consumed within 1-2 weeks

Soft cheeses, such as cream cheese, brie, mozzarella, feta, gorgonzola, and camembert, have a shorter shelf life than hard cheeses due to their higher moisture content, which makes them more susceptible to spoilage. Therefore, it is recommended that soft cheeses be consumed within 1 to 2 weeks of being opened and stored in the refrigerator.

To maximise the shelf life of soft cheeses, it is important to store them properly. Soft cheeses should be kept in their original, unopened packaging until you are ready to use them. Once opened, soft cheeses should be stored in a tightly sealed container or wrapped in wax, parchment, or cheese paper to prevent them from drying out.

It is also important to maintain a safe refrigerator temperature of below 40°F (4°C) to slow down bacterial growth and prevent spoilage. Additionally, soft cheeses should be placed on the top or middle shelf of the refrigerator, or in a drawer, to avoid contamination from raw meats, poultry, or fish.

When it comes to determining if a soft cheese has gone bad, it is best to rely on your senses. If you notice any signs of mould, dryness, or an unpleasant smell, it is best to discard the cheese. While it is possible to cut off mouldy portions from hard cheeses, soft cheeses should be discarded entirely if mould is present.

By following these storage guidelines and regularly inspecting your soft cheeses, you can ensure that they remain safe and tasty for consumption within the recommended timeframe of 1 to 2 weeks.

Blocks of hard cheese can last 6 months in the fridge

Blocks of hard cheese can last up to 6 months in the fridge if stored correctly. This is because hard cheeses have a lower moisture content, which makes them less prone to spoilage from bacteria.

To ensure your hard cheese lasts as long as possible, it's important to follow some simple storage guidelines. Firstly, avoid wrapping the cheese in tight, non-porous material like plastic wrap, as this can dry out the cheese and harden it. Instead, opt for wrapping the cheese in wax, parchment, or cheese paper, which allows the right amount of moisture to escape while maintaining optimal humidity. You can then store the wrapped cheese in a drawer or on the top or middle shelf of your fridge, making sure to keep it above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination.

Another factor that can impact the shelf life of hard cheese is the temperature of your fridge. It's important to maintain a safe temperature of below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacteria growth and spoilage. You can use a fridge thermometer to ensure that your fridge is maintained at the optimal temperature.

While hard cheese can last for several months in the fridge, it's still important to inspect it for any signs of spoilage before consumption. If you notice any specks of blue or green mold on the surface of the cheese, simply cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below those spots. However, if you notice red or black mold, it's best to discard the entire block of cheese as these molds can indicate a more serious issue.

In addition to visual inspection, you can also use your senses of smell and taste to determine if the cheese is safe to eat. If the cheese has developed a sweaty, chlorine-like, or ammonia-like odor, it's best to discard it. Similarly, if the cheese tastes off or has a strange texture, it's better to be safe and throw it out.

Blocks of semi-hard to semi-soft cheese can be stored in the fridge for 2-4 weeks

Blocks of semi-hard to semi-soft cheese, such as Emmental, Gruyère, havarti, Muenster, Port Salut, Gouda, Edam, Jarlsberg, Cantal, and cașcaval, can be stored in the fridge for 2-4 weeks. This is because there is more moisture present in these types of cheeses, so they won't keep as long as harder cheeses.

To store semi-hard to semi-soft cheeses, wrap the cheese in breathable parchment-type paper, then place it inside a Ziploc bag. This will allow a limited amount of airflow, keeping the cheese fresh while also preventing the cheesy smell from affecting the rest of the food in the fridge.

To determine if your semi-hard to semi-soft cheese has gone bad, use your senses. Look for any weird molds and make sure it tastes the same, relatively, as it did when you bought it. If you see any red or black mold, it's best to throw the cheese out.

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