Frederic Melton
Blue cheese is a beloved food item, but it can be tricky to know how long it will last in the fridge. The shelf life of blue cheese largely depends on storage conditions and packaging. If stored properly, an unopened package of blue cheese can last for one to six months. Once the package is opened, the cheese should be consumed within three to four weeks. To extend the shelf life, blue cheese can be frozen for up to six months, although it may lose some of its texture and flavour. To determine if blue cheese has gone bad, one should look for changes in texture, colour, smell, and the presence of certain types of mould.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life in the refrigerator | 3-8 weeks, up to 2 months |
| Shelf life in the freezer | 6-8 months, indefinite if kept at 0°F |
| Signs of spoilage | Hard texture, dark colour, strong ammonia-like smell, fuzzy mould, discolouration |
| Storage conditions | Refrigerate at all times, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, or use breathable wraps like wax paper |
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What You'll Learn
Storage conditions
The shelf life of a wedge of blue cheese depends on its storage conditions. To maximise shelf life, the cheese should be kept in the refrigerator at all times and wrapped to prevent it from drying out. The ideal temperature for storing blue cheese is between 46°F–55°F (or 8°C–13°C), which is slightly warmer than a typical refrigerator, so consider storing it in the crisper drawer.
Blue cheese should be stored in the coldest and darkest part of the fridge. It should be wrapped in breathable materials such as cheese paper, parchment, or wax paper. Plastic wrap should be avoided where possible as it can trap moisture and encourage mould. However, one source recommends wrapping the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then covering it with plastic wrap. Another source suggests that, to further extend shelf life, the cheese can be wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminium foil.
Blue cheese should be kept away from other cheeses and food to prevent the mould spores from contaminating them. It should be stored in a designated container to maintain humidity and prevent odours from mingling.
Blue cheese can also be stored in the freezer. To freeze a wedge of blue cheese, cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each and wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen blue cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour; it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.
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How to identify spoilage
Blue cheese is known for its pungent aroma, but there are several ways to identify when it has spoiled and is no longer safe to eat.
Firstly, blue cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in either cheese paper, wax paper, parchment paper, or aluminium foil, and kept in an airtight container. This will help to maintain its freshness. If left unrefrigerated for more than two days or refrigerated for more than three to four weeks, blue cheese is likely to spoil.
One of the key indicators of spoilage is the appearance of the cheese. The creamy part of blue cheese is typically white, beige, or yellow. If you notice that it has started to turn pink, brown, or green, it has likely spoiled. Additionally, look out for any slimy or fuzzy exterior mould, which is a sign of spoilage. The mould can appear in spots that are darker in colour, usually black, grey, or white, and may be caused by improper ventilation. Yeast may also appear as yellow or pink slimy patches.
Another indicator of spoilage is the smell of the cheese. Blue cheese has a strong, sharp, and somewhat earthy scent. If the cheese starts to smell like ammonia, it is likely spoiled. This indicates that the acidity of the cheese has reduced, creating an environment for other organisms to grow.
Finally, you can taste a small amount of the blue cheese. If it has become too strong or bitter to enjoy, it has likely spoiled.
By using these indicators, you can identify spoilage in blue cheese and ensure that you are consuming it safely.
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Freezing blue cheese
Blue cheese is a divisive food due to its strong smell and salty taste. However, if you are a fan of this pungent delicacy, you may want to freeze it to preserve it for longer. Freezing blue cheese is a simple process, but it's important to remember that it will affect the taste and texture of the cheese.
Firstly, do not freeze blue cheese if it has passed its best-before date. It will become tasteless, and the texture will be unappealing. You can identify this by the smell of the cheese; when it starts to go bad, it will develop an ammonia-like odour. If the creamy part of the cheese has turned from white or slightly off-white to green or brown, it has gone bad and should not be frozen.
When freezing blue cheese, cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each. Wrap the portions tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. You can also use clingfilm, but ensure it is airtight. Mark the date of freezing on the bag or container. Blue cheese should last around 6-8 months in the freezer before the flavour and texture begin to be affected. It will still be safe to eat after this time, but the quality will deteriorate.
After defrosting, blue cheese is best suited to cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles. A wedge of blue cheese that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days before using. If the cheese was thawed in the microwave or in cold water, it should be used immediately.
