Cheese In A Jar: How Long Does It Stay Fresh?

Cheese is a beloved staple in many kitchens, but it can be tricky to know how long it lasts in the fridge. The shelf life of cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, moisture content, storage practices, and preservatives. Generally, soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses due to their higher moisture content, which provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Proper storage is crucial to maximise the shelf life of cheese, such as using airtight containers, breathable wraps, and maintaining a temperature below 40°F (4°C) in the fridge.

How long does soft cheese last in a jar?

Soft cheese typically lasts for about a week in the fridge, but its quality and taste will be at their prime before that time is up. Soft cheese has a high moisture content, which makes it more perishable than harder cheeses.

Proper storage is key to getting the most out of soft cheese. 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.

A wedge of cheese starts to decline the moment it's cut off the wheel, and no cheese will get better in the fridge. So, try to only buy cheese for the week ahead.

Opened fresh cheeses like ricotta and cottage cheese have an even shorter shelf life and are best consumed within a week or two of opening.

How long does hard cheese last in a jar?

Hard cheese can last for a long time in the refrigerator, especially when compared to soft cheeses. This is because hard cheeses are low in moisture, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish.

Hard cheeses that haven't been opened can last for several months and even up to a year when stored in the fridge. Once opened, a package of hard cheese can last about four weeks in the refrigerator. According to the USDA, unopened packages will last about six months.

To ensure your hard cheese lasts as long as possible, 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.

It's important to note that hard cheese can still go bad before the best-by date, depending on quality control issues during manufacturing or improper storage. Always inspect your cheese for mould before eating, and cut off any spots.

How to store cheese in a jar

Storing cheese in a jar is not recommended, as it is a living food that needs to breathe. However, if you are referring to a jar as any container, then there are some suitable options.

For hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, which have a longer shelf life, wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper, then add a layer of plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also use a specialty cheese paper, which is made from a layer of paper and a layer of plastic with tiny perforations, allowing air and moisture to flow out. This will protect the cheese from off-flavours and the drying air of your fridge while also letting it breathe.

Soft cheeses, such as feta, have a shorter shelf life and should be stored in their original brine. If you don't have enough brine, coat the cheese in olive oil, which is better than storing it in water, as this will pull salt and flavour out of the cheese. Soft cheeses can also be wrapped in wax paper and placed in an airtight container in the fridge, but use within a week or two.

Semi-hard cheeses, such as Swiss cheese and Gruyere, should be wrapped in plastic wrap or specialty cheese paper and placed in an airtight container in the fridge. Use within 7-10 days for the best results.

Blue cheeses, such as Gorgonzola and Roquefort, can be wrapped in plastic wrap or specialty paper and placed in an airtight container in the fridge. These cheeses have a longer shelf life of 1-2 months.

How to know if cheese has gone bad in a jar

Knowing if cheese has gone bad in a jar is important to ensure you don't get sick from eating it. Here are some ways to tell if your cheese has spoiled:

Check the Best-By Date

The 'best by' or 'sell by' dates on cheese are a guideline for quality, not safety. Cheese often remains safe to eat beyond these dates if stored correctly. However, if the cheese is past this date and shows signs of spoilage, it is best not to consume it.

Look for Physical Signs of Spoilage

• Mould: Visible mould on cheese is a sign of spoilage. Blue mould on blue cheeses is intentional and safe to consume. However, mould on other types of cheese, such as Cheddar or Swiss, is not safe and should be discarded.
• Texture: Spoiled cheese may exhibit changes in texture, becoming overly dry, crumbly, or slimy.
• Discolouration: Significant changes in colour, such as yellowing or browning, can indicate spoilage.

Smell the Cheese

Cheese should typically have a characteristic smell related to its type. If it smells sour, rancid, or like ammonia, it is likely a sign of spoilage.

Taste a Small Amount

If you are unsure, taste a small amount of the cheese. If it has an off or sour flavour, it is likely spoiled and should not be consumed.

It is important to note that white specks or crystallised patches on certain aged hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, are normal and safe to eat. These are usually calcium lactate crystals, which form when the lactic acid in cheese combines with calcium.

How long does cheese in a jar last outside of the fridge?

The length of time cheese in a jar will last outside of the fridge depends on several factors, such as the type of cheese, the temperature of the room, and the length of time it has been left out.

Soft Cheeses

Soft cheeses, such as ricotta, feta, mozzarella, cottage cheese, and cream cheese, have a high moisture content, making them more perishable than harder cheeses. The U.S. Department of Health recommends that perishable foods, including soft cheeses, should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours. After this time, soft cheeses are at a higher risk of bacterial growth and spoilage and should be discarded.

Semi-Soft Cheeses

Semi-soft cheeses, such as Brie, have a delicate rind and a higher moisture content than harder cheeses. While they may last a little longer than soft cheeses outside of the fridge, they are still best kept refrigerated and consumed within two hours if left out at room temperature.

Semi-Hard Cheeses

Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, and Monterey Jack, have a slightly longer shelf life than soft and semi-soft cheeses due to their lower moisture content. These cheeses can typically be left out of the fridge for up to four hours without posing a health risk. However, it is important to check for signs of spoilage, such as an unpleasant smell, slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks, or mould, before consuming.

Hard Cheeses

Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, have a low moisture content, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. These cheeses can typically be left out of the fridge for up to four hours, and in some cases, even longer without posing a health risk. However, the quality and taste may begin to deteriorate after this time. Hard cheeses that have been left out for an extended period may develop a crusty, crumbly appearance and are best wrapped and refrigerated to maintain their freshness.

Frequently asked questions