Blue Cheese: How Long Does It Stay Fresh?

Blue cheese is a pungent variety of cheese with a strong smell and distinct flavour. It is made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of edible mould. Blue cheese can go bad and it's important to practise food safety and store it properly. When stored properly in the refrigerator, blue cheese can last 3-4 weeks. It can also be frozen to extend its shelf life. To spot if blue cheese has gone bad, check for an ammonia-like smell, discolouration, or slime.

Blue cheese's shelf life

Blue cheese is a distinct type of cheese known for its pungent aroma and striking blue veins. The shelf life of blue cheese varies depending on whether it is sold as a whole wheel, pre-crumbled, or cut into wedges.

Unopened Blue Cheese

An unopened package of blue cheese should 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. The shelf life of unopened blue cheese can range from 1 to 6 months, depending on its packaging and storage conditions.

Opened Blue Cheese

Once the packaging is opened, blue cheese should be consumed within 3 to 4 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 in the refrigerator.

Storing Blue Cheese

Blue cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, specifically in the crisper drawer, which offers a more consistent environment. It is recommended to wrap blue cheese in cheese paper, parchment paper, or wax paper, and then place it in a plastic bag or airtight container to retain moisture and prevent the cheese from drying out.

Freezing Blue Cheese

For long-term preservation, blue cheese can be frozen. Wrap the cheese in heavy-duty aluminum foil or parchment paper, then place it inside a freezer bag to protect against freezer burn. Frozen blue cheese can last for several months but might experience a change in texture, becoming crumbly and losing some of its flavor. It is best used in cooked dishes after freezing.

Signs of Spoilage

It is crucial to recognize when blue cheese has gone bad, as spoiled cheese can cause foodborne illness. Signs of spoilage include the presence of an off smell that is different from the naturally strong, tangy odor of blue cheese, any visible signs of pink, green, or black mold that differs from the characteristic blue or green veins, and a significant change in texture, such as becoming excessively hard or slimy. If any of these signs are present, the cheese should be discarded.

How to store blue cheese

Blue cheese is a pungent delicacy with bold flavours and a creamy texture. To store blue cheese, you need to control three main factors: temperature, humidity, and airflow.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for storing blue cheese is between 46°F–55°F (8°C–13°C). This is the temperature range in which the cheese matures. The temperature in a typical refrigerator is usually a bit lower, so storing blue cheese in the vegetable crisper drawer helps to keep it within the ideal range.

Humidity

The ideal humidity for storing blue cheese is 70–80%. Too little humidity will cause the cheese to crack, while too much will encourage the growth of unwanted mould.

Airflow

Blue cheese needs to breathe. Avoid storing it in airtight containers, and do not wrap it in plastic. Instead, wrap blue cheese in wax paper, parchment paper, or cheese paper to prevent it from drying out. Then, place the wrapped cheese in a loose plastic bag or a freezer bag, leaving it slightly open to allow airflow.

Other Storage Tips

• Keep blue cheese separate from other cheeses and foods to prevent the mould spores from spreading.
• Store blue cheese on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, as this is usually the coldest part.
• If storing in the freezer, cut the cheese into pieces no larger than half a pound each, then double-wrap in paper and plastic before placing in a freezer bag.
• Do not leave blue cheese unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
• Blue cheese will usually stay fresh for three to four weeks in the refrigerator, six months in the freezer, and two days unrefrigerated.

Signs of Spoilage

Even with proper storage, blue cheese can spoil. Signs that your blue cheese has gone bad include:

• An ammonia-like smell. Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but this will change as it starts to spoil.
• Discolouration. Fresh blue cheese has blue or green mould and a white, beige, or yellow creamy part. If the creamy part turns pink, brown, or green, or if the existing mould becomes fuzzy and discoloured, the cheese has likely spoiled.
• Slimy or sticky texture.
• A bitter or "rotten" taste.

If you are unsure whether your blue cheese has spoiled, it is better to be safe and throw it away.

Signs of spoilage

Blue cheese is a beloved delicacy with a distinctive pungent aroma and a sharp, salty flavour. However, like all perishable foods, blue cheese can spoil. Knowing how to identify spoiled blue cheese is crucial to ensure food safety and prevent unpleasant experiences. Here are some signs of spoilage to look out for:

Colour Changes

Fresh blue cheese typically exhibits a vibrant blue-green hue. As it ages, the colour may deepen, becoming more grey or brown. Significant colour changes, such as the presence of black or red spots, indicate spoilage. If the creamy part of the cheese turns pink, brown, or green, it has likely gone bad.

Mould Growth

Blue cheese naturally contains beneficial mould cultures that give it its characteristic blue veins. However, the presence of excessive mould, especially fuzzy or discoloured mould, is a sign of spoilage. Harmful mould can appear in various colours, including black, red, orange, or white, and often has a fuzzy or powdery texture and an unpleasant odour.