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Blue cheese shelf life
Blue cheese is a beloved food item for many, but it can be tricky to know how long it will last in the fridge. The shelf life of blue cheese depends on several factors, including packaging, storage conditions, and the type of blue cheese.
Packaging and Storage Conditions:
The shelf life of blue cheese can vary depending on how it is packaged and stored. If your blue cheese comes wrapped in cheese paper and inside a carton package, it will likely have a shorter shelf life compared to those that are sealed airtight. To maximize the shelf life of blue cheese, it should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For even better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper, then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating. Always keep blue cheese refrigerated and store it in the coldest and darkest part of the fridge. The ideal temperature for storing blue cheese is between 46°F–55°F (or 8°C–13°C).
Type of Blue Cheese:
The type of blue cheese you have will also impact its shelf life. A wedge of blue cheese will typically last for about 1 to 2 months in the refrigerator if properly stored. However, once the package is opened, it is recommended to finish the cheese within 3 to 4 weeks. Blue cheese crumbles, on the other hand, will last for about 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator if the package is opened and properly sealed.
Signs of Spoilage:
It's important to regularly check your blue cheese for any signs of spoilage. Blue cheese that is going bad will typically develop a very hard texture, darken in color, and may have a strong ammonia-like smell. Mold may also appear, but not all mold is bad. The blue mold native to blue cheese is safe to consume. However, if you spot fuzzy, grey, green, or black mold, it's time to discard the cheese. Additionally, if the flesh of the cheese turns pink, green, brown, or yellow, it is no longer safe to eat.
Freezing:
If you want to extend the shelf life of your blue cheese, you can freeze it. Cut the cheese into portions no larger than 1/2 pound each, wrap them tightly, and place them in the freezer. Properly stored, blue cheese will maintain its best quality for about 6 to 8 months in the freezer but will remain safe to consume beyond that time. However, freezing may cause the cheese to become crumbly and lose some of its flavor and texture. Therefore, thawed blue cheese is best suited for cooked dishes like sauces, soups, and casseroles.
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Blue cheese packaging
Blue cheese is a beloved delicacy for many, but it can be tricky to preserve. The shelf life of blue cheese depends on the packaging and storage conditions. Properly packaged and stored blue cheese can last from one to six months. If you have bought your blue cheese in a wedge, it is recommended to finish it within three to four weeks of opening. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it.
Packaging and Storage Instructions:
- Store blue cheese in the fridge at a temperature between 46°F–55°F (or 8°C–13°C). The crisper drawer in your refrigerator can help maintain this temperature range.
- Wrap blue cheese in breathable materials such as cheese paper, parchment, or wax paper. This helps prevent mould and maintains humidity.
- Avoid using plastic wrap as it can trap moisture and encourage mould. If you must use plastic wrap, cover the cheese first with wax or parchment paper and then with plastic wrap.
- Keep blue cheese away from other foods to prevent mould contamination.
- Do not pre-slice the cheese unless necessary, as exposing more surface area to air and bacteria will reduce its shelf life.
- If you are storing hard cheese, wrap it in cheese paper or wax paper and then loosely in foil.
- If mould appears on hard cheese, you can cut away the affected area (at least 1 inch around and below) and continue to enjoy the rest.
- To freeze blue cheese, cut it into portions no larger than 1/2 pound each, and wrap tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Frozen blue cheese will maintain its best quality for about six months but remains safe to consume beyond that.
- After defrosting, a wedge of blue cheese can be kept for an additional 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
Signs That Blue Cheese Has Gone Bad:
- The cheese has developed a very hard texture, darkened in colour, or become dry and crumbly.
- There is mould on the cheese, especially fuzzy, green, or black mould. Blue cheese may have native blue mould, but this is not fuzzy.
- The cheese has an ammonia-like smell or a stale odour.
- The flesh of the cheese has turned pink, green, brown, or yellow.
- The cheese has become too salty.
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Frequently asked questions
An opened wedge of blue cheese will last for about 3 to 4 weeks if stored properly.
To maximise the shelf life of an opened wedge of blue cheese, wrap the original packaging tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For even better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Blue cheese that is going bad will develop a very hard texture, will darken in colour, will develop a strong ammonia-like smell and mould may appear. If there are some patches of grey or black fuzzy mould, discard the cheese.
Yes, to extend the shelf life of blue cheese, cut the cheese into portions no larger than 1/2 pound each, and wrap tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Properly stored, it will maintain its best quality for about 6 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
