Cheese Lifespan In The Fridge: How Long Does It Last?

Cheese is a beloved staple in many kitchens, but it's important to know how long it lasts in the fridge to avoid food poisoning and wasting food. The shelf life of cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, moisture content, storage practices, and preservatives. Generally, soft cheeses with higher moisture content tend to spoil more quickly and have a shorter shelf life of about one to two weeks. On the other hand, hard cheeses with lower moisture content can last much longer, ranging from three to four weeks, or even up to six months if unopened. Proper storage methods, such as using breathable materials like wax or parchment paper, can also extend the shelf life of cheese. Freezing is not recommended for most cheeses, especially soft varieties, as it can negatively affect their texture.

Soft cheeses last 1-2 weeks in the fridge

Soft cheeses typically last between one and two weeks in the fridge. This is because they have a high moisture content, which makes them more perishable than harder cheeses. Their shelf life is also shorter than that of hard cheeses, which can last up to four weeks in the fridge.

To make the most of the product, proper storage is key. Soft cheeses should be wrapped in wax, parchment, or cheese paper and stored on the top or middle shelf of the fridge, or in a drawer. They should be kept above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination. The ideal temperature for storing cheese is below 40°F (4°C).

It's important to note that soft cheeses like cottage cheese and cream cheese should be discarded if they develop mould.

Some examples of soft cheeses include:

• Brie
• Camembert
• Goat's cheese
• Mozzarella
• Feta
• Ricotta
• Cottage cheese
• Cream cheese

Hard cheeses last 3-4 weeks

Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar, aged Gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano, can last about four weeks in the refrigerator. This is because hard cheeses are low in moisture, which makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish.

To ensure your hard cheese lasts the full four weeks, follow these steps for proper storage:

• 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 is important to note that hard cheeses that have not been opened do not need to be refrigerated but will last longer if they are. Unopened packages of hard cheese will last about six months in the refrigerator.

Additionally, if you notice any mold on hard cheese, simply cut off at least one inch (2.5 cm) around and below the affected spots. The rest of the cheese should still be safe to eat.

How to store cheese

Storing cheese properly is important to enhance its shelf life. The refrigerator is a great place to store cheese, but how long it lasts depends on the type of cheese and how it is stored. Here are some tips on how to store cheese to make it last longer:

Choose the Right Storage Container

Avoid storing cheese in plastic wrap or plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and cut off the air supply, leading to undesirable flavours and textures. Instead, opt for specialty cheese paper, parchment paper, or wax paper. These materials provide airflow and humidity, which are necessary for keeping the cheese healthy and happy. Make sure to wrap the cheese tightly, leaving no parts exposed, as the fridge will dry them out and make them crusty.

Store in an Airtight Container

Once the cheese is wrapped, place it in an airtight container to protect it from the low humidity in the fridge. The best place to store cheese in the fridge is the vegetable crisper, as it has more humidity, which benefits the cheese.

Handle with Care

Whenever possible, buy cheese in large pieces and slice it only when needed. Slicing cheese increases its surface area, exposing more of it to possible contamination, oxidation, and dehydration, thus shortening its shelf life. If you do have leftover slices, place them in an airtight container to slow down the oxidation process and keep the cheese fresh for longer.

Check the Date

If you're buying cheese that's been stored in plastic, check the date first. Cheese can hold its breath for short periods, but it's best to ensure it's only been in plastic for a week or less.

Remove Existing Wrapping

As soon as you get home, remove the plastic wrapping from the cheese and let it breathe for a few minutes. If the cheese has a glossy layer, use a non-serrated knife to gently scrape it off.

Handle Mould Properly

If you find mould on your cheese, don't panic. Simply scrape it off, and even change the wrapper if you want to be extra careful. However, if you find mould on fresh cheese, it's best to throw it away.

Prolong the Life of Your Cheese

To extend the life of your cheese, unwrap it every couple of days and run a knife across the cut surface. This process, known as "facing," helps to remove any excess moisture and slow down the growth of bacteria.

Store Blue Cheese Separately

Consider storing blue cheese separately from other types of cheese. Wrap it loosely in tin foil and place it in a ziplock bag. The bag acts as a cave, helping to prevent the cheese from drying out.

Use Vinegar to Prevent Mould

Putting a small amount of vinegar on a cheesecloth or paper towel before storing your cheese can help prevent mould from forming. The vinegar creates a barrier that kills mould without affecting the taste of the cheese.

Signs cheese has gone bad

Cheese is a perishable food, meaning it can spoil and harbour harmful bacteria. Consuming spoiled cheese can lead to foodborne illnesses, with symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea. So, it's important to know when cheese has gone bad.

The shelf life of cheese depends on its moisture content. Soft cheeses with higher moisture levels have a shorter shelf life, whereas hard cheeses with lower moisture levels last longer.

• Unintentional mould growth: Mould is a natural part of the ageing process for cheese, but if it grows unintentionally, it may be unsafe to eat. Different types of mould can cause different colours and patterns on the cheese, such as blue, red or white spots. While some moulds are harmless, others can be toxic. If your cheese is covered in thick mould, it's not worth saving.
• Discolouration: Any significant colour change can be a sign that cheese has spoiled. This may be due to oxidation, which causes the cheese to lose its yellow colour and look whiter.
• Browning: This is a sign of spoilage that can appear in cheeses like Gouda and Parmesan. It is the result of a complex reaction between reducing sugars and amino acids from the breakdown of protein in the cheese.
• Changes in texture: This includes hardening or cracking, which can occur in hard cheeses like Cheddar due to changes in moisture content and bacterial growth. Soft white mould cheeses like Camembert can become slimy due to the growth of unwanted bacteria.
• Grittiness: If the cheese develops a gritty or grainy texture, this can be a sign of spoilage, particularly in soft washed rind cheeses like Epoisses and Stinking Bishop.
• Strong or unpleasant odour: Spoiled cheese can develop a range of unpleasant odours, including pungent, rancid, sour, or ammonia-like smells.
• Unpleasant taste: Spoiled cheese can taste bitter, acidic, or unpleasantly sour.

Freezing cheese

Hard cheeses like aged cheddar, Swiss cheese, blue cheese, and Gouda can be frozen, but their texture will become crumbly and mealy, and they will be harder to slice. It's best to wrap them as airtight as possible, ensuring there is no moisture on the cheese before wrapping.

Soft cheeses like mozzarella, feta, and ricotta should be avoided for freezing as their high moisture content leads to a change in consistency when frozen and thawed. They become crumbly, grainy, and lose their structure. However, if you plan on using them in sauces or dips, freezing may be an option.

When freezing cheese, it's important to portion the cheese into quantities that will be used at one time, as large blocks of cheese can be challenging to manage once frozen. Wrap each portion tightly in parchment paper and foil, then place them in a resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag, seal it, and label it with the contents and date.

Cheese can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. When you're ready to use the cheese, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator, which can take up to a day, to allow the moisture to be reabsorbed. It's important to note that cheese should not be refrozen after thawing.

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