Cheese Lifespan: How Long Does Lunch Cheese Last?

How long does lunch cheese last? This is a question that many people have asked, especially when faced with suspicious-looking slices of cheese in the fridge. The answer depends on the type of cheese and how it has been stored. Soft cheeses like mozzarella, feta, and ricotta tend to spoil faster than hard varieties such as cheddar and Parmesan, with a typical fridge life of about a week for soft cheese and 3-4 weeks for hard cheese. However, if left unrefrigerated, soft cheeses should be discarded after 2 hours, while hard cheeses can be left out for a day and then rewrapped and refrigerated.

Soft cheese lasts 1-2 weeks in the fridge, while hard cheese lasts 3-4 weeks

Soft and hard cheeses have different shelf lives due to their varying moisture contents. Soft cheeses, such as ricotta, feta, mozzarella, cottage cheese, and cream cheese, have higher moisture content, making them more perishable than harder cheeses. They typically last for about 1-2 weeks in the fridge after opening, but their quality and taste will start to decline before then. Therefore, proper storage is essential to maximise their shelf life. For instance, cheese sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, should be kept in the liquid with a secure lid. Blue cheese can be wrapped in foil, and soft-ripened cheese like Brie should be wrapped in cheese or parchment paper and kept in an airtight container.

On the other hand, hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar, aged Gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano, have lower moisture content, making it more difficult for bacteria to grow and spoil the cheese. As a result, hard cheeses can last about 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator after opening. Unopened packages of hard cheese can last up to 6 months. Similar to soft cheeses, hard cheeses should be removed from their plastic packaging and wrapped loosely in cheese paper or wax paper before being placed in an airtight container.

Soft cheese should be thrown out after 2 hours at room temperature

Soft cheese is more perishable than hard cheese. This is because soft cheeses have a higher moisture content, which makes them more susceptible to bacterial growth. Therefore, soft cheeses should be discarded if left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

The U.S. Department of Health recommends not leaving perishable foods out of the fridge for more than 2 hours. Soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, brie, or fresh mozzarella, fall into this category. If they have been left out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours, it is best to throw them away.

Leaving soft cheese out at room temperature for too long can lead to spoilage, which is caused by bacterial changes that affect the colour, flavour, texture, and aroma of the cheese. While spoilage bacteria will not make you sick, it can render the cheese unappetizing and unsafe to eat.

Additionally, soft cheese that has been left out at room temperature for an extended period may develop mould. Mouldy cheese can contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella, which can cause foodborne illnesses. Therefore, it is crucial to discard soft cheese that has been left out for more than 2 hours to prevent potential health risks.

Proper storage is essential to extend the shelf life of soft cheese. When storing soft cheese in the refrigerator, it is recommended to wrap it in wax, parchment, or cheese paper. This type of wrapping allows the cheese to breathe and release moisture while protecting it from low humidity in the fridge. It is also important to maintain a safe refrigerator temperature of below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage.

Hard cheese can be re-wrapped and put back in the fridge after being left out for 2 hours

However, it is important to note that while hard cheese can withstand being left out for longer than soft cheese, it should not be left out indefinitely. If hard cheese has been left out for a full day, it is best to discard it.

The shelf life of cheese depends on its moisture content. Moisture is needed for bacterial growth, so cheeses with higher moisture levels have a shorter shelf life. Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar, aged Gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano, have lower moisture content and therefore last longer—about four weeks in the refrigerator.

When storing hard cheese in the refrigerator, it is recommended to remove it from its plastic packaging and wrap it loosely in cheese paper or wax paper before placing it in an airtight container.

It is worth mentioning that the refrigerator temperature also plays a role in cheese preservation. A safe fridge temperature is below 40°F (4°C). Higher temperatures significantly increase the rate at which bacteria multiply, increasing the risk of spoilage.

Cheese should be stored in porous material like wax or cheese paper to prevent it from drying out

To keep cheese fresh, it's important to prevent it from drying out. Cheese should be stored in a porous material like wax or cheese paper. This allows the cheese to breathe and release moisture while protecting it from low humidity in the fridge. Plastic wrap, on the other hand, can dry out and harden cheese. It creates an airtight barrier that prevents airflow and can cause cheese to become wet, mouldy, and wasted.

Cheese paper is the waxy paper that cheese is often packaged in when purchased from a cheesemonger or cheese counter. It is coated with wax and polyethylene, which wicks away excess moisture while still allowing the cheese to breathe. This prevents the cheese from tasting like plastic and keeps it fresh for longer. If you don't have any cheese paper, you can wrap the cheese in parchment or wax paper and then put it in a plastic bag or resealable food container.

Mark Goldman, owner of Formaticum, a cheese-paper company, explains that cheese needs some porosity. The chemicals used to treat plastic wrap can impact fatty foods like cheese, which can absorb these plasticizers. Low-density polyethylene, on the other hand, has no flavour impact on the product it wraps. In combination with the paper, it helps maintain humidity and works perfectly for cheese storage.

Janet Fletcher, founder of Planet Cheese and a cheese educator, agrees that proper storage can dramatically extend the refrigerator life of cheese. She recommends removing cheese from its plastic packaging and wrapping it loosely in a pliable yet breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper, before placing it in an airtight container. This allows the cheese to breathe and protects it from the dry environment of most home refrigerators.

By storing cheese in porous materials like wax or cheese paper, you can prevent it from drying out and maintain its freshness and flavour for longer.

Signs that cheese has gone bad include unintentional mould, a bitter flavour, a fermented fruit taste, and a fizzy sensation on the tongue

Cheese is a beloved staple in many kitchens, but it's important to know when it's gone bad. While it's true that cheese has a relatively long shelf life, it's still perishable and can make you sick if consumed after it's spoiled.

One of the most obvious signs that cheese has gone bad is the presence of unintentional mould. While some types of mouldy cheese are safe to consume, such as those with calcium lactate crystals, it's generally best to discard mouldy cheese, especially soft cheeses. If you notice any blue or green specks on your cheese, it's best to cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below those spots.

In addition to mould, other signs that cheese has gone bad include a bitter flavour, a fermented fruit taste, and a fizzy sensation on the tongue. These indicators are often more subtle, but they can still be detected through taste and sensation.

It's worth noting that the shelf life of cheese varies depending on the type of cheese and how it is stored. Soft cheeses, such as ricotta, feta, and mozzarella, have a shorter shelf life due to their higher moisture content, which provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth. On the other hand, hard cheeses like aged cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan have a lower moisture content, making it more difficult for bacteria to flourish, thus extending their shelf life.

To prolong the life of your cheese, it's recommended to store it properly. This includes removing the cheese from its plastic packaging, wrapping it loosely in a breathable material like wax or cheese paper, and then placing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, maintaining a safe refrigerator temperature of below 40°F (4°C) is crucial to slow down bacterial growth and reduce the risk of spoilage.

Frequently asked questions