Cheese Storage: Deli Cheese Shelf Life Explained

Cheese is a versatile and tasty ingredient, but it's important to know how long it lasts to avoid food poisoning. Deli cheese, in particular, has a varied shelf life, depending on the type of cheese and storage conditions. Generally, soft cheeses like mozzarella, feta, and ricotta are more perishable and last about a week in the fridge, while harder varieties such as aged cheddar, gouda, and parmesan have a longer shelf life of around 2-4 weeks. Deli cheese, specifically, is recommended to be consumed within 5-7 days of purchase for the best quality, but it can last longer if properly stored.

Deli cheese lasts 5-7 days

Deli cheese will last for about 5-7 days. This is true for both pre-sliced and freshly sliced cheese. The former should be used by the date on the package if unopened, and the latter should be used within 5-7 days of purchase for the best quality.

To extend the shelf life of deli cheese, it is important to store it properly. This means keeping it in the center of your refrigerator, at temperatures between 35° to 40°F. It should not be stored in the door of the refrigerator. Additionally, it is important to rewrap the cheese securely in airtight plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or a resealable plastic food bag.

To prevent mould, use clean cutting utensils and work surfaces, and seal plastic wrap tightly around the cheese. Deli cheese should also be stored between 35 to 40°F, as warmer temperatures accelerate mould growth.

It is not recommended to freeze deli cheese, as this can change the texture, making it crumbly. However, if you do choose to freeze it, it is best to use it in cooked dishes such as omelettes, casseroles, or sandwich melts.

It can be frozen

While freezing cheese is not recommended as it changes the texture of the cheese, making it crumbly, it can be done. If you do choose to freeze your deli cheese, it's important to know that soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage, and cream cheeses don't freeze well. For other types of cheese, freezing is an option, but it's best to use the cheese in cooked dishes after freezing, as it will be less enjoyable to eat on its own due to the change in texture and flavour.

To freeze deli cheese, wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to freeze it before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed. Frozen deli cheese will maintain its best quality for about eight months but will remain safe to eat beyond that time. It's important to note that the recommended freezer time is for best quality only; deli cheese that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.

After defrosting, the cheese can be kept for an additional three to four days in the refrigerator. For best results, thaw the cheese in the refrigerator. Frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, so it's best suited for cooked dishes like sauces, soups, and casseroles.

To determine if your deli cheese has gone bad, use your senses of smell and sight. If the cheese develops an off odour, flavour, or appearance, or if mould appears, discard it.

Soft cheese lasts 1-2 weeks

To make the most of this short shelf life, soft cheese should be stored properly. For cheese sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, keep it in the liquid and make sure the container's lid is secure. For blue cheese, you can wrap it in foil. Soft-ripened cheese, like Brie, has a delicate rind, so it needs more care than other soft cheeses. Wrapping it in cheese paper is best, but you can also use parchment paper and keep it in an airtight container.

To maximise the shelf life of soft cheese, it is important to keep it in the right place in the fridge. Soft cheese is best stored in the centre of the fridge, at temperatures between 35° to 40°F. It should not be kept in the door of the refrigerator.

To avoid waste, it is recommended that you only buy cheese for the week ahead.

Hard cheese lasts 3-4 weeks

Hard cheese, such as aged cheddar, aged Gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano, can last about 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator once opened. This is because hard cheeses are low in moisture, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish.

To ensure your hard cheese lasts the full three to four weeks, follow these steps:

• Remove the cheese from its plastic packaging.
• Wrap it loosely in cheese paper or wax paper.
• Put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid.
• Store the cheese in the center of your refrigerator, not in the door.
• Keep the temperature between 35° to 40°F (4°C).

It is important to note that hard cheese will last much longer if it is refrigerated. Unopened packages of hard cheese can last about six months, according to the USDA.

Additionally, if you want to further extend the shelf life of hard cheese, you can freeze it. When freezing, place the cheese in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed. Wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Properly stored, it will maintain its best quality for about eight months but will remain safe beyond that time.

Signs cheese has gone bad

Deli cheese typically lasts for about a week in the refrigerator, but it's important to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage before consumption. Here are some detailed signs that your cheese has gone bad:

Appearance

The appearance of mould on cheese is one of the most obvious signs of spoilage. If you notice any patches of fuzz in different colours or textures, it's best to discard the cheese. However, it's worth noting that some cheeses, such as French soft cheeses, have a white, fuzzy exterior that is safe to eat. Additionally, if the cheese has developed a gritty or grainy texture, especially on soft washed rind cheeses, it may be a sign of spoilage.

Smell

Smell is one of the best indicators of whether your cheese has gone bad. A mild cheese that has developed a strong smell, resembling blue cheese or Limburger, should be discarded. Pungent cheeses like blue cheese or Camembert will take on an ammonia smell, similar to cat urine, when they have gone bad. A spoiled cheese may also have a rancid, sour, or putrid odour.

Taste

If a mild cheese suddenly has a strong flavour or a bitter, acidic, or sour taste, it has likely gone bad. Spoiled cheese may also have a musty quality to its taste.

Texture

Changes in the texture of the cheese can also indicate spoilage. Hard cheeses like Cheddar may become brittle and prone to cracking, while soft white mould cheeses like Camembert can turn slimy due to the growth of unwanted bacteria.

Frequently asked questions