Cheese Spoilage: How Long Does It Really Last?

Cheese is a staple in many households, but it can be tricky to know how long it will last in the fridge before it goes bad. The shelf life of cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, storage practices, moisture content, and preservatives.

Hard cheeses, such as cheddar and Parmesan, typically have a longer fridge life than soft cheeses like mozzarella or cream cheese. This is because hard cheeses have a lower moisture content, which makes them less prone to spoilage from bacteria. Properly stored hard cheeses can last anywhere from four weeks to six months in the fridge, while soft cheeses usually last one to two weeks.

However, it's important to note that cheese can go bad before its expiration date due to quality control issues or improper storage. To extend the shelf life of cheese, it should be stored in a breathable material like parchment paper or cheesecloth and kept in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F (4°C).

How long does hard cheese last in the fridge?

Hard cheese has a longer shelf life than soft cheese because it contains less moisture, creating an environment less prone to spoilage from bacteria. Unopened blocks of hard cheese can last up to six months in the fridge, while opened hard cheese can last three to four weeks.

Hard cheese, like other types of cheese, can be preserved even longer through freezing. However, freezing is generally not recommended as it can ruin the delicate texture of the cheese.

To extend the shelf life of hard cheese, it is important to store it properly. This involves removing the cheese from its plastic packaging and wrapping it loosely in cheese paper or wax paper. It should then be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F (4°C).

It is also important to inspect hard cheese for mould before consuming it. If mould is present, cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the affected areas. White specks or crystallized patches on certain aged hard cheeses, such as cheddar, parmesan, and gouda, are normal and safe to eat. These spots are most likely calcium lactate crystals, which form when the lactic acid in cheese combines with calcium.

How long does soft cheese last in the fridge?

Soft cheese typically lasts for about a week in the fridge. However, its quality and taste will be at their best before the week is up. The shelf life of soft cheese is shorter than that of harder cheeses because they have a higher moisture content, which makes them more perishable.

To make the most of your soft cheese, it's important to store it properly. For soft cheese sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, keep it in the liquid and ensure the container's lid is secure. For blue cheese, wrap it in foil. Soft-ripened cheese, like Brie, has a delicate rind, so it needs more care than other soft cheeses. It's best to wrap it in cheese paper, but you can also use parchment paper and keep it in an airtight container.

To extend the shelf life of soft cheese, it's recommended to only buy what you need for the week ahead.

Signs that your soft cheese has gone bad include visible mould, an unpleasant fermented smell, drastic changes in texture, and a bitter or fizzy taste.

How to store cheese in the fridge

The length of time cheese lasts in the fridge depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, the temperature of the fridge, and how the cheese is stored.

Firstly, it is important to note that cheese should be stored in the fridge at a temperature of below 40°F (4°C). At higher temperatures, bacteria can multiply rapidly, increasing the risk of spoilage.

When storing cheese in the fridge, avoid wrapping it in tight, non-porous material such as plastic wrap. Instead, opt for porous materials like wax, parchment, or cheese paper, which allow the cheese to breathe and maintain its moisture. Place the wrapped cheese on the top or middle shelf, or in a drawer, ensuring it is above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination.

For hard and semi-hard cheeses, use the "egg drawer" or the vegetable drawer, and wrap the cheese in cheesecloth, parchment paper, or butcher paper. Stay away from wrapping it tightly in cellophane.

Semi-hard to semi-soft cheeses, such as Emmental, Gruyère, and Gouda, can be wrapped in breathable parchment paper and then placed inside a Ziploc bag to maintain freshness and prevent strong smells.

Soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, and Brie, are more delicate and perishable due to their high moisture content. Store them in a little Tupperware container or plastic jar to limit airflow and help maintain moisture.

The shelf life of cheese in the fridge varies depending on the type of cheese. Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan and Cheddar, can last up to four to six months in the fridge if stored correctly. On the other hand, soft cheeses like mozzarella and cream cheese are more perishable and typically last only one to two weeks after opening. Semi-hard to semi-soft cheeses fall somewhere in between, with a fridge life of about two to four weeks after the expiration date.

How to identify spoiled cheese

The length of time cheese lasts depends on a variety of factors, including its moisture content, storage practices, and preservatives. Soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard varieties. Generally, unopened hard cheeses don't need to be refrigerated but will last much longer if they are. Unopened blocks of hard cheese can last up to six months in the fridge. Soft cheeses last around one to two weeks in the fridge after opening, while most hard cheeses last three to four weeks.

• Use your senses: Your senses are often the best indicator of whether or not a cheese has gone bad. If you're unsure, taste, smell, and closely examine the cheese. If it smells off, has a slimy texture, a yellowed colour, or displays signs of mould, it has likely spoiled.
• Check for mould: If you spot mould on hard cheese, simply cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mouldy spots. If you have a healthy immune system, consuming a small amount of mould is unlikely to cause harm, but monitor yourself for symptoms of food poisoning, such as vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhoea. However, if you see red or black mould, discard the entire cheese, as some moulds are more dangerous than others.
• Check the texture: Spoiled cheese may exhibit a drastic change in texture. For example, blue cheese should be discarded if its texture seems to be disintegrating or drying up.
• Check the colour: A change in colour can indicate spoilage. For instance, spoiled soft cheeses may turn yellow.
• Check the smell: Although some types of cheese may smell strong or stinky, they shouldn't have a sweaty, chlorine-like, or ammonia-like odour. If your cheese smells off, it's best to throw it out.
• Check the date: While not always accurate, checking the best-by date on the packaging can give you an idea of whether the cheese is still safe to eat. However, cheese can spoil before this date due to quality control issues or improper storage.

How to store cheese without the fridge

The length of time cheese lasts depends on the type of cheese and the storage method. Soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses. Generally, hard, unopened cheeses don't need to be refrigerated but will last longer if they are. Unopened blocks of hard cheese can last up to 6 months in the fridge. Soft cheeses last 1-2 weeks in the fridge, while most hard cheeses can last 3-4 weeks.

If you are looking to store cheese without a fridge, there are a few options. One method is to use a root cellar or a spring house to keep the cheese relatively cool. Another option is to store the cheese in a jar down an old well, which will also help maintain a cool temperature. For smaller amounts of cheese, old-fashioned meat safes made from metal or wooden safes with flyscreen-type sides can be used to keep the cheese cool and prevent pests from eating it.

Additionally, creating a homemade cheese cave can be an effective way to store cheese without a fridge. This involves using a room in your house that maintains a consistent, cool temperature, is well-ventilated, and is away from sources of heat and sunlight. The ideal temperature for storing cheese is between 46ºF and 60ºF (8ºC and 15ºC). Keeping the humidity low will encourage moulds and slower drying, while higher humidity will result in less mould and faster drying.

When storing cheese without refrigeration, it is important to consider the type of cheese. Harder, drier cheeses such as Parmesan and heavy salted butter can be stored at warmer temperatures. Clothbound cheddars can also be stored for longer periods due to the cloth binding, which slows the drying-out process. Waxed rind cheeses may be more susceptible to temperature fluctuations, but if stored properly, they can still have a long shelf life.

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