Fresh Grated Cheese: How Long Does It Really Last?

Freshly grated cheese is a delicious addition to any meal, but how long does it last? The shelf life of grated cheese depends on the type of cheese and how it is stored. Soft cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella will only last one to two weeks after grating, while hard cheeses like parmesan and Swiss can last up to a month. To extend the shelf life, grated cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, ideally in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. When properly stored, grated cheese can last up to 18 months in the freezer and will remain safe beyond that time. However, frozen cheese may lose some of its texture and flavour, making it better suited for cooked dishes. To ensure food safety, it is important to inspect grated cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as off odours, discolouring, or spots of mould.

Fresh grated cheese lasts 10-12 months in the fridge

Freshly grated cheese is a delicious addition to any meal, but it's important to know how long it will last in the fridge to ensure it's safe to eat.

The good news is that grated cheese can last a relatively long time in the refrigerator. Grated Parmesan cheese, for example, can maintain its best quality for about 10 to 12 months in the fridge after it has been opened, as long as it was sold unrefrigerated. This is because hard cheeses, like Parmesan, have lower moisture levels, creating a less-than-ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. As a result, they tend to spoil less quickly than soft cheeses.

However, it's important to note that the shelf life of grated cheese depends on several factors. Firstly, the type of cheese matters. While hard cheeses like Parmesan and Swiss can last a month after purchase, soft cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella are only good for one to two weeks. Additionally, the storage method can impact the cheese's longevity. Properly storing cheese involves allowing it to "breathe" and release moisture while protecting it from low humidity in the fridge. This can be done by removing the cheese from its plastic packaging and wrapping it loosely in a breathable material, such as wax or cheese paper, before placing it in an airtight container.

Furthermore, while best-by dates are a helpful guide, they are not always accurate. These dates indicate the period during which the cheese will be of the best quality, but the food may still be safe to eat beyond this timeframe. However, if you notice any signs of spoilage, such as off odors, discolouration, or spots of mould, it's best to discard the cheese.

Lastly, freezing grated cheese is an option to further extend its shelf life. When properly stored in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, grated Parmesan cheese can maintain its best quality for about 18 months in the freezer. However, it's worth noting that frozen cheese may lose some of its texture and flavour, making it more suitable for cooked dishes.

Hard cheeses last 3-4 times longer than soft cheeses

Freshly grated cheese can be kept for a long time, depending on the type of cheese and how it is stored. Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar, aged Gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano, have a much longer shelf life than soft cheeses. In fact, hard cheeses last 3-4 times longer in the fridge than soft cheeses.

Soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly because they have a higher moisture content, which provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. This makes soft cheeses more perishable than hard cheeses. As a result, soft cheeses like ricotta, feta, and mozzarella will typically last only about a week in the fridge. In contrast, hard cheeses can last 3-4 weeks, or even up to 6 months if left unopened in the fridge.

The difference in moisture content between soft and hard cheeses is the main factor contributing to the variation in their shelf lives. Hard cheeses are low in moisture, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. This gives hard cheeses a longer refrigerator life compared to soft cheeses.

To further extend the shelf life of hard or soft cheeses, proper storage is key. For soft cheeses, this may involve keeping them in their original brine or wrapping them in foil. For blue cheese, wrapping in cheese paper, parchment paper, or foil is recommended. Hard cheeses should be removed from their plastic packaging and wrapped in cheese paper or wax paper before being placed in an airtight container.

Additionally, freezing cheese is an option to prolong its shelf life. However, processed cheese slices and soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese do not freeze well. Other types of cheese can be frozen for up to 6 months at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below.

Soft cheeses last 1-2 weeks in the fridge

Soft cheeses, such as ricotta, feta, and mozzarella, are highly perishable due to their high moisture content. Therefore, they only last 1-2 weeks in the fridge. However, their quality and taste will start to decline before the end of this period.

To maximise their shelf life, soft cheeses require proper storage. For instance, cheese sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, should be kept in the liquid with a secure lid. Meanwhile, blue cheese is best wrapped in foil.

Soft-ripened or semi-soft cheeses, like Brie, need more care due to their delicate rinds. Wrapping them in cheese or parchment paper and storing them in an airtight container is the best way to preserve them.

Freezing cheese: what works and what doesn't

Cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life, but not all types of cheese freeze well. The best cheeses to freeze are hard and semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, and provolone. These cheeses have a low moisture content, which means there is less water to form ice crystals and damage the structure of the cheese. However, freezing will affect the texture of the cheese, making it more crumbly and mealy, so it is best to use frozen cheese for cooking rather than eating it raw.

When freezing hard and semi-hard cheeses, cut the cheese into chunks a few inches wide, then wrap each chunk tightly in a layer of parchment paper followed by a layer of foil. Transfer the wrapped pieces to a resealable plastic bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, seal the bag, and label it with the contents and date. Frozen cheese will last in the freezer for up to six months, but it is recommended to use it within two months for the best texture and flavour.

Soft cheeses with high moisture content, such as Brie, Camembert, and blue cheese, do not freeze well. When the moisture in these cheeses freezes, it expands and ruptures the cell walls, causing the cheese to become crumbly, grainy, and watery when thawed. Fresh cheeses that contain a lot of water should also not be frozen, and are best eaten within a week of buying.

Cream cheese can be frozen, but it will become grainy and is therefore only suitable for cooking, not for recipes where a smooth and creamy texture is needed, such as cheesecake. Feta cheese can also be frozen but will become drier and crumblier when thawed, so it is best used for cooking.

Signs that cheese has gone bad

Freshly grated cheese can be kept in the refrigerator for 10-12 months. However, it's important to look out for signs that your cheese has gone bad.

Firstly, use your sense of smell. If your cheese has developed an "off" odour, it's best to discard it. While some cheeses may smell stinky, they shouldn't have a sweaty, chlorine-like, or ammonia-like odour.

Secondly, check the appearance of the cheese. If there is mould growth, discolouration, or a slimy/greasy texture, it has likely gone bad. If there is only a small amount of mould on a hard cheese, you can cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mould and the rest should be safe to eat. However, if the entire piece is covered in thick mould, it's best to discard it.

Thirdly, consider the taste. If you're brave enough to try a small piece of the suspect cheese, a sour or unpleasant taste will confirm that it has gone bad.

Finally, trust your instincts. If something seems off about the cheese, it's better to be safe than sorry and discard it.

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