Cheese Shelf Life: How Long Does It Last?

Cheese is a delicious and versatile food, but it doesn't last forever. The shelf life of cheese depends on a few factors, including the type of cheese, how it's stored, and the environment it's kept in. In general, harder cheeses tend to last longer than softer ones due to their lower moisture content, which makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish. So, how long does cheese last on the shelf?

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

Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life. When stored in the fridge, these hard cheeses can last for several months to a year, even if they are unopened.

Hard cheeses are low in moisture, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. This means that once opened, a package of hard cheese can last a long time—about four weeks in the refrigerator. According to experts at the USDA, unopened packages will last about six months.

To ensure your hard cheese lasts up to four weeks, follow these steps for storing them in the fridge:

• 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 white specks or crystallized patches on certain aged hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda are normal and safe to eat. These spots are most likely not mold but calcium lactate crystals, which form when the lactic acid in cheese combines with calcium.

Soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and mozzarella typically last a few weeks

Soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, and mozzarella, typically last a few weeks. This is because they have a higher moisture content, which makes them more perishable than harder cheeses. The shelf life of unopened soft cheeses varies from a few weeks to a couple of months past their 'best before' date when stored in the refrigerator. Once opened, soft cheeses will typically last for one to two weeks in the fridge.

The shelf life of soft cheeses can be extended by using proper storage methods. For instance, soft cheeses sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, should be kept in the liquid with a secure lid on the container. Soft-ripened cheeses like Brie have a delicate rind and should be wrapped in cheese paper, or parchment paper, and kept in an airtight container.

It's important to note that the shelf life of soft cheeses is relatively short, so proper storage is key to getting the most out of the product. Additionally, soft cheeses are more likely to spoil if not stored properly, as they are more susceptible to bacterial growth due to their higher moisture content.

When it comes to determining if a soft cheese has gone bad, there are several signs to look out for. The most obvious sign is visible, unintentional mould. Other signs include an unpleasant smell, changes in texture, significant discolouration, and an off or sour flavour. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard the cheese.

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

Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are highly perishable and typically last only a few weeks in the refrigerator. They are soft cheeses with a high moisture content, which makes them more prone to spoilage from bacteria than harder cheeses. Their shelf life is also influenced by factors such as storage method and quality control during manufacturing.

To extend the shelf life of these fresh cheeses, proper storage is essential. Fresh cheeses should be stored in the refrigerator, ideally at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). Instead of using tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, wrap the cheese in wax, parchment, or cheese paper to allow it to breathe and release moisture while protecting it from low humidity in the fridge. Additionally, ensure that the cheese is stored above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination.

It's important to note that the best-by or sell-by dates on cheese packaging are guidelines for quality rather than safety. Fresh cheeses can often be safely consumed beyond these dates if stored correctly. However, it's always recommended to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, discolouration, or changes in texture or odour, before consuming.

Unlike some other types of cheese, fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese do not freeze well. They are best consumed fresh or within a short time after opening to ensure optimal flavour and texture.

In summary, fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese have a short shelf life and require proper storage to maintain their quality. They should be consumed within a few weeks of their "best-by" date and carefully inspected for any signs of spoilage before consumption.

Semi-hard cheeses like Swiss cheese and Monterey Jack have a shelf life of a few weeks to a couple of months

Semi-hard cheeses, such as Swiss cheese and Monterey Jack, have a shelf life of a few weeks to a couple of months. This is because they contain less moisture than soft cheeses, which makes them less perishable. However, they still contain more moisture than hard cheeses, which is why they don't last as long as harder varieties.

To ensure your semi-hard cheese lasts as long as possible, it's important to store it correctly. Firstly, remove the cheese from its plastic packaging. Then, wrap it loosely in a pliable yet breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper. Finally, put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid and store it in the refrigerator.

When it comes to spotting if a semi-hard cheese has gone bad, there are a few tell-tale signs to look out for. The most obvious sign is visible, unintentional mould. If you see any mould on your cheese, simply cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the affected area. Other signs of spoilage include an unintentional bitter flavour, a fermented fruit taste, and a fizzy sensation on the tongue. If your cheese has any of these characteristics, it's best to discard it.

It's worth noting that white specks or crystallised patches on certain aged semi-hard cheeses are normal and safe to eat. For example, aged cheddar may develop these spots, which are likely not mould but calcium lactate crystals. These form when the lactic acid in the cheese combines with calcium.

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

To extend the shelf life of blue cheese, it is important to store it properly. Blue cheese should be wrapped well to prevent it from drying out, but it should also be allowed to breathe. The ideal temperature for storing blue cheese is between 46°F–55°F (or 8°C–13°C). The lower temperature range of a typical refrigerator is usually adequate, and storing blue cheese in the crisper drawer can help maintain the desired temperature.

Additionally, it is recommended to keep blue cheese away from other cheeses and food items to prevent the transfer of mould spores. When it comes to packaging, blue cheese can be wrapped in cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper and then placed in a freezer bag. If using a plastic bag or airtight container, ensure it is not wrapped too tightly to allow the cheese to breathe.

Proper storage can dramatically extend the shelf life of blue cheese, ensuring it remains safe to consume and maintains its quality for several months.

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