Blue Cheese: Unrefrigerated Shelf Life And Safety

Blue cheese is a medium-hard, creamy cheese injected with mould to create a pungent taste and smell. It is typically safe to eat for one to two weeks after purchase, as long as it is refrigerated. But how long does it last if left unrefrigerated?

How long does blue cheese last unrefrigerated?

Blue cheese is a medium-hard, creamy cheese injected with mould to create a pungent taste and smell. It is typically made with cultures of the mould Penicillium, which is perfectly safe to eat. However, it is important to note that blue cheese should always be stored in the fridge and kept refrigerated, ideally in its original packaging.

Leaving blue cheese out of the fridge may not be a food safety issue, but it will impact the quality of the product. According to the USDA, perishable foods, including soft cheese, should be thrown out if left out at room temperature for longer than two hours. However, Adam Brock, director of technical services at the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, notes that the risk of pathogens or mould is minimal for most cheeses manufactured under safe conditions.

If you are being extra cautious, it is best to follow the USDA guidelines and discard blue cheese left out at room temperature for more than two hours. However, if the cheese has been left unopened, it may still be safe to consume.

To maximise the shelf life of blue cheese, it is important to store it properly. Blue cheese should be kept in the fridge at all times and wrapped tightly to prevent it from drying out. The ideal temperature for storing blue cheese is between 46°F and 55°F (8°C and 13°C). Placing the cheese in the crisper drawer of the fridge can help maintain the desired temperature.

It is also important to note that blue cheese should be allowed to breathe, as the mould in blue cheese requires air to thrive. This can be achieved by wrapping the cheese in wax paper, cheese wrap, or aluminium foil, and then placing it in a plastic bag or airtight container.

Overall, while blue cheese can be left unrefrigerated for a short period, it is important to prioritise food safety and maintain proper storage conditions to ensure the quality and safety of the product.

How to store blue cheese

Blue cheese is a semi-soft cheese that is best stored in the fridge. When stored properly, it can last for up to two months in the refrigerator and even longer in the freezer. Here are some tips on how to store blue cheese to maximise its shelf life:

Storing Blue Cheese in the Fridge

Blue cheese should be stored in the fridge at all times, ideally at a temperature between 46°F–55°F (or 8°C–13°C). The temperature in a typical fridge is usually a bit lower, so consider keeping the cheese in the crisper drawer.

To maintain the optimal temperature and humidity levels, it is important to give blue cheese some breathing room. Wrap the cheese well to prevent it from drying out, but do not seal it too tightly. The mould in blue cheese requires air to thrive, so make sure the wrap has some tiny holes or perforations. You can use wax paper, cheese wrap, parchment paper, or aluminium foil for wrapping. Then, place the wrapped cheese in a plastic bag or airtight container.

It is also crucial to keep blue cheese away from other cheeses and food items to prevent cross-contamination. The mould spores from blue cheese can easily spread to other foods, so proper storage and separation are necessary.

Storing Crumbled Blue Cheese

If you have crumbled blue cheese, follow similar storage practices. Keep it in the fridge, and once the package is opened, seal it tightly before putting it back into storage. Crumbled blue cheese typically has a longer shelf life than a block of blue cheese, lasting up to six months.

Storing Blue Cheese in the Freezer

To extend the shelf life of blue cheese, you can freeze it. 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 blue cheese may lose some of its texture and flavour, so it is best suited for cooked dishes like sauces, soups, and casseroles.

By following these storage guidelines, you can maximise the shelf life of blue cheese and enjoy its unique flavour and characteristics for a longer period.

Signs of spoilage

Blue cheese is a medium-hard, creamy cheese injected with mould to create a pungent taste and smell. The distinctive mould colouring and smell may mask spoilage, so it is important to know the signs of spoilage.

Firstly, blue cheese should be kept refrigerated and well-wrapped at all times. If left unrefrigerated, blue cheese should not be left out for more than two hours, as bacteria grows rapidly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F.

The first sign of spoilage is the presence of fuzzy grey or black mould. Blue mould native to blue cheese is not fuzzy, so if there are patches of fuzz, the cheese should be discarded.

The second sign is a change in colour of the flesh. The flesh of blue cheese is usually white or creamy, so if it turns pink, green, brown, or yellow, it should be thrown away. An exception to this rule is Shropshire, a British blue cheese that is dyed a yellowish shade.

Thirdly, a strong ammonia-like smell indicates spoilage. Blue cheese has a distinct smell, often likened to old socks, but if the odour becomes much stronger than when it was first bought, or the cheese smells stale, it has likely gone bad.

The fourth sign is a change in texture. If the blue cheese looks old, dry, crumbly, and uneven in colour, it has likely been exposed to air and is past its prime.

