Patrick Oconnell
Blue cheese is a pungent, divisive cheese that can be challenging to store. It's a common misconception that blue cheese can't go bad due to its mouldy composition. However, it can spoil, and its shelf life depends on several factors, including humidity, temperature, and moisture content. Blue cheese dressing, in particular, has a relatively long shelf life when unopened and stored properly, lasting up to 12-18 months. Once opened, it can be safely consumed for 6-9 months if continuously refrigerated. Freezing blue cheese is also an option to prolong its freshness, but this may alter its taste and texture. Knowing when blue cheese has gone bad can be tricky, but signs of spoilage include discoloration, sliminess, or the growth of unwanted mould.
Blue Cheese Dressing Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Blue cheese dressing will stay at best quality for 6-9 months |
| Expiration Date | The "Best By" date is not a safety date but an estimate of peak quality |
| Unopened | Will stay at best quality for about 12-18 months |
| Freezing | Can be frozen indefinitely but best taste and texture for up to 6 months |
| Spoilage | Bacteria or mold may be present, throw away if discolored, slimy, or fuzzy |
| Taste | Blue cheese can become too "flavorful" or overpowering over time |
| Smell | May develop an ammonia smell over time |
| Texture | Can become crumbly and lose its sharp flavor when frozen |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese dressing can last 6-9 months in the fridge after opening
Blue cheese dressing can last a surprisingly long time in the fridge—even after it's been opened. In fact, a continuously refrigerated, commercially packaged blue cheese dressing will generally stay at peak quality for about 6 to 9 months after opening. This is, of course, provided that the package is undamaged and properly stored, and there are no signs of spoilage.
Now, the "Best By" or "Best Before" date on the package is not a safety date. It is simply the manufacturer's estimate of how long the dressing will remain at its very best. After this date, the dressing's texture, colour, or flavour may change, but it will still be safe to consume in most cases.
That being said, it's important to note that blue cheese dressing can indeed spoil, just like any other dairy product. If your blue cheese dressing shows signs of spoilage when you first open it, don't hesitate to return it to the store and ask for a refund or exchange. And, if you've already consumed some of the dressing and start to feel unwell, it's best to consult a doctor.
To maximise the shelf life of your blue cheese dressing, make sure to store it in the bottom shelf of your refrigerator, as this is usually the coldest part. If your refrigerator has drawers at the bottom, that's the ideal place to store your blue cheese dressing, as the temperature will remain stable.
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It's safe to eat after the Best By date if stored properly
Blue cheese dressing is a popular salad dressing and dip known for its sharp, tangy taste. It is made by combining crumbled blue cheese with ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic, and herbs and spices.
When it comes to the shelf life of blue cheese dressing, the "Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before," or "Best When Used By" date on the package is not a safety date but rather the manufacturer's estimate of how long the product will remain at peak quality. This means that, if stored properly, it is generally safe to consume blue cheese dressing even after the "Best By" date, as long as the package is undamaged and there are no signs of spoilage.
Blue cheese, in general, has a long shelf life due to the presence of edible mold, which gives it its distinctive pungent taste and scent. The mold produces ammonia, which reduces the acidity of the cheese over time. This means that blue cheese does not become more acidic but rather ages and becomes stronger in flavor.
However, it is important to note that blue cheese dressing, like any other food product, can spoil over time. If stored continuously in the refrigerator, blue cheese dressing can stay at its best quality for about 6 to 9 months after opening. After this period, the dressing's texture, color, or flavor may change, but it is still generally safe to consume if stored properly, the package is intact, and there are no signs of spoilage.
To maximize the shelf life of blue cheese dressing, it is recommended to store it in the bottom shelf or drawers of the refrigerator, as these areas tend to be the coldest and help maintain a stable temperature. Additionally, when making homemade blue cheese dressing, using good-quality blue cheese and allowing the dressing to sit for a few hours can enhance its flavor.
