Cheese Storage: How Long Does Block Cheese Stay Fresh?

Cheese is a delicious and versatile food, but it's important to know how long it lasts in the fridge to avoid food waste and any potential health risks. The shelf life of cheese depends on its moisture content, with soft cheeses like feta, mozzarella, and Brie having a shorter shelf life than harder cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and gouda. In general, soft cheeses will last about a week in the fridge, while hard cheeses can last 3-4 weeks. Unopened hard cheeses can last even longer, with some sources saying up to a year, but 6 months is a more common estimate. Proper storage is also key to extending the life of your cheese, with experts recommending wrapping in wax, parchment, or cheese paper, and storing in an airtight container in the fridge.

Hard cheese can last up to a year in the fridge if unopened

Hard cheese, such as aged cheddar, aged Gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano, has a low moisture content, which inhibits bacterial growth and thus extends its shelf life. Generally, hard cheeses don't need to be refrigerated, but they will last much longer if they are.

Unopened blocks of hard cheese can last up to six months in the fridge, and some sources suggest they can even last up to a year. To maximise the shelf life of unopened hard cheese, it should be removed from its plastic packaging and wrapped loosely in cheese paper or wax paper before being placed in an airtight container. It should be stored in the coldest part of the fridge, such as the middle shelf or a drawer, and kept above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination.

Once opened, a package of hard cheese can last about four weeks in the refrigerator. To prolong its life once opened, follow the same storage steps as for unopened hard cheese.

Soft cheese should be consumed within one to two weeks of being in the fridge

Soft cheese has a shorter shelf life than hard cheese. This is because soft cheeses have a higher moisture content, which provides an environment for bacteria to thrive and cause spoilage. Therefore, soft cheese should be consumed within one to two weeks of being opened and stored in the fridge.

Soft cheeses include varieties such as ricotta, feta, mozzarella, cream cheese, Brie, Camembert, cottage cheese, and goat's cheese. These cheeses are more perishable and will typically last for one to two weeks in the refrigerator.

To maximise the shelf life of soft cheese, it is important to store it properly. Soft cheese should be kept in its original packaging until you are ready to use it. Once opened, it should be stored in a tightly sealed container in the fridge. Additionally, for cheese sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, ensure the container's lid is secure to prevent spillage.

It is also important to note that freezing is not recommended for soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese, as they do not freeze well. They may lose their texture and become crumbly after thawing, making them better suited for cooked dishes like sauces, soups, and casseroles.

In summary, soft cheese should be consumed within one to two weeks of being opened and stored in the fridge. Proper storage methods, such as using airtight containers and keeping the cheese in its original packaging, can help extend its shelf life. However, freezing is not recommended for certain soft cheeses due to changes in texture.

Fresh cheese like ricotta and cottage cheese will only last a few weeks past the 'best by' date

Fresh cheese has a shorter shelf life than harder cheeses because they have a higher moisture content, which creates an environment for bacteria to thrive. Therefore, it is important to store them properly to prevent spoilage.

Ricotta cheese, for example, will only last about two weeks in the fridge if it is unopened and about a week if the container has been opened. Opened ricotta cheese should be consumed within a week and should be kept sealed to prevent air exposure. To maximise the shelf life of ricotta cheese, it should be continuously kept refrigerated. If kept at room temperature, ricotta cheese will rapidly develop signs of spoilage and should be discarded if left for more than two hours.

Cottage cheese is similar to ricotta cheese in that it is a soft cheese with a mild flavour and creamy texture. It is safe to eat from the fridge for up to one week, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It is susceptible to spoilage and should be discarded if it appears watery or has a grainy texture. Other signs of spoilage include mould and a sour smell or taste.

Semi-hard cheese, like Swiss cheese, has a relatively long shelf life

Semi-hard cheeses, such as Swiss cheese, have a relatively long shelf life compared to other varieties of cheese. This is because they contain less moisture than soft cheeses, which means they are less prone to spoilage from bacteria.

Swiss cheese, when stored properly, can last for about six months in the refrigerator. To maximise its shelf life, it is best to keep the cheese in its original packaging and unopened until you are ready to use it. When storing Swiss cheese, or any semi-hard cheese, it is important to wrap it loosely in a breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper, and place it in an airtight container. This will allow the cheese to breathe and release moisture while protecting it from low humidity in the fridge.

If you notice any mould on your Swiss cheese, it is important to cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mouldy area. Make sure not to touch the mould with the knife when cutting. You should then recover the cheese in fresh wrap. However, if mould appears in shredded, sliced, or crumbled Swiss cheese, the entire package should be discarded.

You can also freeze Swiss cheese to further extend its shelf life. To do this, 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 Swiss cheese will maintain its best quality for about six to eight months but will remain safe to eat beyond that time.

It is important to note that frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour. Therefore, it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.

Cheddar cheese will last 3-4 weeks in the fridge once opened

Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese, and hard cheeses can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 weeks once opened. This is because hard cheeses have a lower moisture content, which makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish.

To ensure your cheddar cheese lasts the full 3-4 weeks, you should follow these steps:

• 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.

It is important to note that the shelf life of cheddar cheese will depend on how well it is stored. If it is not wrapped and sealed properly, it may start to develop mould within 1.5 weeks.

If you notice mould on your cheddar cheese, you can simply cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mouldy spots and the rest of the cheese will still be safe to eat.

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