Blue Cheese: How Long Does It Last In Fridge?

Blue cheese is a pungent, striking, and versatile ingredient. But how long does it last in the refrigerator? When unopened, blue cheese can last for several weeks beyond its sell by date, often up to three to four weeks. Once opened, the cheese should be consumed within one to two weeks. However, if stored properly, it can last for about one to two months in the refrigerator. The key to extending the life of blue cheese is to keep it in the refrigerator, wrapped in parchment or wax paper, and then placed in a plastic bag to retain moisture and prevent freezer burn.

How to spot if blue cheese has gone bad

Blue cheese is a pungent, edible mould that is perfectly safe to eat. However, it can still go bad, and knowing how to spot this is an important part of enjoying your cheese safely.

• Smell the cheese: Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to spoil. If your blue cheese has an ammonia-like smell, it is probably spoiled.
• Consider the colour: Fresh blue cheese has blue or green mould in it. However, you want to pay attention to the colour of the creamy part of the cheese. It's normally white, beige, or yellow. If you notice it has started to turn pink, brown, or green, your blue cheese has likely spoiled.
• Taste the cheese: Fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste. If it has gone off, it becomes especially biting. If you taste a bit of the blue cheese and it's too strong to enjoy, you should throw it away.
• Check the texture: If the surface of the cheese appears slimy or fuzzy, it has likely gone bad.
• Check the expiration date: If your blue cheese is past its expiration date, it is likely to have gone bad.
• Check the storage conditions: If you have left your blue cheese unrefrigerated, it should be discarded after two days. If it has been refrigerated, it will last for three to four weeks. If frozen, it can last for six months.

How to store blue cheese in the refrigerator

Blue cheese is a pungent and distinctive type of cheese with a strong smell and a bold, tangy flavour. It is made with cultures of the mould Penicillium and is safe to eat. However, it can be difficult to tell when blue cheese has gone bad. This is how you should store it in the refrigerator to ensure it lasts as long as possible.

Wrapping and Containment

Blue cheese should be wrapped in wax or parchment paper. Then, it should be covered in plastic wrap or foil to ensure it doesn't dry out. If you are freezing the cheese, place the double-wrapped portion into a plastic freezer bag to protect it from freezer burn. If you are concerned about the cheese picking up other scents or flavours from the refrigerator, you can place it in an airtight container after wrapping.

Placement

The colder the blue cheese, the longer it will stay fresh. Therefore, it should be stored on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, ideally in a drawer, as this will help keep the temperature stable.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for storing blue cheese is between 35°F and 45°F (2°C to 7°C). This mimics the natural temperature of cheese caves, which is conducive to maintaining the cheese's texture and flavour. A typical refrigerator is usually a bit colder than this, so the crisper drawer is the best place to store it.

Long-Term Storage

For long-term storage, encase the cheese in heavy-duty aluminium foil and store it in an airtight container in the freezer. This will protect the cheese from freezer burn.

How long does unopened blue cheese last in the refrigerator?

The shelf life of unopened blue cheese depends on its packaging and storage conditions. If stored properly in the refrigerator, an unopened package of blue cheese should retain its quality until the expiration date listed on the label and may remain fresh for an additional 2 to 3 weeks. This means that unopened blue cheese can last for 1 to 6 months in the refrigerator.

To extend the shelf life of unopened blue cheese, it is important to store it properly. Blue cheese should be wrapped well to prevent it from drying out, but it should also have some breathing room. It should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 35°F and 45°F (2°C to 7°C), with the ideal range being between 46°F and 55°F (8°C and 13°C). The lower temperature in the refrigerator, usually found in the crisper drawer, helps to prolong its freshness.

Additionally, blue cheese should be stored away from other cheeses and food items to prevent the transfer of mould spores. If the original packaging is not sufficient, it can be wrapped in wax or parchment paper and then covered with plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For long-term storage, blue cheese can be frozen. However, freezing may affect the texture and taste of the cheese.

