Cheese Lifespan: Unopened Fridge Storage Explored

How long does cheese last in the fridge when it's unopened? It depends on the type of cheese. Soft cheeses like feta, mozzarella, and cream cheese are highly perishable and typically last a few weeks to a couple of months past their best by date. In contrast, hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and gouda have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life. Unopened, they can last for several months and even up to a year in the fridge.

Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda can last for up to a year

Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, are low in moisture, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. This gives them a longer shelf life than soft cheeses.

Unopened hard cheeses don't need to be refrigerated but will last much longer if they are. In the fridge, unopened blocks of hard cheese can last for six months to a year. If you're storing hard cheese in the refrigerator, it's best to remove the cheese from its plastic packaging and wrap it loosely in cheese paper or wax paper. Then, place the cheese in an airtight container.

It's important to note that the shelf life of hard cheeses can be influenced by various factors, such as the quality of the cheese, storage conditions, and manufacturing processes. Therefore, it's always a good idea to inspect your cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, discolouration, or changes in texture and taste, before consuming it.

Additionally, if you notice any mould on hard cheese, it is generally safe to cut off at least one inch around and below the affected area. However, if mould appears in shredded, sliced, or crumbled hard cheese, it is best to discard the entire package.

Blue cheeses like Stilton, Roquefort, and Gorgonzola can last several months

To ensure the longevity of your blue cheese, it's important to store it properly. Keep it in the refrigerator at a constant temperature, and wrap it tightly in wax paper or parchment paper. Then, add a layer of plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent the cheese from absorbing other flavours and to keep moisture out. Place the wrapped cheese in the least cold part of the refrigerator, such as the cheese drawer.

If you want to extend the shelf life of blue cheese even further, you can try freezing it. While freezing is not generally recommended for blue cheese due to potential changes in texture, it can be done if you want to preserve the cheese for longer. To freeze blue cheese, first, wrap the cheese tightly in plastic freezer wrap, ensuring no part of the cheese is exposed to air. Then, add a second layer of wrapping for added protection. Place the double-wrapped cheese in a freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, seal the bag, and label it with the date. Freeze the cheese at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C).

When it comes to consuming blue cheese, it's important to check for any signs of spoilage, such as mould or an off smell. Unopened blue cheese that has been aged for a longer period can last up to four months in the refrigerator, while opened blue cheese should be consumed within three to four weeks to enjoy its best quality.

Soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert typically last a few weeks to a couple of months

Soft cheeses, such as Brie and Camembert, typically have a shorter shelf life than harder varieties. Unopened, they will usually last a few weeks to a couple of months past their 'best by' date when stored in the refrigerator. This is because soft cheeses have a higher moisture content, which makes them more perishable.

To extend the shelf life of soft cheeses, it is important to store them properly. Soft-ripened cheeses, like Brie, have a delicate rind, so they need a little more care than other soft cheeses. It is recommended to wrap them in cheese paper, or you can use parchment paper and keep them in an airtight container. For soft cheeses sold in brine, like feta, ensure the container's lid is secure.

Even with proper storage, soft cheeses will only last about a week in the fridge, and the quality and taste will start to decline before that time is up. So, it is best to only buy cheese for the week ahead.

If you are unsure whether your soft cheese is still good to eat, there are some tell-tale signs of spoilage to look out for. These include:

• A sour, rancid, or ammonia-like smell
• Visible mould (except for blue cheeses, where the presence of blue mould is normal and safe to eat)
• Changes in texture, such as becoming overly dry, crumbly, or slimy
• Significant changes in colour, such as yellowing or browning
• An off or sour flavour

Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese last a few weeks

Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are highly perishable and usually last only a few weeks past their 'best by' date when stored in the refrigerator. 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.

Fresh cheeses have a high moisture content, which makes them more perishable than harder cheeses. In general, soft cheese will last about a week in the fridge, but the quality and taste will be at their prime before that time is up. Therefore, proper storage is key for getting the most out of the product. For cheese sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, keep it in the liquid and make sure the container's lid is secure.

Fresh cheeses don't freeze well. However, if you want to freeze other types of cheese, cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each, and wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag.

To ensure your cheese lasts as long as possible, the refrigerator temperature should be kept below 40°F (4°C). A safe fridge temperature will significantly decrease the rate at which bacteria multiply, reducing the risk of spoilage.

Semi-hard cheeses like Swiss cheese can last several months

When it comes to cheese, there are many different types, and the length of time they last in the fridge depends on their moisture content and how they are stored. Semi-hard cheeses, such as Swiss cheese, fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum in terms of moisture content. They are not as dry as hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, but they are also not as moist as soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, ricotta, feta, and mozzarella. This means that their shelf life is longer than that of soft cheeses but shorter than that of hard cheeses.

Swiss cheese and other semi-hard cheeses can last for several months past their "best by" date when kept in the refrigerator before opening. This is because they contain less moisture than soft cheeses, so they are less prone to spoilage from bacteria. However, it is important to note that the shelf life of Swiss cheese and other semi-hard cheeses also depends on how they are stored. To ensure their longevity, it is recommended to remove the cheese from its plastic packaging and wrap it loosely in a pliable yet breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper, before placing it in an airtight container.

Once opened, semi-hard cheeses like Swiss cheese will last for several weeks in the refrigerator. This is because exposure to air and potential bacterial contamination reduce their shelf life. However, if stored properly, they can still last longer than soft cheeses, which typically last only about a week in the fridge after opening.

It is important to inspect Swiss cheese and other semi-hard cheeses for mould before consuming them, especially if they have been stored for a long time. If mould is present, simply cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mouldy spots and enjoy the rest of the cheese. Other signs that Swiss cheese or other semi-hard cheeses have gone bad include an unintentional bitter flavour, a fermented fruit taste, and a fizzy sensation on the tongue.

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