Ricotta Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Fresh, smooth, and versatile, ricotta cheese is a great ingredient to have on hand in your kitchen. However, it's important to know how long it lasts in the fridge once opened, so you can make the most of its short shelf life.

An unopened container of ricotta cheese will last about two weeks in the fridge

Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It is a soft, spreadable cheese with a creamy texture and a delicate, milky, sweet flavour.

Ricotta cheese is highly perishable because of its high moisture content, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Therefore, it is important to store it correctly to avoid spoilage and bacterial growth. When stored in the refrigerator, it is best to keep it towards the middle, away from the door, as items stored on the door are more susceptible to fluctuating temperatures. Additionally, transferring ricotta cheese to an airtight container can help keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing odours from other foods in the fridge.

If you are not planning to use the ricotta cheese within two weeks, you can extend its shelf life by freezing it. To freeze ricotta cheese, place it in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen ricotta cheese will maintain its best quality for about three months but will remain safe beyond that time if stored constantly at 0°F. However, it may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, so it is best suited for cooked dishes after being frozen.

Opened ricotta cheese will last for about a week in the fridge

To extend its shelf life, opened ricotta cheese should be stored in an airtight container at a cold temperature of around 35-40°F. It should be kept away from the fridge door, as this is susceptible to fluctuating temperatures.

Even with proper storage, there are several signs that ricotta cheese has gone bad. If you see any discolouration, such as blue, brown or yellow, this could mean that mould has started to grow. Ricotta usually has no smell, so any sour aroma is a bad sign. If there are any signs of spoilage, the whole container should be thrown out.

If you want to keep ricotta cheese for longer, you can freeze it. However, this may affect its texture, and it will be best suited to cooked dishes.

Opened ricotta cheese should be stored covered and refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less

To ensure the cheese lasts as long as possible, it's important to keep it covered and sealed in the refrigerator. Exposure to air will cause the ricotta to spoil faster, so keeping it covered will help to extend its shelf life. The ideal temperature for storing ricotta cheese is between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range will help to prevent spoilage and slow bacterial growth.

To further extend the shelf life of opened ricotta cheese, it can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. This will help to protect it from air and moisture, keeping it fresh for longer. It's also a good idea to store ricotta cheese away from the fridge door, as this area is more susceptible to temperature fluctuations. Instead, keep it towards the middle of the fridge.

Opened ricotta cheese will generally last for about one week when stored properly. However, it's important to check for signs of spoilage before consuming it. If the ricotta has developed an unpleasant smell, changed texture, or shows any signs of visible mold growth, it should be discarded.

To extend the shelf life of opened ricotta cheese, transfer it to an airtight container

Opened ricotta cheese is highly perishable due to its high moisture content, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria. To slow down the spoilage process, it is crucial to minimise air exposure by keeping the container sealed. Additionally, maintaining a cold temperature of around 35-40°F can help extend the shelf life.

When storing opened ricotta cheese, always use clean utensils to scoop out the cheese and prevent contamination. After each use, ensure that the container is tightly sealed to minimise air exposure. It is also recommended to store the cheese in the coldest part of the refrigerator, away from the door, as this area is more susceptible to fluctuating temperatures.

To further extend the shelf life, you can freeze ricotta cheese. However, freezing may alter the texture, and it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles. When freezing, place the ricotta in an airtight container or a freezer bag, removing excess air before sealing. Label the container with the date, and consume within three months for the best quality.

To further extend the shelf life of opened ricotta cheese, freeze it

To further extend the shelf life of opened ricotta cheese, you can freeze it. However, it's important to note that freezing ricotta cheese will alter its texture and may cause it to become crumbly and drier. The thawed cheese will be best suited for cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups, and casseroles, and baked goods.

When freezing ricotta cheese, it's recommended to use covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Stir the ricotta with a spoon to ensure even freezing.
• Remove the cheese from its original container and drain it by pressing it gently with a layer of paper towels.
• Wrap the cheese in plastic wrap, either as a whole or in individual portions. If using individual portions, an ice cube tray can be helpful.
• Transfer the wrapped cheese to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. If using a bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label the container with the date of freezing.

Frozen ricotta cheese can be stored for up to two or three months. It is important to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or until it reaches the desired consistency. Do not thaw it at room temperature to prevent bacterial contamination.

Once thawed, previously frozen ricotta cheese should be used within three days. It is not recommended to refreeze the cheese as it will significantly alter the texture.

Frequently asked questions