Cheddar Cheese: Unopened Shelf Life And Storage Tips

Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life compared to soft cheeses. An unopened chunk of cheddar cheese will last for about six months in the refrigerator, and even longer in the freezer. However, the shelf life of cheddar cheese depends on its storage conditions and moisture content. Proper storage methods can dramatically extend the refrigerator life of cheddar cheese.

Unopened cheddar cheese can last for up to a year in the fridge

Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese with a lower moisture content, which means it will last longer than soft cheeses. Unopened cheddar cheese can last for up to a year in the fridge, although the quality will be at its highest for the first 6-8 months.

The reason cheddar has such a long shelf life is due to its low moisture content. Moisture is needed for bacterial growth, so cheeses with higher moisture levels will spoil more quickly.

Even though cheddar has a long shelf life, it's important to store it correctly to maximise its lifespan. Cheddar can be kept in its original packaging in the fridge, and the package should not be opened until the cheese is ready to be used. The cheese should be kept in an airtight container, and the fridge temperature should be below 40°F (4°C).

If you want to further extend the shelf life of cheddar cheese, you can freeze it. Freezing will preserve the cheese almost indefinitely, although the texture and flavour may be affected.

Cheddar is a hard cheese with low moisture content, which extends its shelf life

Cheddar, a popular cheese, has a moisture content of about 38%, significantly lower than that of milk, which is typically around 87%. This reduction in moisture during the cheesemaking process is crucial in determining the cheese's texture and shelf life.

The low moisture content in Cheddar makes it challenging for bacteria to thrive, thus prolonging its freshness. Unopened packages of hard cheese like Cheddar can be stored in the refrigerator and are expected to last about six months, according to experts at the USDA. In some cases, unopened Cheddar can even last for a year or more beyond its 'best by' date when properly refrigerated.

Proper storage methods are essential to maximise the shelf life of Cheddar. It should be removed from its plastic packaging and wrapped loosely in breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper, before being placed in an airtight container.

Additionally, the storage environment, including temperature and humidity, plays a significant role in preserving Cheddar's freshness. Maintaining consistent temperatures and moderate humidity levels in the refrigerator helps prevent the cheese from drying out or becoming too moist, which can lead to spoilage.

While unopened Cheddar has a relatively long shelf life, once it is opened, its shelf life decreases significantly. Exposure to air and potential bacterial contamination reduce the shelf life of opened Cheddar to a few weeks or a couple of months when stored in the refrigerator.

Cheddar cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life

Cheddar cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a relatively long shelf life. When unopened, it can last for several months to even a year or more past its 'best by' date when stored in the fridge. However, freezing cheddar cheese can further extend its shelf life.

Freezing is an effective way to increase the shelf life of foods, reduce waste, and save money. Cheddar cheese can be frozen, but it is important to note that freezing will affect its texture and quality. When cheese is frozen, small ice crystals form on the inside, disrupting its internal structure. As a result, the cheese may become drier, crumbly, and potentially develop a mealy texture after thawing.

To freeze cheddar cheese, it is recommended to portion it into quantities that you are likely to use at one time. For large blocks of cheddar, it is best not to freeze more than one pound (500 grams) per portion. The cheese can be grated or sliced before freezing and stored in its original packaging or wrapped in foil or cheese paper. Placing the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or ziplock bag is essential to prevent dry air from causing freezer burn.

For optimal freezing, it is best to freeze the cheese as rapidly as possible to at least -9 °F (-23 °C) to prevent the formation of large ice crystals. While cheese can be kept frozen indefinitely, it is recommended to use it within 6 to 9 months for the best quality. Frozen cheese should be thawed slowly in the refrigerator, allowing 7 to 8 hours per pound (500 grams) of cheese.

While freezing can extend the shelf life of cheddar cheese, it may be best suited for cooked dishes where changes in texture are less noticeable, such as sauces, pizzas, or grilled cheese sandwiches.

Signs of spoilage include a hard texture, discolouration, a strong smell, and mould

Cheddar is a hard cheese with a lower moisture content, which means it will last longer than soft cheeses—up to six months unopened and up to four weeks once opened, according to some sources. However, it's important to know the signs of spoilage to ensure you're consuming safe and delicious cheese.

One sign of spoilage is a hard texture. Hard cheeses like Cheddar can start to crack when they spoil due to changes in the cheese's moisture content and the growth of unwanted bacteria. As hard cheeses age, they lose moisture, which can cause them to become brittle and prone to cracking.

Discolouration is another sign that your Cheddar has gone bad. The colour of cheese can change due to a variety of factors, including oxidation and browning during ageing. Oxidation occurs when beta-carotene, a compound present in cow's milk, breaks down, causing the exposed part of the cheese to lose its yellow colour and appear whiter. Browning is more likely to occur in cheeses that contain thermophilic cultures because of their effect on lactose, resulting in a build-up of sugar. When combined with warmer temperatures and lengthy storage, this can lead to Maillard browning. While discolouration may not necessarily indicate that the cheese is unsafe to eat, its flavour and texture will likely be sub-optimal.

A strong smell can also indicate that your Cheddar has spoiled. When cheese goes bad, it can develop a range of unpleasant odours, such as rancid, sour, or ammonia-like scents. Ammonia is produced by bacteria that break down the protein in cheese, and excessive amounts can indicate spoilage. Rancid and vomit-like smells are caused by butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid produced by bacteria when they break down the fat in cheese. Musty and mouldy aromas can be attributed to geosmin, a compound produced by the bacteria used to ripen certain cheeses. While a subtle earthy smell is normal in most soft white mould cheeses, improper storage can lead to excessive geosmin production, resulting in an overwhelming musty odour.

Lastly, mould growth is a sign of spoilage. It's important to distinguish between desirable and undesirable mould. Some types of cheese, such as Stilton or Brie, are intentionally inoculated with moulds to achieve specific flavours or textures. In these cases, the mould is safe to consume. However, if mould grows on cheese unintentionally or is not properly controlled, it can produce spores and toxins that make the cheese unsafe to eat. Different types of mould can cause various colours and patterns on the cheese, and while some moulds are harmless, others can be toxic.

To summarise, signs of spoilage in Cheddar cheese include a hard and cracked texture, discolouration, a strong and unpleasant odour, and mould growth. Always trust your senses and discard the cheese if you have any doubts about its quality.

Proper storage is key to maximising the shelf life of cheddar cheese

Firstly, cheddar cheese should be stored in the fridge at all times. The ideal temperature for a fridge is below 40°F (4°C). At higher temperatures, bacteria multiply more quickly, increasing the risk of food spoilage.

When storing cheddar cheese in the fridge, it can be kept in its original packaging. This packaging is designed to keep the cheese fresh, so it's best not to open the package until you're ready to use the cheese. If you do open the package, or if you're storing leftover cheese, wrap the cheese loosely in a breathable material such as wax paper or cheese paper, then place it in an airtight container. Avoid using tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, as these can dry out the cheese.

If you want to extend the shelf life of cheddar cheese even further, you can freeze it. Cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each, then wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen cheddar cheese will maintain its best quality for about 6 to 8 months but will remain safe to eat beyond this time.

By following these proper storage methods, you can maximise the shelf life of your cheddar cheese and enjoy it for many months to come.

Frequently asked questions