Bushra Griffith
Cheese is a tasty, nutritious, and versatile food item. When stored properly, it can last for a long time. The shelf life of cheese depends on its moisture content and storage method. Soft cheeses like ricotta, feta, and mozzarella have a shorter shelf life than harder varieties because they have a higher moisture content, which provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. In general, unopened hard cheeses don't need to be refrigerated, but they will last longer if they are. Unopened blocks of hard cheese can last up to six months in the fridge, while soft cheeses last for about one to two weeks. Vacuum-sealed cheese can last for several months, and freezing cheese can extend its shelf life by several years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life of sealed cheese | 6 months to 1 year |
| Ideal temperature for sealed cheese | Below 72°F |
| Refrigeration required for sealed cheese | No |
What You'll Learn
Hard cheese can be kept sealed for up to six months
The shelf life of hard cheese is also determined by its storage method. Good cheese is expensive, and proper storage can dramatically extend its refrigerator life. Janet Fletcher, founder of Planet Cheese, cheese educator, and author of Cheese & Wine and Cheese & Beer, recommends removing the cheese from its plastic packaging and wrapping it loosely in cheese paper or wax paper. Then, place the cheese in a container with an airtight lid.
It's important to note that the shelf life of cheese can vary depending on the specific type of cheese and the storage conditions. For example, cheddar cheese will last about six months in the refrigerator if it is unopened and kept refrigerated at all times. On the other hand, shelf-stable cheese can last up to 12 months if it remains hermetically sealed and stored below 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
To further extend the shelf life of hard cheese, it can be frozen. When freezing hard cheese, cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each and wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, so it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.
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Soft cheese lasts for one week in the fridge
Soft cheese typically lasts for about a week in the fridge. This is because soft cheeses have a high moisture content, which makes them more perishable than harder cheeses. This means that soft cheese is more susceptible to bacterial growth and spoilage.
To ensure that soft cheese lasts for a week in the fridge, it is important to store it properly. For cheese sold in brine, such as feta or fresh mozzarella, keep it in the liquid and ensure the container's lid is secure. Blue cheese can be wrapped in foil, while Brie (a type of semi-soft cheese with a delicate rind) is best wrapped in cheese paper, or parchment paper and kept in an airtight container.
It is worth noting that the shelf life of soft cheese is only a general guideline, and the quality and taste of the cheese may start to decline before the week is up. Therefore, it is recommended that you only buy cheese for the week ahead and practice proper storage methods to get the most out of your product.
Additionally, soft cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life. However, freezing may affect the texture and taste of the cheese, so it is not recommended for cheeses that you would typically use for a cheeseboard.
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Semi-hard cheese can be stored for two to three weeks
Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, Comté, aged Manchego, and Monterey Jack, can be stored in the refrigerator for two to three weeks. These semi-hard cheeses have a lower moisture content than soft cheeses, which makes them less susceptible to bacterial growth and spoilage.
To ensure your semi-hard cheese lasts for the full two to three weeks, proper storage is essential. Firstly, remove the cheese from its original plastic packaging. Then, wrap it loosely in a breathable material like wax paper or cheese paper. Finally, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This storage method will help maintain the quality and freshness of the cheese.
It is worth noting that the shelf life of semi-hard cheese can be further extended by freezing it. Freezing temperatures of 0°F (-18°C) or below can preserve semi-hard cheeses for six to eight months or even longer. However, freezing may alter the texture and flavour of the cheese, making it crumbly and better suited for cooked dishes.
Additionally, it is important to inspect your cheese regularly, even before the two to three weeks are up. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as unintentional mould, a bitter flavour, or a fizzy sensation on the tongue, discard the cheese.
In summary, with proper storage and regular inspections, you can enjoy your semi-hard cheese for up to two to three weeks, and even longer if you choose to freeze it.
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Vacuum-sealed cheese can last for several months
Firstly, it is important to note that the shelf life of cheese largely depends on its moisture content. Soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses because they have higher moisture levels, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Therefore, soft cheeses such as ricotta, feta, and mozzarella will typically last for about a week in the fridge, while hard cheeses such as aged cheddar, aged gouda, and parmesan can last for up to four weeks.
Vacuum-sealing cheese can extend its shelf life by creating an airtight barrier that prevents oxygen and moisture from reaching the cheese. This can be especially effective for hard cheeses, which are already low in moisture. For example, an unopened block of hard cheese can last for about six months in the fridge, and vacuum-sealing may extend its shelf life even further.
Some sources suggest that vacuum-sealed cheese can last for several months. One user reported that they had some vacuum-sealed Asiago cheese that was a couple of years old and still tasted fine. Another user mentioned that they vacuum-seal their mozzarella loaves, which last as long as they need them to, generally several months.
However, it is important to note that the shelf life of vacuum-sealed cheese can also depend on other factors such as storage temperature and the presence of anaerobic bacteria, which can still grow in the absence of oxygen. To maximize the shelf life of vacuum-sealed cheese, it is recommended to store it in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). Additionally, freezing cheese can further extend its shelf life, but it may affect the texture and flavour, making it crumbly and diluted.
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Freezing cheese is possible, but it may become crumbly
Freezing cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life, but it's important to note that the cheese may undergo some textural changes during the process. One common issue is that the cheese can become crumbly after being frozen and thawed. This happens because the water in the cheese expands as it freezes and then contracts as it thaws, which weakens the structure of the cheese, making it more prone to crumbling.
To minimise this effect, it's recommended to slice or shred the cheese before freezing. This way, you won't have to worry about slicing or grating the cheese after thawing, which can be difficult due to its crumbly texture. Slicing the cheese beforehand also helps to reduce the formation of large ice crystals, which can further affect the texture.
Another way to mitigate the crumbly texture is to vacuum seal the cheese before freezing. This helps to prevent moisture loss and reduce the formation of ice crystals, resulting in a better-preserved texture. It's also important to note that not all cheeses freeze well. Soft cheeses with high moisture content, such as ricotta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese, are not ideal for freezing as they can become grainy or watery.
On the other hand, aged hard cheeses like Parmesan, cheddar, and pepper jack freeze extremely well and can be stored in the freezer for several months to years. While freezing may alter the texture of these cheeses, making them crumbly, it does not significantly affect their taste. Therefore, frozen hard cheeses are best used for melting or cooking rather than serving on a cheeseboard.
In summary, freezing cheese is possible, but it may result in a crumbly texture, especially if it is not properly prepared beforehand. By slicing or shredding the cheese and vacuum sealing it, you can help preserve its texture and make it easier to use after thawing. It's also important to consider the type of cheese, as soft cheeses are more prone to textural changes during freezing.
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Frequently asked questions
The shelf life of sealed cheese depends on its moisture content and storage method. Soft cheeses like ricotta, feta, and mozzarella have a shorter shelf life of about 1 week in the fridge. In contrast, hard cheeses like aged cheddar, aged gouda, and parmesan can last up to 4 weeks in the fridge.
Unopened, sealed cheese can last up to 6 months in the fridge.
To store sealed cheese, remove it from its plastic packaging and wrap it loosely in breathable material like wax or cheese paper. Then, place it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Sealed cheese may have gone bad if it develops a bitter flavor, fermented fruit taste, or a fizzy sensation on the tongue. Visible, unintentional mold is also a sign of spoilage.
