Freshly Cut Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

How long does cut-up cheese last in the fridge? This is a question many cheese lovers have asked, and the answer depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, how it is stored, and the level of spoilage. Firstly, soft cheeses like mozzarella, feta, and goat cheese typically last for about a week to a few weeks in the refrigerator after being cut, while hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda can last for a few weeks to a couple of months. Proper storage is crucial to maximizing the shelf life of cut-up cheese. This includes maintaining a steady temperature between 34°F and 40°F, using airtight containers or wax paper to retain moisture, and practicing good hygiene to avoid cross-contamination. Additionally, it's important to regularly inspect cut-up cheese for signs of spoilage, such as mold, dryness, or an unpleasant smell, as cheese can become unappetizing or unsafe to eat before the expiration date.

How long does cut-up soft cheese last in the fridge?

Soft cheese is highly perishable, so it's best to buy it in smaller amounts and consume it within a week. Its high moisture content provides the ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, causing it to spoil faster than harder cheeses.

To ensure soft cheese lasts as long as possible, it's important to store it correctly. It should be wrapped in a breathable material, such as parchment paper, and kept in an airtight container. It's also important to note that soft cheese should be stored in the main body of the fridge, where the temperature is coolest and steadiest, and away from foods with strong smells or potential contaminants.

When it comes to signs of spoilage, soft cheese should be discarded if it displays any of the following:

• Mould
• Dryness
• A yeasty or ammonia smell
• Drastic changes in texture
• Discolouration
• A bitter or sour taste

In summary, soft cheese will usually remain edible far beyond when it becomes unpalatable. By storing it correctly and keeping an eye out for the signs of spoilage, you can ensure that you get the most out of your cheese before it goes bad.

How long does cut-up hard cheese last in the fridge?

Hard cheese is 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 in the refrigerator.

According to Gordon Edgar, cheesemonger at Rainbow Grocery Cooperative in San Francisco and author of Cheddar: A Journey to the Heart of America’s Most Iconic Cheese, an opened package of hard cheese can last about four weeks in the refrigerator. Unopened packages will last about six months, per the experts at the USDA.

To make hard cheese last longer, it's important to store it correctly. To do this, 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.

Hard cheese can also be frozen to make it last longer. To do this, put parchment paper between each slice so they don't stick together, then use an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and squeeze out as much air as possible.

It's important to note that hard cheese can still go bad before its best-by date, depending on quality control issues during manufacturing or improper storage at the store or in your home. Therefore, it's always best to inspect your cheese to make sure it's safe to eat, regardless of the date.

How to store cut-up cheese in the fridge

Storing cut-up cheese correctly is essential to keeping it fresh and safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store cut-up cheese in the fridge:

Choose the Right Container

Use an airtight container or a resealable bag to store your cut-up cheese. This will help keep out air and potential contaminants, keeping your cheese fresh for longer. If you have a cheese drawer in your fridge, that's a great place to store it.

Maintain Steady Temperature

Keep your fridge temperature cool and steady, ideally between 34°F and 40°F (1°C and 4°C). The temperature near the door fluctuates the most, so avoid storing your cheese there.

Control Humidity

Cheese needs some moisture to stay fresh. You can use a cheese-specific container or wrap it in wax or parchment paper to maintain the right humidity levels. If your fridge has a vegetable or cheese drawer, this is a great place to store your cheese as it tends to be more humid.

Avoid Cross-Contamination

Store cheese separately from foods with strong smells or potential contaminants. Keep cheese away from raw meats, poultry, and seafood to avoid any mix-ups. Always use clean utensils and wash your hands before handling cheese to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Label and Track Expiry

Mark the date you opened the cheese or froze it. This will help you keep track of its freshness and use it before it expires. Cut-up cheese should be consumed within a week to a few weeks, depending on the type of cheese.

Handle with Care

When handling cheese, avoid using your bare hands. Use clean knives and cutting boards, and try to handle cheese with utensils whenever possible. Use separate containers for different types of cheeses to prevent flavour transfer and maintain quality.

Freeze for Long-Term Storage

If you have more cheese than you can consume before it expires, consider freezing it. Place parchment paper between slices to prevent them from sticking together, then store in an airtight container or resealable bag. Label the package with the date, and your cheese can last for several months in the freezer.

Signs of spoilage in cut-up cheese

Cut-up cheese can be a delicious snack or addition to a meal, but it's important to keep an eye out for signs of spoilage to ensure it's safe to eat. Here are some detailed indicators of spoilage to watch for:

Visual Indicators

The presence of mold is one of the most common and obvious signs of spoilage in cut-up cheese. While some cheeses like blue cheese are meant to have mold, any visible mold growth on other cheeses like cheddar is a red flag. Keep an eye out for colors like green, blue, black, or gray mold stains, which indicate that the cheese is past its prime. Discoloration is another warning sign—if the cheese has turned brown or has visible dark spots, it's best to discard it. Additionally, be on the lookout for any unusual sliminess on the surface, as this can signal bacterial growth and spoilage.

Texture and Consistency Changes

Changes in texture and consistency are also tell-tale signs that your cut-up cheese has gone bad. Fresh cheese usually has a firm and slightly crumbly texture. If the cheese becomes excessively sticky, mushy, or slimy, it's likely spoiled. Aged cheese may also exhibit crystallization, but this is not a cause for concern. Instead, focus on significant deviations from its original state.

Odor and Taste Assessment

Odor is a crucial factor in identifying spoiled cheese. Fresh cheese typically has a mild, pleasant aroma. If your cut-up cheese gives off a strong, unpleasant, or sour smell, it's best to discard it. Taste can also be indicative of spoilage. While cheese is known for its tangy flavor, a pungent or bitter taste suggests that it has gone bad. When in doubt, it's best to trust your senses and dispose of the cheese.

How to know if cut-up cheese has gone bad

Cut-up cheese will last in the fridge for about a week. However, it's important to know how to identify if it has gone bad.

Firstly, it's important to note that different cheeses have different shelf lives. Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar, aged gouda, and parmesan, can last up to four weeks in the refrigerator after being opened. On the other hand, soft cheeses like ricotta, feta, and mozzarella will only last about a week.

The best way to determine if your cheese has gone bad is to use your senses, particularly your sight, smell, and taste.

Appearance

If your cheese is covered in thick mold, it's probably best to throw it out. However, if there are only small amounts of surface mold, you can try trimming about a quarter of an inch off the side that is growing mold. If the area beneath is clean and there are no other signs of spoilage, then the cheese is likely still good to eat.

Other appearance indicators include changes in color, texture, sliminess, oil, or bloated packaging.

Smell

If a mild cheese like Monterey Jack or American cheese smells strong, like blue cheese or Limburger, it has likely gone bad. Naturally pungent cheeses like blue cheese or Camembert will have a strong ammonia smell when they go bad, similar to cat urine. If the cheese smells like a much more concentrated version of its usual scent, it's probably no longer safe to eat.

Taste

Tasting is the most definitive way to tell if your cheese has gone bad. If it tastes sour or has an unpleasant aftertaste, it has likely spoiled.

In summary, use your senses to determine if your cut-up cheese has gone bad. Look for changes in appearance, strong or unusual smells, and unpleasant tastes. If in doubt, it's always best to throw the cheese out.

Frequently asked questions