Blue Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Blue cheese is a pungent variety of cheese with a strong scent and a sharp taste. It is made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of edible mould. But how long does it keep?

The shelf life of blue cheese depends on its packaging and storage conditions. Unopened blue cheese can last anywhere from one month to six months. Once opened, it should be finished within three to four weeks. To extend its shelf life, blue cheese can be frozen.

To spot if blue cheese has gone bad, look out for signs such as fuzzy grey, black, pink or green mould, a change in colour of the creamy part of the cheese, a strong ammonia-like smell, or a very hard texture.

How long does unopened blue cheese keep?

The shelf life of unopened blue cheese depends on its packaging. It can last from one month up to six months. If it is wrapped in cheese paper and inside a carton package, it will likely have a shorter shelf life. If it is sealed airtight, it will stay good for much longer.

Blue cheese usually comes with a sell-by date, which is a good indication of its freshness. It should still be edible for a week or two after this date.

To extend the shelf life of blue cheese, you can freeze it. Frozen blue cheese can be kept indefinitely in the freezer, but for optimal flavour and quality, it should be consumed within six months.

To freeze a wedge of blue cheese, 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.

To maximise the shelf life of blue cheese, it should be stored in the refrigerator at all times and wrapped 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.

The best temperature for storing blue cheese is between 46°F and 55°F (or 8°C and 13°C). The temperature in a typical refrigerator is usually a bit lower, so putting the cheese in the crisper drawer can help maintain the ideal temperature.

How long does opened blue cheese keep?

Blue cheese is a semi-soft cheese with a strong smell and a distinct flavour. It is made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of edible mould.

When stored correctly, opened blue cheese will keep in the refrigerator for around three to four weeks. To keep it fresh for as long as possible, it should be wrapped well and stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of between 46°F–55°F (or 8°C–13°C). The lower the temperature, the longer it will stay fresh, so it's best to keep it on the bottom shelf of the fridge, or in a drawer if possible.

Opened blue cheese should be consumed within seven to ten days for the best quality, but may last up to two weeks if it is still within its use-by date and kept well-wrapped.

How to store opened blue cheese

To store opened blue cheese, it should be wrapped in wax paper, cheese paper, or parchment paper, and then covered with plastic wrap or aluminium foil before being placed in the refrigerator. It can then be placed in a plastic bag or airtight container to prevent cross-contamination and absorption of other flavours.

How to tell if opened blue cheese has gone bad

Blue cheese that has gone bad will typically develop a hard texture, darken in colour, develop a strong smell, and mould may appear. The creamy part of the cheese may turn pink, brown, green, or yellow, and the surface may appear slimy or fuzzy. It may also smell like ammonia.

How to store blue cheese in the freezer

Blue cheese can be stored in the freezer to extend its shelf life. When stored in the freezer, blue cheese will remain safe indefinitely. However, it is recommended to consume it within 6 months for the best quality.

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To prepare blue cheese for freezing, cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each. Wrap the portions tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to label the package with the date and consume within 6 months for the best quality.

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When you are ready to use the frozen blue cheese, thaw it in the refrigerator and consume it within 3 to 4 days. Frozen and thawed blue cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, so it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.

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It is important to note that freezing blue cheese may alter its texture and appearance. Some people also suggest not freezing blue cheese as it can change the texture and make it grainy. Instead, they recommend storing blue cheese in the refrigerator, wrapped well but with some breathing room, and consuming it within 3 to 4 weeks.

How to tell if blue cheese has gone bad

Blue cheese is a common type of cheese known for its strong smell and distinct flavour. It is made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of mould. Unlike other types of mould, the Penicillium used to produce blue cheese does not produce toxins and is safe to consume. However, blue cheese can still go bad, so it is important to know how to identify this.

• Smell: Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to go bad. Give the cheese a sniff, and if it has an ammonia-like smell, it is probably spoiled.
• Colour: Fresh blue cheese already has mould in it, which is typically blue or green in colour. However, you want to pay attention to the colour of the creamy part of the cheese. It is normally white, beige, or yellow. If you notice that it has started to turn pink, brown, or green, your blue cheese has likely spoiled.
• Texture: Examine the cheese to see if its surface appears slimy or fuzzy. If you notice changes in texture, it has likely gone bad.
• Taste: If your blue cheese still smells the same and hasn't changed colour, you can usually tell if it's gone bad by giving it a taste. While fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste, old cheese becomes especially biting when it starts to spoil. If it is too strong to enjoy, you should throw it away.
• Expiration date: Check the expiration date on the packaging if you still have it. If the cheese is past this date, it is likely to have gone bad.
• Storage: If you have left blue cheese unrefrigerated, it is best to throw it away after two days. Blue cheese that has been kept in the refrigerator can last for three to four weeks.

How to store blue cheese in the fridge

Blue cheese is a delicate product that requires careful storage to maintain its quality. Here is a detailed guide on how to store blue cheese in the fridge to ensure it stays fresh and edible.

Choose the Right Storage Container

Select a storage container that allows for a balance of humidity, airflow, and breathability. The ideal humidity level for blue cheese is at least 80% to prevent the cheese from drying out. Consider a specialised cheese storage container, such as a Cheese Grotto, which provides the necessary humidity and airflow while preventing moisture from being trapped on the cheese's surface.

If you don't have a specialised container, you can use cheese paper or bee's wrap as the next best options. Avoid wrapping the cheese too tightly, as this can trap moisture and promote the growth of unwanted bacteria.

Maintain Proper Temperature

Always store blue cheese in the fridge to prolong its shelf life. The ideal temperature range for storing blue cheese is between 46°F–55°F (or 8°C–13°C). This temperature range is slightly higher than the typical refrigerator temperature, so consider placing the cheese in the crisper drawer to maintain the ideal conditions.

If you plan to consume the blue cheese within a week, you can store it on the kitchen counter in a traditional cheese dome. However, ensure you lift the dome periodically to allow fresh air to reach the cheese.

Prevent Cross-Contamination

Keep blue cheese away from other cheeses and foods to prevent cross-contamination. Blue cheese has mould spores that can spread to other foods, altering their taste and quality.

Wrapping and Re-wrapping

When wrapping blue cheese, use cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper. Then, place the wrapped cheese in a freezer bag or airtight container. If you're using pre-packed cheese, you can reuse the original packaging. Avoid wrapping the cheese too tightly, as it needs some breathing room.

Unwrap the cheese once a week to allow it to breathe and exchange gases. If the parchment paper becomes too wet, replace it with a new one.

Storage Duration

Properly stored blue cheese will generally last for about 1 to 2 months in the refrigerator. Unopened blue cheese can have a shelf life of up to 6 months, depending on its packaging. Once opened, aim to finish the cheese within 3 to 4 weeks.

If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as fuzzy mould, altered colour, a strong ammonia-like smell, or dryness, discard the cheese immediately.

Frequently asked questions