Andy Montoya
Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life due to its low moisture content, which makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish. Once a package of cheddar cheese is opened, it can last for about three to four weeks in the refrigerator. Unopened packages of hard cheeses can last about six months, according to the USDA, and can even last up to a year when stored in the fridge. Proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of cheddar cheese, which includes storing it in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly in the coldest part of the fridge.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator |
| Moisture content | Low |
| Susceptibility to mould | Less prone to mould due to low moisture content |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in the coldest part of the fridge |
| Inspection | Inspect hard cheeses for mould and cut off any spots |
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What You'll Learn
How to store opened cheddar cheese
Cheddar is a hard cheese, and once opened, it can last for up to 3-4 weeks in the fridge. To store opened cheddar cheese, follow these steps:
Firstly, it is important to note that cheese needs to breathe, so avoid storing it in plastic wrap. Instead, use wax, parchment, or cheese paper to wrap the cheese. This will help maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out. Then, seal the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or a plastic zip bag with most of the air pressed out. Alternatively, you can use plastic wrap or aluminium foil over the wax or parchment paper to achieve a similar result.
When storing cheddar cheese, ensure it is kept in the main part of the refrigerator, where the temperature is typically between 33°F and 40°F (4°C). The fridge door is usually the warmest part and should be avoided. Keep the cheese away from raw meat or seafood to prevent contamination.
Inspect your cheese regularly for mould. If you notice any, cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mouldy spots, being careful to keep the knife out of the mould itself. The remaining cheese should be safe to eat. However, if the mould is pervasive, it is best to discard the entire block of cheese.
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How long opened cheddar cheese lasts in the fridge
Cheddar is a hard cheese, and hard cheeses can last a long time in the fridge, even after being opened. This is because they have a low moisture content, which makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish. Once opened, a block of hard cheese like cheddar can last about three to four weeks in the refrigerator. Unopened, hard cheeses can last for several months and even up to a year when stored in the fridge.
The shelf life of soft cheeses is much shorter than that of hard cheeses, so proper storage is key. Soft cheeses will last in the fridge for at least 7 days, while semi-soft cheeses like Brie can last for about a week to a few weeks.
It's important to note that the shelf life of cheese can vary depending on factors such as the moisture content, quality control issues during manufacturing, and improper storage. Therefore, it's always a good idea to inspect your cheese before consuming it to make sure it's safe to eat, regardless of the best-by date.
- Unintentional mold: Cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the moldy spots. However, if there is too much mold, it's best to discard the cheese.
- Changes in texture: White specks or crystallized patches on cheddar cheese are normal and safe to eat. However, if you notice significant changes in texture, it may be an indication that the cheese has gone bad.
- Off-flavors: If your cheddar cheese develops off-flavors or an unpleasant smell, it is best to discard it.
- Other signs: Keep an eye out for other signs of spoilage, such as discoloration, dryness, or a slimy texture.
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How to identify if opened cheddar cheese has gone bad
Cheddar is a hard cheese, and hard cheeses can last longer than soft cheeses, usually up to 4 weeks in the fridge. However, it's important to know how to identify if opened cheddar cheese has gone bad. Here are some ways to tell:
Appearance
One of the most obvious ways to tell if any food product has gone bad is by checking its appearance. Changes in colour, such as a darkening of the surface, or the presence of mould, could indicate that the cheese has spoiled. Hard cheeses like cheddar can also start to crack when they go bad due to changes in moisture content and the growth of bacteria. If you notice blue, green, red, or white mould on the surface of a hard cheese, it's best to cut away the mouldy part and ensure you don't contaminate the rest of the cheese with the knife. However, if mould is present throughout the cheese, it's best to discard it.
Smell
Smelling the cheese is another good way to determine if it has gone bad. If it smells like ammonia or has a sour odour, it has likely spoiled. Mild cheeses like Monterey Jack or American cheese will start to smell strong like blue cheese or Limburger when they go bad. Naturally pungent cheeses like blue cheese or Camembert will have a strong ammonia smell, similar to cat urine, when they spoil.
Texture
Changes in texture can also indicate that cheddar cheese has gone bad. If it feels crumbly, mushy, or very dry, it has likely spoiled.
Expiration Date
Checking the expiration date or "best by" date on the packaging can also help you determine if the cheese has gone bad. However, it's important to note that cheese can go bad before this date if it has been improperly stored or if there were quality control issues during manufacturing.
Remember, consuming spoiled cheese can lead to food poisoning, so it's always better to err on the side of caution and discard any cheese you suspect has gone bad.
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The shelf life of opened cheddar cheese
Cheddar is a hard cheese, and hard cheeses tend to have a longer shelf life than soft cheeses. This is because they have a lower moisture content, which makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish. Once a package of hard cheese is opened, it can last about three to four weeks in the refrigerator. However, if stored properly, hard cheeses can last for a few weeks to a couple of months in the refrigerator.
To extend the shelf life of opened cheddar cheese, it is important to store it properly. This includes storing it in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly in wax, parchment, or cheese paper. It should then be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator, at a temperature below 40°F (4°C).
It is also important to inspect hard cheeses for mold before consuming them. If mold is present, simply cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the moldy spots. However, if there is mold on soft cheeses, crumbled, shredded, or sliced cheeses (whether hard or soft), it is best to discard them.
White specks or crystallized patches on aged hard cheeses like cheddar are normal and safe to eat. However, if the cheese has an unpleasant smell or taste, or shows signs of mold, it is best to discard it.
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The difference in shelf life between opened and unopened cheddar cheese
The shelf life of cheddar cheese depends on several factors, including whether it is opened or unopened, its moisture content, and the storage conditions.
Unopened hard cheeses like cheddar can last for several months and even up to a year when stored in the fridge. The low moisture content in hard cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda helps extend their shelf life by making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. As a result, unopened packages of these hard cheeses can last about six months, according to the USDA.
Once opened, hard cheeses like cheddar can last for a few weeks to a couple of months in the refrigerator. The length of time hard cheeses last in the fridge after opening depends largely on their moisture content, with lower moisture content resulting in a longer shelf life. According to cheese experts, opened hard cheeses can be safely stored in the fridge for about four weeks, while another source suggests they can last for up to two months in sealed packages.
To maximize the shelf life of opened hard cheeses like cheddar, proper storage is essential. This includes storing the cheese in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly in wax, parchment, or cheese paper to maintain its moisture. Additionally, it should be stored in the coldest part of the fridge, at a temperature below 40°F (4°C).
It is important to carefully inspect hard cheeses for mold before consumption and cut off any mold spots. White specks or crystallized patches on aged hard cheeses like cheddar are normal and safe to eat. However, if there is visible, unintentional mold, it is recommended to cut at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below those spots.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar is a hard cheese, which means it has a lower moisture content, making it harder for bacteria to flourish. An opened block of cheddar can last anywhere from 3-4 weeks to 1-2 months.
The most obvious sign of spoilage in hard cheeses is visible, unintentional mould. If you notice mould on your cheddar, simply cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the spot. If you have a healthy immune system, you will likely be fine if you accidentally eat a mouldy spot, but you should monitor yourself for symptoms of food poisoning like vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhoea.
Store your cheddar in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in the coldest part of the fridge.
No, the shelf life of cheese depends on its moisture content. Soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses.
Freezing cheddar cheese is not recommended as it tends to become crumbly when thawed.
