Blue Cheese: How Long Does It Actually Last?

Blue cheese is a pungent, distinctive variety of cheese with a striking appearance and bold flavour. But how long does it last after its expiration date? When stored correctly in the fridge, blue cheese can last one to two weeks beyond its printed expiry date. An unopened package can even remain fresh for an additional two to three weeks. However, once the package is opened, the cheese should be consumed within one to four weeks. Proper storage is crucial to extending the life of blue cheese.

Unopened blue cheese can last for several weeks beyond its sell by date

Blue cheese is a distinct type of cheese known for its pungent aroma and striking blue veins. The shelf life of unopened blue cheese varies depending on its packaging and storage conditions. Generally, an unopened package of blue cheese should retain its quality until the expiration date listed on the label and may remain fresh for a few weeks more if refrigerated properly.

Unopened blue cheese can last for several weeks beyond its sell-by date if stored properly in the refrigerator, often up to three to four weeks. This is because blue cheese is made with cultures of the edible mold Penicillium, which is safe to eat. However, it is not recommended for pregnant women or those with compromised immune systems. The mold in blue cheese requires air to thrive, so it is important to allow the cheese to breathe while storing it.

The key to extending the life of blue cheese lies in proper storage. It should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 35°F and 45°F (2°C to 7°C), wrapped in parchment or wax paper, and then placed in a plastic bag or airtight container to retain moisture and prevent odor absorption.

It is important to note that the shelf life of blue cheese also depends on the form in which it is sold. For example, an unopened wedge from the wheel can last from one to six months when refrigerated properly, while crumbled blue cheese typically has a shorter lifespan of up to half a year.

Once the blue cheese package is opened, it should be consumed within one to four weeks. To maintain freshness, it should be wrapped in parchment or wax paper and then encased in plastic wrap or a plastic bag before storing it in the refrigerator. Freezing is also an option to extend the shelf life of blue cheese, but it may become more crumbly and lose some of its taste after thawing.

Blue cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life

Blue cheese is a pungent, tangy cheese with a bold flavour and striking blue veins. It is made with cultures of the mould Penicillium, which is perfectly safe to eat. An unopened package of blue cheese will keep its quality until the expiration date listed on the label and may remain fresh for an additional 2 to 3 weeks if refrigerated properly. Once opened, blue cheese should be consumed within 3 to 4 weeks.

If you have a lot of blue cheese and are worried about it going bad, freezing is an option. Freezing blue cheese can extend its shelf life significantly. To freeze blue cheese, wrap it in parchment or wax paper, followed by enclosing it in plastic wrap or a plastic bag to prevent freezer burn. When thawing, it should be done gradually in the refrigerator. The texture of the cheese might become more crumbly and less creamy, making it more suitable for cooking purposes, such as baking, rather than for fresh cheese platters. Frozen blue cheese can be kept in the freezer indefinitely, but it is recommended to consume it within 6 months for the best quality.

It is important to note that frozen and thawed blue cheese may not be as suitable for eating on its own due to changes in texture and taste. Instead, it is best used in cooked dishes such as casseroles, stews, sauces, soups, and baking.

Signs of spoilage include an off smell, black/green/pink mould, and a change in texture

Blue cheese is a pungent, striking cheese with a bold, tangy flavour. It's also a soft cheese, which means it can go off quickly. So how do you know when it's spoilt?

Blue cheese is famous for its strong, distinct aroma. However, if the cheese emits an ammonia-like smell or becomes excessively pungent, this is a strong sign of spoilage. Such changes indicate that the cheese has undergone undesirable bacterial action.

Blue cheese is characterised by its blue or blue-green veins of mould. However, if you spot mould in colours like pink, green, yellow, or black that was not there before, this is a sign of spoilage.

Blue cheese can range from creamy and soft to crumbly and firm in texture. If the cheese has changed to a slimy or excessively soft texture, or has become too dry or hard, this is a sign of spoilage.

Proper storage is key to extending the life of blue cheese

The shelf life of blue cheese varies depending on its form and storage. An unopened package of blue cheese can last for several weeks beyond its "sell by" date if stored properly in the refrigerator, often up to three to four weeks. Once the package is opened, blue cheese should be consumed within one to four weeks.

To extend the life of blue cheese, it should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 35°F and 45°F (2°C to 7°C). It is best to use the crisper drawer, as this offers a more consistent environment. Blue cheese should be wrapped in parchment or wax paper to allow it to breathe, and then placed in a plastic bag or airtight container to retain moisture and prevent other foods from absorbing its strong odour.

Blue cheese can also be frozen to extend its shelf life. To do this, wrap the cheese in wax paper or parchment paper, then place it in a freezer bag or heavy-duty freezer bag to protect against freezer burn. Label the bag with the freezing date. Frozen blue cheese can last for several months, but its texture may become more crumbly and less creamy, making it better suited for cooked dishes.

Blue cheese should be consumed within 3-4 weeks of opening

Blue cheese is a beloved delicacy for some, and an acquired taste for others. But how long does it last after opening?

Blue cheese is a semi-soft cheese with a pungent aroma and striking blue veins, the result of beneficial mould cultures added during the cheese-making process. It has a shelf life of around 3-4 weeks after opening, or according to the expiration date, if it comes sooner. This is because the presence of air and moisture encourages the growth of both the desired moulds specific to blue cheese and potentially harmful bacteria.

To ensure your blue cheese lasts as long as possible, it should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 35°F and 45°F (2°C to 7°C). It should be wrapped in parchment or wax paper to allow it to breathe and then placed in a plastic bag or airtight container to retain moisture and prevent odour absorption.

It is important to be able to recognise when blue cheese has gone bad, as spoiled cheese can cause foodborne illness. Signs of spoilage include an off-smell, different from the naturally strong, tangy odour of blue cheese, any visible signs of pink, green or black mould that differ from the characteristic blue or green veins, and a significant change in texture, such as becoming excessively hard, dry, crumbly or slimy. If any of these signs are present, the cheese should be discarded.

Frequently asked questions