Texture Alterations

Fresh blue cheese should have a firm, crumbly texture. If it becomes slimy, sticky, or overly soft, it has likely gone bad. Spoiled blue cheese may exhibit a slimy or sticky texture due to the growth of unwanted bacteria and mould, which produce slimy substances. It may also become overly soft or mushy due to the breakdown of proteins and fats, resulting in a loss of structure.

Smell Test

The smell test is a powerful tool in detecting spoiled blue cheese. Fresh blue cheese has a distinct, pungent aroma. However, when it goes bad, the smell can change drastically:

• Sour or Acidic Odour: A sour or acidic smell is a clear indication of spoilage, caused by the breakdown of fats and proteins in the cheese, resulting in the production of lactic acid and other compounds.
• Ammonia-Like Odour: An ammonia-like odour is another sign of spoilage, caused by the breakdown of amino acids in the cheese, resulting in the release of ammonia gas.
• Musty or Moldy Odour: A musty or mouldy odour is a telltale sign of spoilage, caused by the growth of unwanted mould and bacteria in the cheese.

Taste Test

If you're unsure about the condition of your blue cheese, a small taste test can provide further confirmation. However, it's important to exercise caution and avoid consuming large quantities of potentially spoiled cheese. A bitter or rancid taste is a clear indication of spoilage, caused by the breakdown of fats and proteins, resulting in the formation of bitter compounds and free fatty acids. A sour or acidic taste is another sign of spoilage, caused by the breakdown of lactose, resulting in the production of lactic acid and other compounds.

Health and consumption

When considering the health and consumption of blue cheese, it is critical to adhere to food safety guidelines to maintain its quality and ensure it is safe to eat. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Storage

The key to extending the life of blue cheese lies in proper storage. Blue cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, specifically in the crisper drawer, which offers a more consistent environment. The ideal temperature range is between 35°F and 45°F (2°C to 7°C), with moderate humidity. This environment mimics the natural conditions of cheese caves, which help maintain the texture and flavour of the cheese.

For short-term storage, wrap blue cheese in cheese paper, parchment paper, or wax paper, and then place it in a plastic bag or airtight container. This prevents moisture loss while allowing the cheese to breathe, which is crucial in preventing ammonia smells and off-flavours.

Food Safety Guidelines

To maintain food safety and protect against cross-contamination, it is recommended to consume blue cheese within 3 to 4 weeks after opening or according to the expiration date. Blue cheese made from unpasteurized milk might carry bacteria, so it is best to consume pasteurized varieties to reduce the risk of foodborne illness, especially for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.

Inspecting for Spoilage

It is crucial to recognize when blue cheese has gone bad, as spoiled cheese can cause foodborne illness. Inspect the cheese for any changes in texture, colour, or smell before consumption. Signs of spoilage include the presence of an off smell, different from the naturally strong, tangy odour of blue cheese. Visible signs of pink, green, or black mold that differs from the characteristic blue or green veins are also indicators of spoilage. Additionally, a significant change in texture, such as becoming excessively hard or slimy, suggests the presence of harmful bacteria.

Avoiding Cross-Contamination

When handling blue cheese, use clean utensils and cutting boards to prevent the spread of bacteria. Keep blue cheese away from other cheeses and food to avoid cross-contamination and prevent the transfer of mold spores.

Discarding Spoiled Cheese

Throw away any cheese that seems off in appearance, smell, or taste to ensure you do not consume spoiled or contaminated blue cheese. If you are unsure, it is always better to discard the cheese rather than risk consuming it.

Freezing Blue Cheese

For long-term preservation, blue cheese can be frozen. Wrap the cheese in parchment or wax paper, followed by plastic wrap or a plastic bag, to prevent freezer burn. Frozen blue cheese can last for several months, but the texture might become more crumbly and less creamy, making it more suitable for cooking rather than fresh cheese platters.

Freezing blue cheese

Blue cheese is a strong-smelling and sharp-tasting type of cheese with a high percentage of milk fat. Freezing blue cheese is a good way to preserve it, but it's important to note that freezing will affect its taste and texture. When thawed, previously frozen blue cheese tends to be less creamy and is best used in cooked dishes, like soups, casseroles, and sauces, rather than on bread or crackers.

How to Freeze Blue Cheese

To freeze blue cheese, start by checking that it is still within its best-before date. Cut the cheese into smaller pieces, weighing no more than half a pound each, and wrap each piece in a double layer of plastic wrap or cling film to avoid freezer burn. Then, place the wrapped cheese in a freezer bag, squeeze out the air, seal the bag, and label it with the date. Blue cheese can be stored in the freezer for up to six months, but for the best taste and texture, it should be used within two months.

How to Thaw Blue Cheese

To thaw a piece of blue cheese, first remove it from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Once it is completely thawed, unwrap the cheese and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow its texture and flavour to develop. It is recommended to consume thawed blue cheese within two days.

Frequently asked questions