Randy Chandler
Blue cheese is a type of cheese with a strong smell and distinct flavour. It is made using Penicillium, a type of mould that is responsible for its unique taste, smell and appearance. Unlike other types of mould, Penicillium does not produce toxins and is safe to consume. The exact answer to how long blue cheese stays good depends on its storage conditions. If stored properly, blue cheese can last 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen to extend its shelf life. Properly stored, frozen blue cheese will maintain its best quality for about 6 months but will remain safe to eat beyond that time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life of unopened blue cheese | 1-6 months |
| Shelf life of opened blue cheese | 3-4 weeks |
| Homemade blue cheese dressing shelf life | 5-7 days |
| Blue cheese storage temperature | 46°F – 55°F (8°C – 13°C) |
| Indication of spoilage | Fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on the surface |
| Indication of spoilage | Strong ammonia-like odour |
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What You'll Learn
- Shelf life: unopened blue cheese can last up to 6 months
- Refrigeration: store blue cheese in the fridge, wrapped, for 3-4 weeks
- Freezing: can be frozen for 6 months or longer
- Spoilage: blue cheese can go bad, look for fuzzy spots or a strong ammonia smell
- Consumption: if it looks and smells okay, it's likely safe to eat
Shelf life: unopened blue cheese can last up to 6 months
Blue cheese is a type of cheese known for its strong smell and distinct flavour. It is made using Penicillium, a type of mould that is responsible for its unique taste, smell, and appearance.
When it comes to the shelf life of unopened blue cheese, it can last for several months when stored in the refrigerator. Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality and safety of blue cheese. It should be kept tightly wrapped in the refrigerator at all times. The original packaging can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For even better protection, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
With proper storage, unopened blue cheese can last for about 1 to 2 months in the refrigerator. Additionally, freezing is an option to extend the shelf life even further. Blue cheese can be cut into portions, wrapped tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or placed in a heavy-duty freezer bag. When properly stored in the freezer, blue cheese will maintain its best quality for about 6 months but will remain safe beyond that time.
It is important to note that blue cheese can develop an ammonia-like smell if it has gone bad. This distinct smell indicates that it should not be consumed.
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Refrigeration: store blue cheese in the fridge, wrapped, for 3-4 weeks
Blue cheese is a semi-hard cheese that can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks. To maximise its shelf life, it is important to follow some simple storage guidelines.
Firstly, always keep blue cheese refrigerated at a safe temperature of below 40°F (4°C). This will help to maintain the quality and safety of the cheese.
When storing blue cheese in the fridge, it is important to wrap it properly. Avoid using tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, as these can cause the cheese to dry out and harden. Instead, opt for porous materials like wax, parchment, or cheese paper. Wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper, and then cover it with plastic wrap for added protection. This will help to maintain the moisture content and keep the cheese fresh.
Additionally, store the wrapped blue cheese in the coldest part of the fridge, such as the top or middle shelf, or in a drawer. Keep it away from raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination.
With proper storage, a wedge of blue cheese can last for about 1 to 2 months in the refrigerator. However, it's important to regularly inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage. If mould appears, cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mouldy area using a clean knife.
By following these refrigeration and storage tips, you can safely enjoy your blue cheese for 3-4 weeks and maximise its shelf life.
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Freezing: can be frozen for 6 months or longer
Blue cheese is a semi-hard cheese that can last for several weeks in the refrigerator. Its shelf life can be extended by storing it in the freezer. Freezing blue cheese can preserve it for 6 months or longer.
To freeze blue cheese, cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each. Wrap the portions tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to freeze the cheese before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed.
Although freezing blue cheese may slightly alter its texture and appearance, it remains safe to consume indefinitely when stored at a constant temperature of 0°F. However, for the best quality, it is recommended to consume frozen blue cheese within 6 months.
After defrosting, a wedge of blue cheese can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator if it was thawed in the fridge. If the cheese was thawed in the microwave or in cold water, it should be consumed immediately.
It is important to note that blue cheese can go bad if not stored properly. Properly wrapping and refrigerating blue cheese can extend its shelf life to 3-4 weeks. Signs of spoilage include fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on the surface, a strong ammonia-like odor, and changes in texture, such as softness. Consuming spoiled blue cheese can lead to food poisoning, so it is crucial to practice proper food safety and handle cheese with care.
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Spoilage: blue cheese can go bad, look for fuzzy spots or a strong ammonia smell
Blue cheese is made using Penicillium, a type of mould that gives it a unique taste, smell, and appearance. While the mould used in blue cheese doesn't produce toxins and is safe to consume, blue cheese can still go bad if it's not stored properly.
To prevent spoilage, blue cheese should be stored in the fridge at a temperature of around 46°F–55°F (or 8°C–13°C). It should be wrapped tightly to prevent it from drying out, but it should also have some breathing room. To achieve this, you can wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating. Alternatively, you can place it inside a heavy-duty freezer bag.
Properly stored blue cheese will last for about 1 to 2 months in the refrigerator. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it. Frozen blue cheese can be safely consumed indefinitely, although its texture and appearance may change slightly.
Despite proper storage, blue cheese can still go bad. To determine if blue cheese has spoiled, look for fuzzy spots on its surface. These spots can be white, green, pink, or grey, and they indicate the growth of mould. In addition to visual inspection, use your sense of smell to check for spoilage. Blue cheese that has developed a strong ammonia-like odour has likely gone bad. Consuming spoiled blue cheese can lead to food poisoning, so it's important to discard it if you notice any of these signs of spoilage.
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Consumption: if it looks and smells okay, it's likely safe to eat
Blue cheese is made using Penicillium, a type of mould that gives it a distinct taste, smell, and appearance. Unlike other types of mould, Penicillium does not produce toxins and is safe to consume. However, blue cheese can still go bad if not stored properly.
When it comes to determining whether blue cheese is safe to eat, it's important to consider its appearance and smell. If the cheese has developed fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on its surface, it has likely gone bad and should be discarded. Additionally, if the cheese emits a strong ammonia-like odour, it is probably spoiled and should be thrown away. Consuming spoiled blue cheese can lead to food poisoning, causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps.
To maximise the shelf life of blue cheese, it is recommended to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For even better preservation, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating. Properly stored, blue cheese can last for about 1 to 2 months in the refrigerator. It is still safe to consume beyond its "sell-by" or "best-by" date, typically remaining edible for 1 to 2 months even if the date has passed.
If the blue cheese looks and smells okay, it is likely safe to consume. You can also give it a taste to decide if it's good enough to eat. However, it's important to remember that blue cheese becomes saltier with age, so if it becomes too salty for your preference, it's best to discard it.
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Frequently asked questions
Unopened blue cheese can last anywhere from one to six months, depending on its packaging.
Once opened, blue cheese should be consumed within three to four weeks.
Blue cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For better results, wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper before covering it with plastic wrap.
Yes, blue cheese can be frozen. Cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each and wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil, plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen blue cheese will maintain its best quality for about six months but will remain safe to consume beyond that time.
Blue cheese can go bad if not stored properly. Signs that blue cheese has spoiled include fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on the surface, and a strong ammonia-like odour. If the cheese looks and smells okay, you can taste a small amount to decide if it is good enough to eat.
