Brie Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Brie cheese is a soft cheese with a creamy flavour that many people love. But how long does it last? The shelf life of Brie is very short—whether opened or unopened, it usually lasts for about two weeks, depending on its storage conditions. Its maturing process continues even after the package is opened, so its taste and texture will change over time.

Brie cheese can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 weeks

Brie cheese is a soft cheese with a creamy, mild flavour. It has a limited storage time of several weeks, and its flavour becomes sharper over time. An unopened wheel or wedge of brie will keep its quality for 1-2 weeks past the printed date. After opening, brie cheese will retain its best quality for 1-2 weeks if you wrap it tightly using its original wrapping, cheese paper, or wax paper.

To maximise the shelf life of a wedge of brie cheese after opening, wrap the original packaging tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For even better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover with plastic wrap before refrigerating.

When storing brie cheese, it is important to keep it well wrapped and away from strong odours and other mouldy cheeses. It should be kept in the fridge at all times and stored in the cheese drawer of your refrigerator, where the moisture and temperature remain relatively constant. If you don't have a cheese drawer, keep the cheese in the back of the fridge.

You can also store brie cheese in the freezer, although this may affect its texture and flavour. To freeze brie, cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each and wrap tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen brie will keep its best quality for about six months but will remain safe beyond that time.

It can be frozen and will last for up to 6 months

If you want to store brie for longer than a few weeks, freezing is a good option. It's best to cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each before freezing. Wrap each portion tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen brie will keep in the freezer for up to six months and will still be safe to eat beyond that time.

Freezing brie will change the texture of the cheese, making it crumbly. It may also affect the flavour. For this reason, it's best to use frozen brie in cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups, casseroles, and grilled cheese sandwiches. You can also bake frozen brie with a cranberry compote on top. If you're using the frozen brie in a grilled cheese sandwich, you only need to defrost it for an hour or two in the fridge before slicing.

It's best to wrap it in wax or parchment paper, then plastic wrap

When storing brie cheese, it's best to wrap it in wax or parchment paper, then plastic wrap. This is because brie is a soft cheese with a short shelf life of about two weeks. Wax or parchment paper helps to keep the cheese fresh by allowing it to breathe, while also retaining moisture and flavour. The paper also acts as a barrier to strong odours from the fridge, which can be absorbed by the cheese.

Plastic wrap is necessary to cover the wax or parchment paper, as it provides an extra layer of protection from the air and strong odours, and helps to keep the cheese moist. It is important to note that plastic wrap should not be placed directly on the cheese, as it can ruin the flavour.

The cheese should then be placed in the refrigerator, preferably in the cheese drawer, where the temperature and moisture remain relatively constant.

By following these steps, you can extend the shelf life of brie cheese and maintain its quality and flavour for a longer period. However, it is still recommended to consume the cheese within two weeks to enjoy maximum freshness.

It's bad when there's non-native mould, a strong smell, or a sharp taste

Brie cheese is a soft cheese with a short shelf life. It typically lasts for about two weeks, depending on its storage conditions. However, it can last for up to 3-6 months if properly refrigerated and wrapped.

Non-native mould, a strong smell, or a sharp taste are signs that your Brie cheese has gone bad.

Brie cheese is covered with white mould, making it difficult to identify spoilage through mould growth. Non-native mould that has developed on the surface of the cheese is a clear indication of spoilage. If you see any green or blue spores on the surface of the cheese, discard it immediately.

A slight ammonia smell is natural for Brie cheese, especially if it has been exposed to air for a few minutes. However, if the cheese still has a strong smell after a few minutes, it has likely turned.

As Brie cheese ripens, its flavour intensifies and becomes sharper. Eventually, the taste may become too strong, leading to digestive discomfort. If the cheese tastes too sharp or pungent, it is best to discard it.

In summary, when it comes to Brie cheese, trust your senses. If you see non-native mould, smell a strong odour, or taste a sharp flavour, it's time to let go of the cheese.

It's safe to eat a few weeks after the expiration date

Brie cheese is a soft cheese with a limited storage time of several weeks. Its flavour gets sharper as it ages, and it is considered too sharp to eat after a couple of weeks past the printed date. However, it is safe to eat a few weeks after the expiration date.

Brie cheese is a white-mold cheese, and checking for mold development is not an ideal way to determine spoilage. The natural mold on the rind of Brie cheese inhibits the growth of most other organisms, so even if the cheese is past its expiration date, it may still be safe to consume in terms of pathogens. The taste may be too strong, however, and could cause digestive discomfort.

To determine if Brie cheese has spoiled, it is important to inspect the rind. The bloom should be mostly white and powdery. If the rind appears gray or flaky, the cheese has likely started to spoil and should not be consumed. Some darker spots are acceptable, but if there is any mold not native to the cheese, it should be discarded.

It is also important to assess the smell and taste of the cheese. A slight ammonia smell is natural and will dissipate if the cheese is allowed to air out for a few moments. If the cheese still smells strongly of ammonia after a few minutes, it has probably turned. Additionally, if the cheese has a hard texture, has darkened in colour, or has an off smell, it should be discarded.

Proper storage can help extend the shelf life of Brie cheese. It should be refrigerated and well-wrapped to keep air and strong odours out and moisture in. The original packaging or cheese wrap or wax paper are ideal for this. Brie cheese can also be frozen, although this may affect its texture and flavour.

Frequently asked questions