Cheese Storage: How Long Does Open Cheese Stay Fresh?

Cheese is a delicious and versatile food, but how long does it last in the fridge once opened? The shelf life of cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, how it is stored, and the quality of the cheese. Soft cheeses, such as feta, mozzarella, and Brie, have a shorter shelf life than hard cheeses like Cheddar or Parmesan. This is because soft cheeses have a higher moisture content, which provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. As a result, soft cheeses should be consumed within one to two weeks of opening, while hard cheeses can last for three to four weeks. Proper storage is also key to extending the shelf life of cheese. This includes storing cheese in an airtight container and wrapping it in wax or parchment paper to protect it from low humidity in the fridge.

Soft cheese lasts 1-2 weeks in the fridge

Soft cheese typically lasts 1-2 weeks in the fridge after opening. This is because soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses, as they have a higher moisture content, which provides an environment for bacteria to thrive.

To ensure soft cheese lasts the full 1-2 weeks, it is important to store it correctly. Soft cheese should be wrapped in wax, parchment, or cheese paper and stored on the top or middle shelf of the fridge, or in a drawer. It should be kept above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination. It is also important to not wrap soft cheese in tight, non-porous material like plastic wrap, as this can dry it out and harden it.

It is also worth noting that soft cheese will not improve with time in the fridge. As such, it is recommended to only buy cheese for the week ahead.

In addition, soft cheese can be frozen, but it does not tend to freeze well.

Hard cheese lasts 3-4 weeks in the fridge

Hard cheese, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, has a longer shelf life than soft cheese. This is because hard cheese has a lower moisture content, which makes it more difficult for bacteria to flourish. As a result, hard cheese can last 3-4 weeks in the fridge after opening. Unopened hard cheese will last about 6 months in the fridge.

To ensure your hard cheese lasts as long as possible, it's important to store it correctly. Firstly, remove the cheese from its plastic packaging. Then, wrap it loosely in cheese paper or wax paper. Finally, put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid.

It's also important to inspect hard cheeses for mould before eating. If you spot any mould, simply cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the affected area.

In summary, hard cheese can be safely stored in the fridge for 3-4 weeks after opening, but with proper storage, unopened hard cheese can last up to 6 months.

Semi-soft/semi-hard cheese lasts 2-3 weeks in the fridge

Semi-soft and semi-hard cheeses are more durable than soft cheeses, which tend to spoil quickly. This is because they contain less moisture, which is necessary for bacterial growth.

Semi-soft and semi-hard cheeses will last 2-3 weeks in the fridge. To ensure they last the full duration, follow these steps:

• Remove the cheese from its plastic packaging.
• Wrap it loosely in a pliable yet breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper.
• Put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid.

It's important to note that the shelf life of cheese is only a guideline for quality, not safety. Cheese often remains safe to eat beyond these dates if it's stored correctly. However, it's always best to inspect your cheese for mould before eating. For semi-soft to hard cheese, you can cut off the mouldy part and use the rest of the cheese as usual.

Fresh cheese lasts a few weeks in the fridge

The shelf life of cheese depends on its moisture content. Fresh cheeses like ricotta and cottage cheese are highly perishable because they have a high moisture content, which provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. This is why they have a shorter shelf life than harder cheeses.

To extend the shelf life of fresh cheese, it's important to store it properly. Fresh cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in a breathable material like wax paper or cheese paper, and placed in an airtight container. This will allow the cheese to breathe and release moisture while protecting it from low humidity in the fridge.

It's also important to note that the "best by" date on cheese is a guideline for quality, not safety. Cheese often remains safe to eat beyond these dates if it's stored properly. However, it's always best to inspect your cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as visible mould, an off smell, changes in texture, or discolouration. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to err on the side of caution and not consume the cheese.

Freezing cheese

As a general rule, hard and semi-hard cheeses with lower moisture and higher fat content freeze better than soft cheeses. Varieties such as cheddar, Swiss, brick cheese, blue cheese, mozzarella, pizza cheese, and Gouda tend to respond well to freezing. These cheeses are also suitable for cooking dishes like pizzas and grilled cheese sandwiches, where changes in texture are less noticeable.

On the other hand, soft cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, cottage cheese, and processed cheese slices, such as American cheese, do not freeze well and should be avoided. Hand-crafted cheeses with delicate flavours and aromas are also best enjoyed fresh.

Preparing Cheese for Freezing

To prepare cheese for freezing, portion it into quantities that you are likely to use at one time. For large blocks of cheese, it is recommended to freeze no more than 1 pound (500 grams) per portion. You can also grate or slice the cheese before freezing.

Wrapping and Storing

Once portioned, wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap, aluminium foil, or wax paper to prevent freezer burn and odours from affecting its flavour. Then, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight ziplock bag or container to keep out dry air and prevent freezer burn. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag or container.

Freezing and Thawing

Freeze the cheese as quickly as possible to at least -9 °F (-23 °C) to prevent the formation of large ice crystals, which can disrupt the cheese's structure. Use the quick freeze function on your freezer if available. Cheese can be stored frozen indefinitely, but for the best quality, it is recommended to use it within 6-9 months.

When you're ready to use the frozen cheese, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight or for 7-8 hours per 1 pound (500 grams) of cheese. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent texture changes. Frozen cheese is best suited for cooked dishes, as the changes in texture are less noticeable.

Tips for Freezing Cheese:

• Choose hard cheeses like cheddar or Swiss, as they freeze better than soft cheeses due to their lower moisture content.
• Pre-portion the cheese into smaller amounts before freezing to make it easier to thaw and use.
• Properly wrap the cheese to prevent freezer burn and odours.
• Use freezer bags to store the wrapped cheese and remove as much air as possible.
• Label the cheese with the type and date before freezing to keep track of how long it has been frozen.
• Use frozen cheese for cooking, as the texture may be slightly different but is still perfect for dishes like casseroles, sauces, or gratins.
• Avoid freezing soft cheeses like cream cheese or ricotta, as they tend to separate and become crumbly when frozen.

Frequently asked questions