Kamil Perry
The shelf life of cheese depends on its moisture content and storage method. Soft cheeses like mozzarella, feta, and Camembert have a high moisture content, making them more perishable and giving them a shorter shelf life of one to two weeks in the fridge. In contrast, hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life to several months, and even up to a year when stored in the fridge. Proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of cheese. Soft cheeses should be wrapped in cheese paper or parchment paper and kept in an airtight container, while hard cheeses should be removed from their plastic packaging and wrapped loosely in cheese paper or wax paper before being placed in an airtight container.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How long does black cheese last in the fridge? | This depends on the type of cheese. Soft cheeses last 1-2 weeks in the fridge after opening, while most hard cheeses last 3-4 weeks. |
| How to store cheese? | Store cheese in an air-tight container or wrapped tightly in the coldest part of the fridge. |
| How to know if cheese has gone bad? | Signs of spoilage include a sour, rancid or ammonia smell, visible mould, changes in texture (dry, crumbly or slimy), discolouration (yellowing or browning) and a bitter or fermented fruit taste. |
What You'll Learn
Black cheese shelf life in the fridge
Black Bob Extra Mature Cheddar is a waxed cheese that should be stored in the fridge to avoid the cheese swelling and cracking the wax. Cheddar is a hard cheese, and hard cheeses have a longer shelf life than soft cheeses. This is because they contain less moisture, and are therefore less prone to spoilage from bacteria.
Hard cheeses that haven't been opened can last for several months and even up to a year when stored in the fridge. Once opened, a package of hard cheese can last a long time—about four weeks in the refrigerator. Unopened packages will last about six months, per the experts at the USDA.
To ensure your hard cheese lasts the full four weeks after opening, follow these steps for storing it in the fridge:
- 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.
If you want to save the cheese for longer, you can also pop it in the freezer, where it will be OK for up to eight months.
If you notice mould on hard cheese, simply cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below those spots.
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How to store black cheese in the fridge
Black Bob Extra Mature Cheddar is a waxed cheese that should be stored in the fridge to avoid the cheese swelling and cracking the wax. Once opened, it can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 weeks.
To maximise the shelf life of a chunk of cheddar cheese after opening, 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.
To ensure your cheddar cheese lasts as long as possible, follow these steps:
- Remove the cheese from its plastic packaging.
- Wrap it loosely in pliable yet breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper.
- Put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid.
- Keep it in the coldest part of the fridge.
If you want to save the cheese for another time, you can also pop it in the freezer, where it will be OK for up to 8 months. However, keep in mind that cheese that has been frozen will have a slightly different taste and texture than fresh cheese.
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How to identify if black cheese has gone bad
Black cheese is likely to be a hard cheese, like Cheddar, and will last longer than soft cheeses. However, it can still go bad, so it's important to know how to identify spoilage.
Firstly, trust your senses. If the cheese has developed a strong, unpleasant odour, it has likely gone bad. A rancid, sour, or putrid smell is a sign of spoilage. Black cheese should have a mild, characteristic smell, so if it smells like a much more concentrated version of what you're used to, it's probably off.
Secondly, check the appearance. Black cheese may exhibit changes in texture when it has gone bad, becoming overly dry, crumbly, or slimy. If you notice any significant discolouration, such as yellowing or browning, this can also indicate spoilage.
Thirdly, taste can be a good indicator. If the cheese has an off or sour flavour, it has likely spoiled and should not be consumed.
Finally, if you notice any mould on the cheese, it is best to discard it. While blue mould on blue cheese is intentional and safe to eat, other types of mould on black cheese, such as Cheddar, are not safe. If there is only a small amount of mould on a hard cheese, you may be able to salvage it by cutting off the affected area plus a little extra with a clean knife. However, if you're unsure, it's always better to be cautious and discard the cheese.
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What to do with mouldy black cheese
If you spot mould on your black cheese, don't panic. Firstly, assess the type of cheese. If it is a soft, fresh cheese, like ricotta, mascarpone, or chèvre, it should be discarded, as the mould will have likely penetrated deep into the cheese, negatively impacting its flavour.
If it is a soft cheese like Brie or Port Salut, cut off about a quarter of an inch from any surface where mould is visible. For harder, aged cheeses, like mature Cheddar or Parmesan, simply scrape off the mould.
Black or grey mould is less desirable, so remove a more generous amount of cheese surrounding the mould to ensure that none of the impacted cheese remains. If the mouldy cheese smells of ammonia or is both mouldy and wet, discard it.
If you accidentally eat a mouldy piece of cheese, you are very unlikely to get sick. Stomach acid is powerful stuff and will kill the spores in the mould before you feel any impact. However, if you have a weakened immune system, are pregnant, elderly, or have certain health conditions, it is generally advisable to be more cautious and avoid consuming mouldy cheese.
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How to freeze black cheese
Freezing black cheese is a great way to preserve it and prevent it from spoiling. Here are some detailed instructions on how to freeze black cheese:
Preparing the Cheese for Freezing
Firstly, it is important to note that not all cheeses freeze well. Hard and semi-hard cheeses with lower moisture content, such as cheddar, Swiss, or brick cheese, are better suited for freezing than soft or artisanal cheeses. Soft cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are not ideal for freezing due to their high moisture content.
Before freezing, portion the cheese into quantities that you are likely to use at one time. For large blocks of cheese, it is recommended to freeze no more than 1 pound (500 grams) per portion. You can also grate or slice the cheese before freezing.
Wrapping and Packaging the Cheese
The cheese can be stored in its original packaging or wrapped in foil, cheese paper, or wax paper. If using foil or wax paper, ensure the cheese is tightly wrapped to prevent air from reaching the cheese and causing freezer burn. If using wax paper, you can also place the wrapped cheese in an airtight ziplock bag or container for added protection. For sliced cheese, separate each slice with parchment paper before wrapping and bagging.
Freezing the Cheese
When freezing the cheese, it is important to do so as quickly as possible. Use the quick freeze function on your freezer, if available, to reach temperatures of at least -9 °F (-23 °C). This prevents the formation of large ice crystals, which can disrupt the structure of the cheese.
Storing Frozen Cheese
Once frozen, cheese can be stored indefinitely, but for the best quality, it is recommended to use the cheese within 6 to 9 months. Keep the cheese in the freezer until you are ready to use it, and avoid refreezing after thawing.
Thawing and Using Frozen Cheese
When you are ready to use the frozen cheese, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator. Place the cheese on a flat plate or surface, ideally wrapped or in an airtight container, and allow it to thaw for about 12 hours or overnight. It is not recommended to thaw the cheese at room temperature, as this can affect its texture.
After thawing, the cheese is best suited for cooked dishes where changes in texture are less noticeable, such as sauces, casseroles, pizzas, or grilled cheese sandwiches. It may be difficult to grate or slice the cheese into small pieces without compromising its texture and taste. The cheese may also be more crumbly and drier than fresh cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
The length of time black cheese lasts in the fridge depends on the type of cheese it is. Hard cheeses can last several months to a year when stored in the fridge, whereas soft cheeses typically last a few weeks to a couple of months.
To maximise the shelf life of black 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 it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Signs that black cheese has gone bad include a hard texture, discolouration, a strong smell, and mould.
Yes, you can freeze black cheese. When freezing, 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.
