Provolone Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Provolone cheese is a versatile ingredient, adding flavour and texture to sandwiches, pizzas, and cooked dishes. But how long does it last? The answer depends on several factors, including the form of the cheese (block, sliced, shredded, grated) and whether the package has been opened. An unopened block of provolone cheese will last in the refrigerator for at least 2 months, or 2-3 weeks after the use by date. Once opened, its shelf life decreases, and it will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 weeks if kept at or below 40°F. Unopened slices will stay fresh for about 1 month in the refrigerator, while opened slices will last for about 2 weeks. Unopened shredded or grated provolone can be maintained for approximately 1 week past the expiry date, and once opened will remain fresh for up to 1 week.

Unopened vs opened

The shelf life of packaged Provolone cheese depends on various factors, including the form of the cheese (block, sliced, shredded, grated), storage conditions, and whether the package has been opened.

Unopened Provolone Cheese:

An unopened block of Provolone cheese can last for 2 to 3 months in the refrigerator, maintaining its quality. However, when properly stored, an unopened block can last for at least 2 months or even up to 6-8 months, depending on the source. To maximize its shelf life, it should be stored in the refrigerator at a consistent temperature of 35°F to 40°F (1.7°C to 4.4°C).

Opened Provolone Cheese:

Once the package is opened, the shelf life of Provolone cheese decreases. When kept in proper conditions at or below 40°F, it can be expected to stay fresh for about 3 to 4 weeks. Opened Provolone cheese requires more attentive care as it is more susceptible to drying out and spoilage. To extend its shelf life, it should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or stored in an airtight container to minimize exposure to air and humidity.

Freezing Provolone Cheese:

Freezing Provolone cheese is a good option to further extend its shelf life. When placed in freezer-safe packaging, it can be preserved for about 6 months to 8 months without significant compromise to flavor and texture. However, for ideal quality and taste, it is recommended to use it within 6 weeks to 2 months. To freeze Provolone cheese, cut it into portions, wrap it tightly, and place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container.

Signs of Spoilage:

It is important to regularly check Provolone cheese for freshness and signs of spoilage, such as darkening, discoloration, off-color spots, or visible mold. Additionally, the smell and texture of the cheese can be indicators of spoilage. A sour or ammonia-like smell, a hard texture, or a slimy consistency are signs that the cheese has gone bad and should be discarded.

Refrigeration

The ideal refrigerator temperature for storing provolone cheese is between 35°F to 40°F (1.7°C to 4.4°C). This temperature range inhibits bacterial growth and helps the cheese maintain its moisture and flavour. If the temperature rises above 40°F, bacteria will grow rapidly, so it is important to not leave the cheese out at room temperature for more than two hours.

When it comes to sliced provolone cheese, it is recommended to store it in a dedicated cheese drawer in the refrigerator, which maintains consistent humidity. If a cheese drawer is unavailable, sliced provolone can be wrapped in parchment paper and then loosely in plastic wrap to allow the cheese to breathe while retaining moisture.

For shredded provolone cheese, it is important to store it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to prevent it from drying out and to protect it from absorbing strong odours in the refrigerator. The airtight container should be placed in the coldest part of the fridge, maintaining a stable temperature.

To determine if provolone cheese has spoiled, one can look for changes in texture, colour, smell, and taste. Spoiled cheese will typically develop a very hard texture, darken in colour, and emit a strong, sour odour. Visible mould, or an off-colour spots, are also signs of spoilage. If the cheese has spoiled, it should not be consumed as it can pose health risks, including the possibility of foodborne illnesses.

Freezing

Preparation

For slices or shredded provolone cheese, spread them out on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. This step is known as flash freezing and helps to prevent the cheese slices or shreds from clumping together.

Place the tray of provolone in the freezer for about 30 minutes or until the cheese is frozen solid. This method will help to preserve the cheese's texture and make it easier to store.

Packaging

Once the cheese is frozen, transfer it to a heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight container. Ensure that the container is specifically designed for freezer use and can withstand low temperatures. Remove as much air from the bag or container as possible to minimize the risk of freezer burn. You can use a rolling pin or a vacuum sealer to expel the air.

Labelling

Clearly label the bag or container with the date of freezing. This will help you keep track of how long the cheese has been frozen and ensure you use it within the recommended time frame.