It is important to note that blue cheese will continue to age and develop a stronger flavour over time, even if stored properly. Therefore, it may become too "flavorful" for your liking before it technically goes bad.

How long does opened blue cheese last in the refrigerator?

Blue cheese is a pungent and distinctive type of cheese with blue veins, which are the result of the mould cultures added during the cheese-making process. It is safe to eat and gives blue cheese its unique taste and aroma. However, other types of mould can indicate that the cheese has gone bad and should be discarded.

When stored correctly, opened blue cheese will last for one to four weeks in the refrigerator. To extend its lifespan, it should be wrapped in wax or parchment paper and then covered in plastic wrap or foil to prevent the cheese from drying out. It should then be placed in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other odours in the refrigerator.

The refrigerator temperature should be set below 40°F (4°C). The ideal temperature is between 35°F and 45°F (2°C to 7°C). The lower temperature will slow the growth of bacteria and mould, keeping the cheese fresh for longer.

How to Tell if Blue Cheese Has Gone Bad

The best way to tell if blue cheese has gone bad is to use your senses.

• Smell: Fresh blue cheese has a strong, tangy scent. If it starts to smell like ammonia, or stale, it has likely gone bad.
• Sight: The creamy part of the cheese should be white, beige, or yellow. If it has turned pink, brown, or green, it has likely spoiled. Also, look out for fuzzy mould that is not the characteristic blue or green veins.
• Touch: If the texture has changed and become slimy, fuzzy, or overly hard, it has likely gone bad.
• Taste: Fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste. If it has become too salty or bitter, it has likely gone bad.

How to Store Blue Cheese

To extend the lifespan of blue cheese, it is important to store it correctly.

• Wrapping: Blue cheese should be wrapped in wax or parchment paper. Then, cover it with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
• Container: Place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other odours in the refrigerator.
• Temperature: Store blue cheese in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). The ideal temperature is between 35°F and 45°F (2°C to 7°C).
• Location: Blue cheese should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator, such as the crisper drawer, to maintain a stable temperature.

Freezing Blue Cheese

Blue cheese can be frozen to extend its lifespan. To freeze blue cheese, follow these steps:

• Cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound (226 grams) each.
• Wrap the portions tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Label the bag with the freezing date.
• Frozen blue cheese can last for several months, but the texture may become more crumbly and less creamy, making it better suited for cooking rather than eating fresh.

Food Safety

To prevent food poisoning, it is important to follow food safety guidelines when storing and consuming blue cheese:

• Always consume blue cheese within three to four weeks of opening, or by the expiration date.
• Inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as changes in texture, colour, or smell, before consumption.
• Use clean utensils and cutting boards when handling blue cheese to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• If the cheese seems off in appearance, smell, or taste, it is best to discard it to avoid consuming spoiled or contaminated cheese.
• Blue cheese made from unpasteurized milk may carry bacteria, so it is recommended to consume pasteurized varieties, especially for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.

Can you freeze blue cheese?

Yes, you can freeze blue cheese! Freezing blue cheese is a great way to preserve this pungent delicacy for later use in recipes. The process is simple: cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each, then wrap them tightly in plastic freezer wrap or heavy-duty aluminium foil, or place them inside a freezer bag. It's best to double-wrap the cheese by first covering it with wax or parchment paper. Label the cheese with the date of freezing and it will stay safe to eat indefinitely. However, the taste and texture of the cheese will be affected after 6-8 months, so it's best to consume it within this time frame.

When thawed, frozen blue cheese works well in cooked dishes such as sauces, soups and casseroles. It may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, but it can still be used just like fresh cheese. It can be peeled into curls with a vegetable peeler or paring knife, and it breaks off easily, making it perfect for sprinkling on top of salads.

If you're storing blue cheese in the refrigerator, it will stay good for up to 4 weeks. It's important to wrap the cheese properly to ensure it stays fresh for as long as possible. First, wrap it in wax or parchment paper, then cover it with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out. Store it on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, as this is usually the coldest part.

Frequently asked questions