Blue Cheese: How Long Does It Last Once Opened?

Blue cheese is a pungent, divisive treat, but how long does it last once opened? Well, it depends on how it's stored. If it's been left out, it'll need to be thrown away after two days. If it's been refrigerated, it'll last three to four weeks. And if it's been frozen, it'll last six months to indefinitely. But, if it's been left too long, how can you tell if blue cheese has gone bad? It'll have an ammonia-like smell, the creamy part will have turned pink, brown, green, or blue, and it'll be slimy or fuzzy.

Blue cheese should be refrigerated and lasts 3-4 weeks

Blue cheese is a pungent variety of cheese with a strong scent and a sharp taste. It is made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of edible mould.

Refrigeration

Blue cheese should always be refrigerated. The ideal temperature for storing blue cheese is between 46°F–55°F (or 8°C–13°C). The lower the temperature, the longer it will stay fresh, so it is best to store it on the bottom shelf of the fridge, or in the drawers, where the temperature is usually the coldest and most stable.

Shelf Life

Blue cheese will last for 3–4 weeks in the refrigerator. It is best to check the expiration date on the packaging and consume it within three to four weeks of this date.

Freezing

To extend the shelf life of blue cheese, it can be frozen. It is best to cut the cheese into pieces no larger than half a pound each before freezing. The cheese should be double-wrapped—first in wax or parchment paper, and then covered in plastic wrap or foil. If freezing for longer than two months, the cheese should be placed inside a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Frozen blue cheese will maintain its best quality for about six to eight months but will remain safe to eat beyond this time.

Spoilage

Blue cheese can go bad if it is not stored properly. It is important to note the colour, smell, and texture of the cheese when it is fresh, so it is easier to spot any changes. The creamy part of the cheese is normally white, beige, or yellow. If it has started to turn pink, brown, or green, the cheese has likely gone bad. If there is slimy or fuzzy discolouration, the cheese should be discarded. If the cheese has developed a strong ammonia-like smell, it is probably spoiled.

It can be frozen and lasts 6-8 months

If you're looking to keep your blue cheese for longer than a month, freezing is a great option. Freezing blue cheese can extend its shelf life by several months, and it's perfectly safe to do so. In fact, blue cheese will remain safe indefinitely when stored in the freezer. However, it's recommended to consume it within 6-8 months for the best quality and texture.

When freezing blue cheese, it's important to prepare it properly to ensure it stays fresh for as long as possible. First, cut the cheese into portions or wedges no larger than half a pound each. Then, double-wrap the cheese. Start by wrapping it in wax or parchment paper, and then add a layer of plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out. Finally, place the wrapped cheese in a freezer bag to protect it from freezer burn.

While blue cheese can be safely stored in the freezer indefinitely, it's important to note that its texture and appearance may change slightly. Frozen blue cheese tends to lose some of its sharp flavour and crumbly texture. As a result, it's best suited for cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups, and casseroles, rather than being eaten on its own.

To thaw frozen blue cheese, simply transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it defrost slowly. This will help preserve its texture and flavour as much as possible. Once thawed, it's important to consume the blue cheese within a few days, as it will have a shorter shelf life than fresh cheese.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your favourite blue cheese for months to come without worrying about spoilage or food waste.

It smells like ammonia when it's gone bad

Blue cheese is known for its strong smell and distinct flavour. It is made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of mould. The blue or green veins and spots in blue cheese are produced by enzymes that continue to break down the cheese, creating a stronger ammonia smell.

While blue cheese is supposed to have a pungent smell, it can still go bad. The best way to tell if your blue cheese has spoiled is to smell it. Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to go bad. If it has an ammonia-like smell, it is probably spoiled.

The blue mould in blue cheese produces ammonia, which reduces the acidity of the cheese over time. This reduction in acidity means that other things can start to grow on the cheese, causing it to spoil. If it smells weird, but not like blue cheese, then it's time to throw it out.

If you notice any signs of spoilage on your blue cheese, you should discard it immediately. Consuming spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning, resulting in symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps.

The creamy part of the cheese turns pink, brown, or green when spoiled

Blue cheese is made using a type of mold called Penicillium, which is responsible for its distinct taste, smell, and appearance. While blue cheese is known for its streaks of mold, it can be challenging to tell when it has gone bad.

The creamy part of blue cheese is typically white, beige, or yellow. If you notice that it has started to turn pink, brown, or green, it has likely spoiled. These colors indicate the growth of unwanted mold or bacteria, which can be harmful. The original blue or green veins and spots in blue cheese are normal and safe to consume due to the use of Penicillium mold during the cheesemaking process. However, if you notice new mold growth in different colors, it is best to discard the cheese.

The color change in the creamy part of the cheese can be a sign of spoilage, especially when accompanied by other indicators. For example, a slimy or fuzzy texture on the surface of the cheese can indicate the presence of unwanted bacteria or mold. Additionally, a strong ammonia-like smell can also signify that the cheese has gone bad.

It is important to note that blue cheese should be stored properly to prolong its freshness and prevent spoilage. It should be wrapped tightly and kept in the refrigerator, preferably on the bottom shelf or in a drawer to maintain a stable temperature. With proper storage, blue cheese can last 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator.

It can be stored in the freezer in a heavy-duty bag

Blue cheese can be stored in the freezer in a heavy-duty bag to extend its shelf life. When stored in the freezer, blue cheese can last indefinitely, although its texture and appearance may be slightly altered upon thawing. It is recommended to consume frozen blue cheese within six months for optimal taste and texture.

To prepare blue cheese for freezing, it must be cut into pieces no larger than half a pound each. For crumbled blue cheese, divide it into portions of similar weight. Use a food scale to weigh each slice or portion before preparing it for storage.

Once the cheese is portioned, it needs to be wrapped properly to ensure its freshness. First, wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper. Then, cover it with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out. Finally, place the double-wrapped cheese into a heavy-duty freezer bag to protect it from freezer burn.

It is important to note that frozen blue cheese may lose some of its sharp flavour and crumble more easily upon thawing. Therefore, it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.

Additionally, blue cheese should be stored separately from other cheeses and food items in the freezer to prevent the transfer of mould spores.

By following these steps, you can effectively store blue cheese in the freezer, extending its shelf life while maintaining its quality as much as possible.

Frequently asked questions