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The lower the fridge temp, the longer it lasts
Blue cheese salad dressing that has been continuously refrigerated will generally maintain its best quality for about 6 to 9 months after opening. However, this duration can be significantly influenced by the temperature of your refrigerator.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that your refrigerator temperature should be at or below 40°F (4.4°C). This is the temperature at which bacteria start to multiply exponentially, and food may spoil quickly. To ensure food safety and reduce the risk of food poisoning, it is wise to maintain the recommended refrigerator temperature.
However, the ideal refrigerator temperature is actually lower than 40°F. Aim to stay within the range of 35° to 38°F (1.7° to 3.3°C). This range is as close as you can get to freezing without freezing your food. By maintaining this lower temperature range, you can further slow down the growth of bacteria and extend the lifespan of your blue cheese dressing.
Additionally, it is important to note that a full fridge tends to stay cooler longer. When the shelves and drawers are mostly full, the refrigerator can retain its cool temperature better. However, be careful not to overcrowd the space, as this can reduce airflow and affect the cooling mechanism. Aim to leave around 20% of the space empty to maintain optimal airflow.
By lowering the temperature of your refrigerator to the ideal range of 35° to 38°F, you can increase the lifespan of your blue cheese dressing beyond the typical 6 to 9 months recommended duration. Remember, temperature plays a crucial role in food preservation, and the lower the fridge temp, the longer your blue cheese dressing will last.
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Blue cheese can be frozen to last indefinitely
Blue cheese salad dressing that has been continuously refrigerated will generally last for about 6 to 9 months. However, it is important to note that this is the duration for the best quality of the dressing, and even after that period, the dressing can still be consumed if properly stored and unopened.
Now, if you wish to extend the shelf life of blue cheese, freezing is an option. Freezing blue cheese dressing can help it last indefinitely. It is important to note that while freezing will not compromise the safety of the product, it may affect its texture and flavour. The change in texture occurs because freezing forms ice crystals, which can cause the emulsion of the dressing to break, resulting in a less creamy and smooth consistency.
To minimize the impact on texture, it is recommended to use a freezer-safe container, leaving some extra space for the liquid to expand. Additionally, freezing blue cheese dressing in smaller portions can make it easier to thaw and use only what is needed. When it comes to thawing, allowing the dressing to defrost slowly in the refrigerator is ideal. If the dressing seems less creamy after thawing, blending it can help restore its creamy texture.
While freezing blue cheese dressing is possible, it is not the preferred method of preservation due to the potential changes in texture and flavour. However, if you intend to freeze it, following the above-mentioned steps can help maintain its quality.
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Blue cheese dressing can go bad, unlike the cheese itself
Blue cheese dressing can indeed go bad, unlike the cheese itself, which doesn't really "go bad" but rather ages and becomes stronger in flavour. The dressing, once opened, will generally stay at best quality for about 6 to 9 months if continuously refrigerated. An unopened package of blue cheese dressing will last for about 12 to 18 months if stored properly at room temperature.
Blue cheese, on the other hand, can last for a very long time depending on how it is stored, with temperature and humidity being key factors. It can be safely consumed even if it is months old, as long as there are no signs of spoilage. The cheese will continue to age and develop a stronger flavour, but this is not an indication of it having gone bad.
The high moisture content of blue cheese dressing can cause it to spoil more quickly than the cheese itself. It is important to continuously refrigerate the dressing and ensure that the package remains undamaged. The dressing may still be safe to consume even after the "Best By" date, as this is not a safety date but rather an estimate of how long the product will remain at peak quality.
However, it is important to examine the dressing for any signs of spoilage, such as discolouration, sliminess, or an off-putting smell. If there are any indications of spoilage, it is best to discard the entire package, as bacteria or mould may still be present.
In summary, while blue cheese dressing can go bad and should be consumed within a reasonable timeframe, the cheese itself can last for an extended period if properly stored, developing a stronger flavour but remaining safe to consume.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese dressing that has been continuously refrigerated will generally stay at best quality for about 6 to 9 months.
Yes, provided it has been stored properly, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage, it is typically safe to consume.
Blue cheese dressing may show signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, discoloration, sliminess, or the growth of mold. Always check the texture, colour, and flavour before consuming.
Yes, blue cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life. For best taste and texture, it is recommended to consume it within 6 months of freezing.