Finally, widespread heavy mould on the surface of the cheese is a sign of spoilage. If mould appears, all of the blue cheese should be discarded.

It is important to note that blue cheese becomes more crumbly and loses some of its taste after being frozen and thawed, so it is best to use defrosted blue cheese in cooked dishes.

Blue cheese and food safety

Blue cheese is a medium-hard, creamy cheese injected with mould to create a pungent taste and smell. The distinctive mould colouring and smell may mask spoilage that can occur in blue cheeses within two to three weeks of purchase.

Storage

Blue cheese should be stored in the fridge at all times, preferably wrapped in the original packaging. It should be wrapped tightly to prevent drying out, but it should also be allowed to breathe. The best temperature for storing blue cheese is between 46°F–55°F (or 8°C–13°C). This is slightly warmer than a typical refrigerator, so consider storing it in a crisper drawer.

Shelf Life

An unopened package of blue cheese will last for around one to six months, depending on the packaging. Once opened, it should be consumed within three to four weeks. If you are unable to finish the cheese within this time, it can be frozen. Frozen blue cheese will be crumbly and lose some of its flavour, so it is best used in cooked dishes.

Food Safety

Leaving blue cheese out at room temperature for more than two hours may result in bacterial growth. However, this is unlikely to cause a food safety issue, especially if the cheese has been manufactured under safe conditions. If blue cheese has been left out at room temperature for more than four hours, it should be discarded.

Signs of Spoilage

It can be challenging to detect spoilage in blue cheese, as signs such as strong odour or mould are already present in safe blue cheese. However, some signs of spoilage include:

• Widespread heavy mould on the surface
• Discolouration, such as a yellow or orange tint
• An ammonia-like smell
• A hard texture
• A strong taste

Blue cheese and pregnancy

Blue cheese is a delicious addition to many dishes, but when it comes to pregnancy, it's important to exercise caution. The consumption of blue cheese during pregnancy requires careful consideration due to potential health risks associated with certain types of cheese. Here's what you need to know:

The Risks of Blue Cheese During Pregnancy

The primary concern with blue cheese during pregnancy is the presence of harmful bacteria, specifically Listeria. Listeria is a dangerous bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection. While listeriosis is rare, pregnant women are up to 20 times more likely to contract it than the general population. This infection can have severe consequences for both mother and baby, including miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm labour, and various health problems for the newborn.

Soft cheeses, including most blue cheeses, are particularly susceptible to Listeria contamination due to their higher water content and less acidic nature, providing an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy weaken the immune system, making pregnant women more vulnerable to listeriosis.

Recommendations for Consumption

To ensure the safety of both mother and baby, it is advisable to follow these guidelines:

• Check the Labels: Always read the labels of blue cheese products. Look for information regarding pasteurization. The CDC recommends that pregnant individuals consume soft cheese only if it is explicitly stated on the package that it is made from pasteurized milk.
• Opt for Hard Cheeses: Hard cheeses, such as blue cheese crumbles and Stilton, are often made from pasteurized milk and are generally safer to consume during pregnancy.
• Cook Blue Cheese: Cooking blue cheese before consumption can kill off harmful bacteria. However, for absolute safety, it may be best to avoid blue cheese altogether until after pregnancy.
• Be Wary of Soft Cheeses: In addition to blue cheese, avoid other soft cheeses like queso fresco, queso blanco, queso panela, mozzarella, burrata, and feta.
• Choose Pasteurized Milk Products: When in doubt, opt for dairy products made with pasteurized milk, as pasteurization effectively kills Listeria.
• Practice Safe Food Handling: Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling food, especially around pregnant women, to prevent the spread of Listeria through cross-contamination.

Storage and Shelf Life of Blue Cheese

Proper storage of blue cheese is crucial to maintain its quality and safety. Here are some key points:

• Refrigeration: Blue cheese should always be stored in the refrigerator, regardless of whether it is unopened or opened.
• Packaging and Airtightness: Keep blue cheese in its original packaging or wrap it in wax paper, cheese wrap, or aluminium foil. Place it in a plastic bag or airtight container to prevent odour absorption and cross-contamination. Ensure the cheese has some breathing room by not squeezing out all the air from the bag.
• Shelf Life: Unopened blue cheese typically has a shelf life of one to six months, depending on its packaging. Once opened, it should be consumed within three to four weeks. Crumbled blue cheese often has a longer shelf life of up to six months.
• Freezing: If you want to extend the shelf life, you can freeze blue cheese, but it may lose some of its texture and flavour. Frozen blue cheese is best suited for cooked dishes.

In conclusion, while blue cheese can be a tempting treat, it's important to prioritise the health and safety of both yourself and your baby during pregnancy. By following the recommendations outlined above, you can make informed choices about consuming blue cheese and other dairy products while ensuring a healthy pregnancy journey.

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