Storage Time

Properly stored provolone cheese will maintain its best quality for about two months in the freezer. However, it is important to note that the cheese will remain safe to consume beyond this time frame. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends keeping the freezer temperature at 0°F to ensure the cheese's safety and longevity.

Thawing

When you are ready to use the frozen provolone cheese, there are a few recommended thawing methods:

• Refrigerator Method: Place the frozen cheese in the refrigerator and let it thaw gradually overnight. Blocks of provolone may take up to 24 hours to thaw completely, while slices or shredded cheese will thaw faster.
• Microwave Method: If you need to use the cheese immediately, you can thaw it in the microwave using short intervals at the lowest power setting. However, this method may affect the texture and quality of the cheese.
• Cold Water Method: You can also thaw the cheese under cold running water if you need a quicker option than the refrigerator method.

Once the cheese is thawed, it is best to consume it within 3 to 4 days to ensure optimal quality and flavour. It is important to note that freezing may alter the texture and flavour of provolone cheese, making it crumbly and less flavourful. Therefore, it is recommended to use thawed provolone in cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, casseroles, or baked dishes where its melting properties can be utilised.

Signs of spoilage

Provolone cheese is a semi-hard Italian cheese with a smooth texture and a flavour profile ranging from mild to sharp. It is known for its versatility in sandwiches, pizzas, and cooked dishes.

Hard Texture

An easy way to spot spoilage is by feeling the cheese. Fresh provolone is semi-soft and pliable. If it feels hard or dry to the touch, it has likely gone bad.

Discolouration

Fresh provolone has a consistent yellowish-white hue. If you notice any darkening, discolouration, or off-colour spots on the surface of the cheese, it is an indicator of spoilage. These spots are often signs of mould growth or other forms of deterioration.

Strong Odour

Provolone cheese does not naturally have an overpowering scent. If you detect a strong, sour, or ammonia-like smell, it is a reliable indicator of spoilage. This off odour is caused by bacterial growth and should be considered a warning not to consume the cheese.

Mould

Visible mould, especially if it is not part of the cheese's original characteristics, is an immediate indicator of spoilage. Mould on provolone cheese may not always mean you have to discard the entire block. If the mould is localised, cut at least 1 inch around and below the mouldy area without touching the mould with the knife, then re-cover the cheese in fresh wrap. However, if mould appears in shredded, sliced, or crumbled provolone, discard the entire package.

Sliminess

In addition to mould, spoilage can also be identified by a slimy texture on the surface of the cheese. This textural change usually accompanies visual and olfactory indicators, further confirming that the cheese has gone bad.

Shelf life

The shelf life of packaged Provolone cheese depends on several factors, including the form of the cheese (block, sliced, shredded, grated), storage conditions, and whether the package has been opened.

Unopened Provolone Cheese:

• Block Provolone Cheese: Under proper storage conditions, an unopened block of Provolone cheese can last for at least two months in the refrigerator. Some sources suggest it can last for up to three months while maintaining quality.
• Sliced Provolone Cheese: Unopened slices of Provolone cheese will typically stay fresh for about one month in the refrigerator.
• Shredded or Grated Provolone Cheese: Unopened shredded or grated Provolone cheese can be stored for approximately one week past the expiry date.

Opened Provolone Cheese:

• Block Provolone Cheese: Once opened, a block of Provolone cheese will generally last for around three to four weeks in the refrigerator.
• Sliced Provolone Cheese: A package of opened slices will usually last for about two weeks in the refrigerator.
• Shredded or Grated Provolone Cheese: When opened, shredded or grated Provolone cheese will typically remain fresh for up to one week.

To maximize the shelf life of Provolone cheese, it is important to store it properly. This includes keeping it refrigerated at all times, preferably at a consistent temperature between 35°F to 40°F (1.7°C to 4.4°C). Additionally, Provolone cheese should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or stored in an airtight container, to prevent it from drying out and to maintain its freshness.

Freezing Provolone cheese is also an option to extend its shelf life. When stored in the freezer, Provolone cheese can last for about six months to eight months in any form. However, freezing may alter the texture and flavour of the cheese, making it crumbly and less flavorful. Therefore, it is recommended to use frozen Provolone in cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.

Frequently asked questions