The Ultimate Guide To Cheese Longevity

Cheese is a versatile and nutritious food item that can be safely stored in the refrigerator for varying lengths of time, depending on its type. The duration for which cheese remains edible is influenced by factors such as moisture content, storage method, and the presence of bacteria.

How long does soft cheese last in the fridge?

Soft cheese typically lasts for about one to two weeks in the fridge. However, it is important to note that soft cheese is highly perishable and has a shorter shelf life than hard cheese. The quality and taste of soft cheese will also start to decline before the end of this timeframe. Therefore, proper storage is essential to maximise its longevity and maintain its prime condition.

Soft cheeses, such as ricotta, feta, mozzarella, brie, Camembert, goat's cheese, and blue cheese, have a high moisture content, making them more susceptible to bacterial growth and spoilage than harder cheeses. To prevent this, soft cheeses should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in the coldest part of the fridge.

For cheese sold in brine, such as feta or fresh mozzarella, it is recommended to keep it in the liquid and ensure the container's lid is secure. Blue cheese can be wrapped in foil, and soft-ripened cheese, like Brie, is best wrapped in cheese paper, followed by parchment paper, and then kept in an airtight container.

It is important to note that soft cheese can spoil even before its "best before" date, depending on quality control issues during manufacturing or improper storage. Therefore, it is always advisable to inspect your cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, discolouration, or changes in texture, before consuming it.

Additionally, soft cheese should be consumed within a week or two of opening, as it can quickly develop mould and spoil if left unused for an extended period.

How long does hard cheese last in the fridge?

Hard cheese can last for a long time in the fridge—approximately four weeks in the refrigerator after opening, according to Gordon Edgar, a cheesemonger and author. Unopened packages of hard cheese can last about six months, according to USDA experts.

Hard cheeses are low in moisture, which makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish. This gives hard cheeses a longer shelf life than soft cheeses. Hard cheeses include aged cheddar, aged gouda, and parmesan.

To store hard cheese in the refrigerator, remove the cheese from its plastic packaging and wrap 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 hard cheese can be left unrefrigerated. In fact, hard cheeses like Parmesan can be left out for 24 hours and be fine. However, they should be kept in the fridge for longer-term storage, where they will last much longer.

When it comes to determining if hard cheese has gone bad, look out for signs of spoilage such as unintentional mould, a bitter flavour, a fermented fruit taste, or a fizzy sensation on the tongue. White specks or crystallized patches on certain aged hard cheeses are usually safe to eat and are formed by the combination of lactic acid and calcium.

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.

The Right Temperature

All cheeses are best stored at refrigerator temperature, around 35 °F/4 °C. A safe fridge temperature is below 40°F (4°C). Higher temperatures significantly increase the rate at which bacteria multiply, which raises the risk of spoilage.

The Right Container

Cheese should be stored in a container with an airtight lid. The best place in the refrigerator is in one of the bins usually reserved for vegetables at the bottom of the fridge, as there is more humidity, which benefits cheese.

The Right Wrapping

Cheese should not be stored in plastic wrap. Plastic wrap cuts off the air supply, traps in moisture, and lets in a lot of light, which can cause oxidation and destroy the flavour of the cheese. Instead, cheese should be wrapped in a breathable, porous material such as wax paper, parchment paper, or specialty cheese paper. The cheese should then be placed inside a loosely closed Ziploc bag, with some air left inside the bag.

Storing Different Types of Cheese

The shelf life of cheese depends on its moisture content. Cheeses with higher moisture levels, such as soft cheeses like ricotta, feta, and mozzarella, have a shorter shelf life. In general, soft cheese will last one week in the fridge. For cheese sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, keep it in the liquid and make sure the container's lid is secure. Blue cheese can be wrapped in foil.

Soft-ripened cheese, like Brie, has a delicate rind, so it needs more care than other soft cheeses. It is best wrapped in cheese paper, or alternatively, parchment paper, and kept in an airtight container.

Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, have less moisture than soft cheese, so they have a slightly longer shelf life of two to three weeks in the fridge.

Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar, aged Gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano, are low in moisture, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. Once opened, a package of hard cheese can last about four weeks in the refrigerator, and unopened packages will last about six months.

Freezing Cheese

It is possible to freeze cheese, but processed cheese slices and soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage, and cream cheeses don't freeze well. All other types may be frozen for 6 months at a safe temp of 0°F (-18°C) or below.

Signs Cheese Has Gone Bad

The most obvious sign of spoilage is visible, unintentional mould. For semi-soft to hard cheese, simply cut underneath the mould and use the rest of the cheese as usual. However, high-moisture cheese with visible mould should be thrown out because it can spread quickly. Other signs that cheese has gone bad include an unintentional bitter flavour, a fermented fruit taste, and a fizzy sensation on the tongue.

How to know if cheese has gone bad

Knowing if your cheese has gone bad can be tricky. Each cheese ages differently and therefore spoils differently. The best tools to help you determine whether your cheese has gone bad are your senses, especially sight, smell, and taste.

Smell

One sign of spoiled cheese is an "off" smell. Depending on the type of cheese, this scent can be of spoiled milk, ammonia, or even of a refrigerator or freezer. A smart thing to do is to smell your cheese when you first purchase it, so you have a good understanding of how it is supposed to smell and you will be able to notice when something is off.

Appearance

If you see small amounts of surface mold, try trimming 1/4 inch off the side that is growing mold. If what's below is clean and it exhibits no other signs of spoilage, then the cheese is still good. However, if the entire piece is covered in thick mold, it may not be worth saving. Other appearance indicators to keep an eye out for are any sliminess, oil, or bloated packaging.

Taste

When all else fails, you might just have to try a piece of the cheese to tell if it has gone bad. If your cheese tastes sour or just has a plain unpleasant aftertaste, it has gone bad.

Texture

When a cheese has changed colour—faded or darkened, for example—it is another indicator that it has gone bad, as is any change in the consistency of its texture.

Type of Cheese

Soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses. Hard cheeses can last up to a month in the fridge after opening, while soft cheeses will last around a week. For hard cheeses, you can trim off the mould and keep eating. For softer cheeses, you should throw it out when it starts to mould.

How long can cheese sit out before it's unsafe?

Cheese is a beloved snack, but how long can it sit out before it becomes unsafe to eat? Well, that depends on the type of cheese and the temperature of the room.

First, let's talk about soft cheeses. These include cheeses like ricotta, feta, mozzarella, Camembert, and Brie. Soft cheeses have a high moisture content, which makes them more perishable than harder cheeses. They will spoil faster when left out and typically last about a week in the fridge. If you're leaving them out at room temperature, it's best not to keep them out for more than four hours.

Semi-soft or semi-hard cheeses, such as Swiss cheese, blue cheese, and Monterey Jack, fall somewhere in the middle when it comes to perishability. They have a slightly longer shelf life than soft cheeses and can usually stay fresh for about two to three weeks in the fridge. When left out, follow the same guidelines as for soft cheeses and consume them within four hours.

Now, let's move on to hard cheeses. This category includes favourites like aged cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda. Hard cheeses are low in moisture, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. As a result, they have a much longer shelf life and can last about four weeks in the refrigerator once opened. Interestingly, hard cheeses can often be left out at room temperature for much longer than softer varieties. Some sources suggest that they can be safely left out for up to 24 hours, while others recommend not exceeding four hours.

It's worth noting that the safety guidelines for consuming cheese that has been left out may vary depending on the temperature of the room. Some sources suggest that cheese can be left out for up to six hours at temperatures of 70°F (21.1°C) or lower. Warmer temperatures provide a more favourable environment for bacterial growth, so it's generally recommended to keep cheese refrigerated as much as possible and to only leave it out for short periods when necessary.

In summary, the length of time cheese can safely sit out depends on the type of cheese and the temperature of the room. Soft cheeses should not be left out for more than four hours, while hard cheeses may be able to stay out for up to 24 hours, especially in cooler temperatures. To ensure food safety and maintain optimal quality, it's always best to err on the side of caution and keep your cheese refrigerated when not in use.

Frequently asked questions