Bushra Griffith
Blue cheese is a pungent, distinctive cheese with a unique flavour profile, known for its blue veins. But how long does a wedge of blue cheese last? Well, it depends on a few factors. An unopened package of blue cheese will last for about a week to two weeks beyond the printed date on its label. Once opened, it should be consumed within 1-2 weeks, or 3-4 weeks at a maximum. To extend its life, blue cheese should be wrapped in wax or parchment paper and then placed in a plastic bag or airtight container to retain moisture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life (unopened) | 1-6 months |
| Shelf life (opened) | 3-4 weeks |
| Freezer storage | 6 months |
| Fridge temperature | 35°F to 45°F (2°C to 7°C) |
| Fridge temperature (optimal) | 46°F – 55°F (8°C – 13°C) |
| Fridge temperature (maximum) | 40°F |
| Storage wrap | Wax paper, plastic wrap, aluminium foil, plastic bag, airtight container |
| Storage conditions | Refrigerate, allow to breathe, double wrap |
| Signs of spoilage | Ammonia-like smell, altered colour, fuzzy mould, hard texture |
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What You'll Learn
How long does unopened blue cheese last?
The shelf life of unopened blue cheese depends on its packaging and storage conditions. Unopened blue cheese can last from one month up to six months. If it is stored in an airtight seal, it will last much longer than if it is wrapped in cheese paper and kept inside a carton package.
To maximise the shelf life of unopened blue cheese, it should be stored in the fridge at all times. The best temperature for storing blue cheese is between 46°F–55°F (or 8°C–13°C). It should be wrapped well so that it doesn't dry out, but it should also be able to breathe.
Unopened blue cheese will usually be safe to use for one to two months, even if the "sell-by" or "best-by" date on the package expires.
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How long does opened blue cheese last?
Blue cheese is a pungent and distinctive type of cheese, with a strong scent and a bold, tangy flavour. It's also a cheese with a relatively short shelf life, especially once the package has been opened.
Once a wedge of blue cheese is opened, the cheese should be consumed within one to two weeks. This is because the presence of air and moisture encourages the growth of both the desired moulds specific to blue cheese, and potentially harmful bacteria.
To extend the life of blue cheese, it's important to store it correctly. The cheese should be kept in the refrigerator at a temperature between 35°F and 40°F (2°C to 7°C). It should be wrapped in parchment or wax paper to allow it to breathe, and then placed in a plastic bag to retain moisture. An airtight container is also a good idea, as this will help to prevent the cheese from absorbing other odours inside the refrigerator, as well as maintaining the required humidity levels.
Blue cheese that is kept in the freezer will last indefinitely, but for best taste and texture, it shouldn't be kept for more than six months. Frozen blue cheese often becomes more crumbly and loses some of its flavour, so it's best used in cooked dishes.
Signs that blue cheese has gone bad include the development of an off smell, different from the naturally strong, tangy odour of blue cheese. There may also be visible signs of pink, green or black mould that differ from the characteristic blue or green veins, and a significant change in texture, such as becoming excessively hard or slimy. If any of these signs are present, the cheese should be discarded.
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How to store blue cheese
Blue cheese is a pungent, distinctive cheese with a unique flavour profile, texture, and appearance. It is also a cheese with a short shelf life, so proper storage is essential to maintaining its quality and taste.
Firstly, blue cheese should always be stored in the refrigerator. The ideal temperature is between 35°F and 45°F (2°C to 7°C), with the lower temperature range being preferable. The cheese should be kept in the refrigerator's crisper drawer, which provides a more consistent environment.
When storing blue cheese, it is important to allow the cheese to breathe. Wrapping the cheese in wax or parchment paper will achieve this. Then, to retain moisture, place the wrapped cheese in a plastic bag or airtight container. An airtight container will also prevent the cheese from absorbing other odours in the refrigerator and protect it from cross-contamination.
For long-term storage, encase the cheese in heavy-duty aluminium foil and store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Frozen blue cheese will last indefinitely but is best used within six months for optimal taste and texture.
When stored correctly in the refrigerator, an unopened package of blue cheese will last one to six months, depending on its packaging. Once the package is opened, blue cheese should be consumed within one to four weeks.
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How to spot bad blue cheese
Blue cheese is known for its signature mouldy appearance and pungent aroma, so it can be tricky to tell when it has gone bad. However, it's important to know when to spot bad blue cheese, as eating spoiled blue cheese can lead to food poisoning or the accidental consumption of toxic moulds. Here are some ways to identify if your blue cheese has gone bad:
- Smell the cheese: Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to spoil. Give the cheese a sniff, and if it has an ammonia-like smell, it is probably bad. It is a good idea to smell the cheese when you first buy it so you can identify any changes in scent.
- Examine the colour: The creamy part of the cheese is typically white, beige, or yellow. If you notice it turning pink, brown, green, or blue, it has likely gone bad. Make sure to note the original colour of the cheese so you can easily spot any changes.
- Check the texture: If the surface of the cheese appears slimy or fuzzy, it has probably gone bad. Fresh blue cheese already has mould in it, which is typically blue or green in colour. If you spot mould growths that look different from the intended mould, it is likely a sign that the cheese has gone bad.
- Taste the cheese: If the blue cheese still smells the same and hasn't changed in colour, you can usually tell if it has gone bad by tasting it. Fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste. Old cheese becomes especially bitter when it starts to spoil. If it is too strong, you should throw it away. However, tasting spoiled blue cheese is usually not dangerous, as a small amount is unlikely to make you sick.
- Check the expiration date: Check the expiration date on the packaging. Blue cheese can be kept refrigerated for three to four weeks. If it has been left unrefrigerated, it should be discarded after two days.
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Can you freeze blue cheese?
Yes, you can freeze blue cheese! Freezing blue cheese is a great way to preserve this pungent food item and have it ready to add to recipes later on. It is important to note that freezing blue cheese will affect its taste and texture. Therefore, it is best suited for cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups, casseroles, and dressings.
How to Freeze Blue Cheese:
- Cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each.
- Wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic freezer wrap, or a freezer bag.
- Place the wrapped cheese into a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container.
- Label the bag or container with the date of freezing.
Blue cheese can be safely stored in the freezer indefinitely if kept at a constant temperature of 0°F. However, for the best quality and taste, it is recommended to consume it within six months. After this period, the flavour and texture may start to deteriorate, but it will still be safe to eat.
Thawing Frozen Blue Cheese:
To thaw frozen blue cheese, place it in the refrigerator overnight, or up to 24 hours for larger blocks. It is best to use the thawed blue cheese within 3 to 4 days and incorporate it into cooked dishes for optimal taste and texture.
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Frequently asked questions
An unopened wedge of blue cheese can last for about 6-8 months, but for the best quality, it should be consumed within 1 to 2 months.
An opened wedge of blue cheese should be consumed within 3 to 4 weeks.
To maximize the shelf life of a wedge of blue cheese, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For even better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Blue cheese can develop an ammonia-like smell, a strong off-smell, or a very hard texture. It can also darken in color, develop a slimy or fuzzy texture, or have mold that is not the blue mold native to blue cheese.
Yes, blue cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life. To freeze a wedge of blue cheese, cut the cheese into portions no larger than 1/2 pound each, and wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen blue cheese is best suited for cooked dishes as it may become crumbly and lose some of its flavor.
